English Language Learners (ELLs) / Emergent Bilinguals benefit from instructional supports that help them access grade-level content while developing academic language.
Classkick provides flexible tools that can help reduce language barriers and create more opportunities for participation.
1) Provide Language Supports Within Assignments
Classkick makes it easy to embed scaffolds directly into a lesson so students have support exactly when and how they need it.
Consider including:
- Sentence stems
- Word banks
- Graphic organizers
- Model responses
For example, a discussion slide might include prompts such as:
- "I agree with ___ because..."
- "The evidence shows..."
- "One similarity is..."
These supports help students focus on communicating their ideas rather than figuring out how to start.
TIP: Teachers can use Fill-in-the-Blank boxes for students to fill in their responses within the sentence frame.
2) Reduce Language Barriers With Visuals and Annotation
Students may understand a concept before they are ready to explain it in extended writing.
Classkick's annotation and drawing tools allow students to:
- Highlight evidence in a text
- Label diagrams
- Draw models
- Connect ideas visually
- TIP: Teachers can use manipulatives, labeling activities, and annotation tools to help students demonstrate understanding visually before they are ready to explain their thinking in writing.
These response types provide additional ways for students to demonstrate understanding while continuing to develop language skills.
3) Use Audio to Support Comprehension
Teachers can record directions, explanations, or examples directly within a lesson.
Audio support can help students:
- Hear academic vocabulary pronounced correctly
- Replay instructions as needed
- Access content independently
Providing both written and audio support helps create a more accessible learning experience for multilingual learners.
The goal is not to simplify the learning target. It is to provide the supports students need to successfully engage with it.
Need More Support?