In recent years, there has been a steady increase in the number of students entering our classrooms with a primary language other than English. While these students bring a wealth of knowledge to share with their peers and teachers, the prospect of instructing someone who is not proficient in the language may seem daunting. However, teaching English Language Learners (ELLs) does not have to be a stressful experience.
A little background: all students identified as having limited English proficiency are enrolled in a Language Instruction Educational Program, or L-IEP. This program is designed to assess a student’s English proficiency level and determine appropriate testing and classroom accommodations. One impactful and easily implementable accommodation is the incorporation of supplemental digital media resources, and this is where eMediaVA proves to be an invaluable tool.
eMediaVA offers an extensive collection of multimedia resources suitable for all grade levels, ranging from PreK through 12th grade, and across various content areas. It caters to students at different language proficiency levels, making it a versatile resource for educators.
For instance, if you’re an elementary teacher covering the changing seasons, a simple search for “seasons” in the eMediaVA search bar will yield a treasure trove of videos, pictures, and activities to complement your lessons. Some of these resources can be assigned to ESL students for independent work, aiding in building their background knowledge and vocabulary.
Middle school civics teachers exploring the branches of government can effortlessly find interactive activities by typing in the relevant keywords. For example, Civics 101 is a great collection in eMediaVA. Similarly, high school Geometry teachers introducing circles can enhance their lessons by searching for curated videos that provide clear instructions and additional practice opportunities for ESL students.
These examples illustrate just a fraction of what eMediaVA has to offer. The resources can be easily assigned and integrated into platforms such as Google Classroom, Canvas, or other virtual learning environments, enabling students to access materials independently. Additionally, English Language Learner teachers can leverage these resources to provide targeted support, enhancing student achievement.
eMediaVA serves as a powerful ally for educators seeking to enrich their lessons with engaging videos, images, and interactive activities to support the diverse needs of English Language Learners in today’s classrooms.
Nyeema McCaskill is an elementary teacher in Hampton City Public Schools and an eMediaVA Ambassador.