English - ONLINE RESOURCES
Language Learning Websites
Duolingo | Language-learning website and app that includes a digital language proficiency assessment exam.
Read the Words | A website that reads the words that you type into a text box.
Rosetta Stone | Language-learning website and app that is accessible for free through the Henrico Library.
Story Archives | The site contains more than 50 news stories, each accompanied by RealVideo and/or RealAudio narration. Stories are presented in original, abridged and outline forms. Also included are many exercises to check reading comprehension (vocabulary, word selection, multiple choice, sequencing, conclusions) and practice exercises (writing reactions). The readings are categorized into content areas such as politics, science and technology, and education. Published by Cable News Network, Inc., CBS Broadcasting Inc., Literacyworks and Western/Pacific LINCS.
Vocaroo | An online tool that allows users to record, send, and download voice messages. Teachers and learners can use Vocaroo in different activities, such as podcasting, digital storytelling, broadcasting, and giving feedback.
350+ Amazing Online Learning Resources | This list includes sites with ready lesson plans and activities for all grade levels, as well as e-learning platforms.
NYTimes Learning Network | Teaching resources based on New York Times content
Newsela | Curated collections of news stories appropriate for student audiences, organized by topic area and grade level
USA Learns | A free website to teach beginner or intermediate English knowledge adults online. Features four English levels with modules that develop a learner’s speaking, vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, listening, reading, and writing skills.
Learn English by Video
Mark Kulek | A YouTube channel with videos offering easy, comprehensive, and FREE English language language learning and conversation practice. There is a corresponding website with worksheets and flashcards that correspond to the videos.
We Speak NYC | Each 30-minute video tells the story of New Yorkers who have come from all over the world to make New York City their home. By focusing on real-life topics and conversations, the show helps English language learners improve their language skills, learn about their rights, and connect to the city around them.
zAmerican English | A YouTube channel by a native Arabic speaker who has taught English as a foreign/second language for many years. Ideal for clients who can speak and read Arabic.
Podcasts
6 Minute English | A podcast by the BBC. The episodes are based on everyday situations and feature a discussion between two people, Nick and Alice.
British Council Podcasts | For pre-intermediate or intermediate learners. The episodes are divided into different sections, from fictional drama and jokes to quizzes and language advice.
Podcasts in English | Offers a wide variety of podcasts for every level. Episodes are quite short –normally under 5 minutes.
The English We Speak | This English language learning podcast series by the BBC focuses on everyday phrases and slang. For intermediate learners.
Voice of America - Learning English Broadcast | A source of news and information for millions of English learners worldwide, this broadcast uses a limited vocabulary, and stories are read at a slower pace than VOA's other English broadcasts.
Miscellaneous Resources
Distance Learning for ELLs: Colorín Colorado Guide | This guide by Kristina Robertson shares ideas on how to get started with distance learning for English language learners, tools that can increase language production, and lessons learned about communicating with multilingual families during COVID-19.
Shifting to Student Centered Learning for ELLs With Instructional Technology | Recorded webinar by Saddleback Educational
Introduction to Teaching Reading online | Resource from the University of Florida Literacy Center
5 Tips to Boost Engagement in the Virtual Classroom
Free Educational Resources for Distance Learning | California Department of Education. This is a list of education publishers offering free distance learning resources.