Game-Based Learning for Multilingual Learners

Purpose & objective

In the states of Texas and California, multilingual students make up over 20% of the student population. As educators, our obligations to this population are robust under the current federal law. The tools presented during this session will get you started engaging students in games to learn the English language. Participants will have an opportunity to try out all of the tools and collaborate with others about strategies to help multilingual students find success. Come ready to play!

Objectives:
Participants will understand the needs of multilingual learners within the classroom.
Participants will explore online tools for using games to engage language learners.
Participants will collaborate about using these tools in the instructional setting.

Outline

Intro (10 minutes)
During the introduction, participants will complete a poll and participate in a session Padlet. If time permits, we may do a group game to see what participants already know about the multilingual population of students (using one of the tools that will be shared during the session.

Statistics and ENL definitions (8 minutes)
The presenter will share information, and participants can ask questions on the session Padlet. Polling tools will be used to engage the audience in questions.

Intro to 3 excellent tools for Language Learners (30 minutes)
The presenter will share 3 FREE tools in-depth. The specific tools are subject to change. However, at the time of this proposal, the tools will be Lyrics Training, FluentKey, and Duolingo. After the intro to each tool, participants can play games (both FluentyKey and Lyrics Training will be presenter-led group activities).

Brief Intro to several other tools (as time permits) - 5 minutes (or longer).
Participants will be introduced (briefly) to several additional FREE tools that will be useful for Multilingual students. (The bonus Top 10 Tools for Multilingual students).

Closing (5 minutes)
A final poll will be provided. The presenter will also address any remaining questions and provide her Twitter handle.

Supporting research

‌"13 ESL Classroom Tips You Must Know before You Teach 2022." Teach Away, 6 Nov. 2020, www.teachaway.com/blog/esl-classrooms.

Berwick, Carly. "Teaching English Language Learners: A Complex Endeavor." Edutopia, George Lucas Educational Foundation, 9 Mar. 2018, www.edutopia.org/article/teaching-english-language-learners-complex-endeavor.

Henning, Author: Melissa. “Tech Tool of the Month: FluentKey – Part 1.” TeachersFirst Infusing Technology Blog, 5 Apr. 2023, teachersfirst.com/blog/2023/04/tech-tool-of-the-month-fluentkey-part-1/.

Henning, Author: Melissa. “Tech Tool of the Month: LyricsTraining – Part 1.” TeachersFirst Infusing Technology Blog, 3 Aug. 2023, teachersfirst.com/blog/2023/08/tech-tool-of-the-month-lyricstraining-part-1/.

‌lbreiseth. “Ten New ELL Resources for 2022.” Colorín Colorado, 3 Jan. 2022, www.colorincolorado.org/blog/ten-new-ell-resources-2022. Accessed 21 Sept. 2022.

‌Mitchell, Corey. "The Nation's English-Learner Population Has Surged: 3 Things to Know." Education Week, 18 Feb. 2020, www.edweek.org/leadership/the-nations-english-learner-population-has-surged-3-things-to-know/2020/02.

Whitmarsh, Brett. "How Can Teachers Address the Needs of English Language Learners." Blog.heinemann.com, blog.heinemann.com/can-teachers-address-needs-english-language-learners. Accessed 21 Sept. 2022.