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Module 4 - Session 4

USING COMPREHENSIBLE INPUT TO MAKE LESSONS MORE ACCESSIBLE TO ELLs

Meeting the Needs of English Language Learners Across Learning Environments

Module 4 - Session 4 Program Cover - Illustration of children drawing and writing with teacher

GETTING STARTED

OVERVIEW

Welcome to TALE Academy Module 4: Meeting the Needs of English Language Learners Across Learning Environments!

Goal – The goal of this module is to help teachers expand their capacity for effectively teaching English language learners (ELLs) across learning environments.

Module Content – This module consists of 8 sessions on meeting the needs of English language learners across learning environments. Each session contains a variety of content and learning activities.

Session Content – You are beginning Module 4 – Session 4: Using Comprehensible Input to Make Lessons More Accessible to ELLs.

MODULE WORKBOOK

If you have not yet downloaded your personal copy of the TALE Academy Workbook for this module, do so now. See directions below. There is only one workbook for each module which contains activities for all sessions within that module. 

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Step 1: Create your personal copy of the Module 4 TALE Academy Workbook.

Throughout this session, you will complete the session activities and take notes in the Module 4 TALE Academy Workbook. You will have many opportunities to apply the knowledge and skills you learn using your digital workbook. When you click on the Module 4 TALE Academy Workbook link, you will be prompted to make a copy of the workbook. Once you do so, your notes and your work within your workbook will be visible only to you. Please note that the workbook is fillable using Google Slides. We do not recommend printing a copy due to the length of the workbook.

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Step 2: Get familiar with the Module 4 TALE Academy Workbook.

Now that you have your personal copy of the workbook, review pages 1-7 to learn about the workbook’s contents and tips for using the workbook. Don’t forget to add your name to page 1 to personalize your workbook!

 

Step 3: Review “Key Terms” for Session 4 in the Module 4 TALE Academy Workbook.

Your last step is to review the key terms for Session 4. For every TALE Academy session, the key terms are listed at the start of each new session in the workbook. You can return to the key terms page(s) of your workbook throughout this session to add your notes.

GUIDING QUESTIONS & LEARNING OBJECTIVES

GUIDING QUESTIONS

  1. How does comprehensible input make lessons more accessible to ELLs?

  2. What can I do to deepen the comprehension of my students?

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

By the end of this session, you will be able to do the following:

  1. Define comprehensible input.

  2. Describe how comprehensible input makes lessons more accessible to ELLs.

  3. Develop comprehensible inputs by analyzing a lesson’s language and content demands. 

  4. Modify lessons by adding comprehensible inputs to support ELLs’ language development.

ENGAGE: ACTIVATE PRIOR KNOWLEDGE

LEARN FROM OTHERS: 
VOICES FROM THE FIELD

The following video highlights the reflections of New York State educators on using comprehensible input to make lessons more accessible to ELLs.

WORKBOOK
ACTIVITY

To activate your prior knowledge on the topic, please complete the following steps:

  • In your copy of the Module 4 TALE Academy Workbook, complete Activity 4.4.1 – Reflect on Existing Practices.

If you have not already created your personal copy of the Module 4 TALE Academy Workbook, you can make a copy by clicking here.

EXPLORE: TOPIC OVERVIEW

READ, WATCH, LISTEN

Select from the learning modalities below to explore an overview of the topic for this session. You may read a magazine-style article, watch a video, or listen to a conversational podcast.

 

You need to select only one option: read, watch, or listen.

As you read, watch, or listen, consider pausing and reviewing the key terms for this session in your workbook. You can add your own notes, ideas for application, or definitions of the terms in your own words.

READ

Dive into our Module 4 – Session 4 READ, a magazine-style overview of the session topic with infographics and links to resources.

WATCH

Tune into our Module 4 – Session 4 WATCH, a narrated, animated video that provides an overview of the session topic.

LISTEN

Settle in for our Module 4 – Session 4 LISTEN, a conversational, podcast-style discussion among educators about the session topic.

EXPLORE: CHOICE BOARD

Select one option from the choices offered below to learn more.

You need to select only one of the choices, but you are welcome to explore all the resources!

Improving Comprehensible Input for ELLs Through Technology

Synopsis: This journal article provides a brief introduction to comprehensible input, a variety of free and licensed technology tools to support ELLs, and examples of how technology facilitated the acquisition of language and learning for students.

Format: Journal Article

Time: 24 minutes

 

What Is Comprehensible Input for ELL Students?

Synopsis: This blog post defines comprehensible input and highlights 10 strategies for teachers to consider adding to their instructional practices. 

Format: Blog

Time: 4 minutes

Optimal Input (1:56 to 8:39)

Synopsis: Dr. Stephen Krashen shares findings from research on comprehensible input and several suggestions for teachers to consider when teaching students who are trying to acquire a new language.

Format: Video 

Time: 7 minutes 

 

Helping Students Understand Instruction with Visual Supports

Synopsis: This video provides reasons for using visual supports across all learning environments for all students; suggestions for technology tools are also provided.

Format: Video

Time: 4 minutes

ESTABLISH: REFLECTION FOR ACTION

WORKBOOK ACTIVITY

  • Return to your copy of the Module 4 TALE Academy Workbook and complete Activity 4.4.2 – Comprehensible Input Across Learning Environments.

  • If you have not already made your personal copy of the Module 4 TALE Academy Workbook, you can make a copy by clicking here.

EXTEND: DEEPER LEARNING

Extend your learning by engaging in a longer workbook activity and/or accessing additional resources.
This section is designed to help you begin a journey into deeper learning on the topic area.

WORKBOOK ACTIVITY

Return to your copy of the Module 4 TALE Academy Workbook and complete Activity 4.4.3 – Revise a Content or Literacy Lesson, Part 2. If you have not already made your personal copy of the Module 4 TALE Academy Workbook, you can do so by clicking here.

Time: 20 minutes

ADDITIONAL 
RESOURCES

Helpful Online Resources for Teaching ELLs

Topic: Suggestions for tools that can help teachers provide a rich language experience for their ELLs

Format: Blog

Time: 5 minutes 

 

Tools That Help English Language Learners Online and In Person

Topic: Strategies from teachers who taught in a remote/virtual learning environment on how to use technology to support ELLs

Format: Blog

Time: 7 minutes 

 

5 Tips for Teaching English Language Learners (2:10 to 18:35)

Topic: The importance of establishing routines, labeling items, recording tutorial videos, and the benefit of using visuals to help bridge the language barrier

Format: Podcast

Time: 16 minutes (selection), 20 minutes (entire podcast)

WRAP-UP & NEXT STEPS

This session gave you information and resources on using comprehensible input to make lessons more accessible to ELLs. In the next session of this module, you’ll explore equitable assessment practices for ELLs.

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