There are many valuable resources teachers can utilize to assist their ELLs in the classroom. In this section, we will discuss some technologies that will help teachers communicate with their ELLs, translate class materials for their newcomers, and assist ELLs in accessing the curriculum.
SayHi
The SayHi is easily downloaded for free from the iPhone app store and is a fantastic tool for communicating with your newcomers (newly arrived ELLs) who may have minimal English proficiency skills. Educators can also use this app to communicate effortlessly with parents, guardians, or family members who may not speak English. Remember, many school districts have students from various countries who speak atypical languages. It may be tough even to find English translation dictionaries for some languages. The SayHi app is very user-friendly, requiring minimal steps to converse with non-English speakers.
The link below takes you to the SayHi App:
https://www.sayhi.com/en/translate/
Google Translate
Google Translate is the most commonly used website or application used ubiquitously by teachers, students, and the general population. It is a helpful tool for quick translations by speech, typing, or photo. Google Translate allows students or educators to translate documents via photographs on smartphones. This feature is handy for classroom handouts or worksheets. Google Translate can also transcribe audio. This transcribing is a quick way to translate without typing your desired language translation. Finally, it has a real-time conversation feature that can transcribe participants’ conversations, similar to SayHi but not as user-friendly.
Cambridge Dictionaries and Translators: Student Friendly
Cambridge Dictionaries and Translators is an excellent webpage for ELL students. On this webpage, students can type a vocabulary word in English where it will not only be translated but defined, translated, and provide pronunciation and examples of use in English and another language. This webpage is a fantastic resource for students to learn new vocabulary in all school curricula. Teachers should utilize this tool to assist students when pre-teaching content to build on existing knowledge.
https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english-spanish/
