English Language Learners & Online Learning

Researchers are reporting and expressing concerns about how English language learners will be able to continue learning online as schools transition to remote learning. as an educator and parent, I agree that online learning comes with various challenges that schools and families would have to overcome during these difficult times. As parents, there are multiple steps we can take to support our children in this new journey.

Connect with the School

Schools have been trying their best to prepare and adjust to online learning. most schools are constantly communicating via email, social media, or telephone about the status of transitioning to online learning. Make sure your contact information is updated at the school and sign up for their email distribution. You can do this by contacting your child's teacher to ensure they have you under their distribution list. you will also want to look up the school social media pages to follow those pages and stay informed. don't forget to check the social media to look out for new information or updates regularly.

Set up a Routine

most articles about online learning address the idea of setting up a routine that students can follow at home. English language learners need a learning routine more than ever. English language learners are already great at multi-tasking because they are learning two and sometimes three languages at the same time. Adding more uncertainty to their daily routine may hinder their learning progress. Develop a routine that provides guidance from the moment your child wakes up to dinner time. This may be as simple as a list of items to do throughout the day or a timed schedule that provides specific times for academic learning, exercising hubbies, or screen time. Use the below sample schedule as a daily routine. Email to request a copy of this schedule.

Set up for Online Learning

Most schools will be using an online platform such as Schoology. Schoology is an online learning platform that allows teachers to provide online learning to students. Schoology has a meeting feature that allows teachers to provide recorded or live instruction online. Other schools may use Zoom to do online meetings. Many elementary teachers will use the Classdojo application to communicate with bilingual families. No matter what platform the school uses, familiarize yourself with the online learning platform to support at home.

Encourage Reading at Home

Many websites offer free online access to books or applications that you can use from home. Some websites offer online English or Spanish books that students can read online. English language learners benefit from non-fiction books courage students to read non-fiction books. Non-fiction books provide English language learners exposure to academic vocabulary. This strategy helps increase academic vocabulary which in turn supports reading comprehension.

Although online learning will be a challenge to English Language Learners it is definitely a challenge that we can overcome to ensure that students continue to grow as learners.