There are more and more immigrants in America such as Hispanics and Asians, and they have different language systems and cultures. Children may speak their first language with their family at home, and speak English outside. As a result, immigrant children can be defined as English Language Learners (ELL). How to help children get balance between their first language and English becomes an important issue. Even though they come to America, people still have to respect their cultures and languages. Besides, children can learn different cultures from their peers and develop a global perspective which means they can learn how to respect and admire each other. Here comes a question. How to make children know each other more? When I was reading a textbook, Reading and learning to read, the author mentioned in chapter 3 that teachers can help students build classroom community such as making autobiography or biography. When I read this, I really thought that it is a great idea to help students know each other better. I started to think is there any ways to integrate technology into this activity.
I found an interesting web 2.0 tool which is "Smilebox"
Smilebox is a free software that lets you upload photographs, music and video clips to create multimedia projects.
How to integrate into classroom teaching?
I've tried this software, and I think it is easy to be used. Students can choose what template they like and make it personalized. Moreover, students can describe themselves or introduce their own cultures by using photos which may be easier for them to "write". It can be used as a digital story- telling tool. If I were one of the students to do the work, I would be very nervous because I would not know how to start my work. Therefore, if students can use the tool, it might help them decrease their anxiety. However, that is only my assumption.
Smilebox can also be printed out after children finish their editing. Students can make their autobiography or introduction without using this tool, but I think it would be more interesting if they can use a colorful and convenient tool to finish their autobiography and show it to their peers. Students can share their work with others and do a presentation in front of their peers which can also train their speaking ability.
Where to find the interesting tool?
Smilebox: http://smilebox.com/
I hadn't seen SmileBox! There are other similar tools on the Web, but this one seems quite easy. I really like the context in which you shared your ideas - ELL students and how we can help them share their background with others and how we can help them explore another culture and language. Excellent resource.
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