Read+the+Words+and+Imagine+the+Possibilities+for+ELLs

English Language Learners face many obstacles on their path to becoming proficient in the English language. They often find themselves in a strange land surrounded by people speaking a strange language that treat them as outsiders. They struggle to learn this difficult language in a sometimes hostile learning environment, and then must return each night to a home that cannot help them with their homework. This kind of life sounds difficult for a mature adult – imagine being 5 years old!

George Georgiou and his colleagues have published a study on learning and instruction that states that reading out loud and playing letter recognition and sound games at home is “instrumental for English-speaking children if they are to acquire the language skills, particularly comprehension, essential to their future reading ability.” Because English is a language where letters can have more than one sound each, it is very important to have someone help them with letter games, such as playing with letter magnets on the fridge. Unfortunately, many ELL students have non-English speaking parents that cannot provide that kind of help at home. Teachers must find a way to supplement this learning.

ReadtheWords.com is a text to speech website that can provide just that type of help. There are several types of memberships to choose from, including a free Bronze membership. This website allows you to type in text, choose the language you would like the text read in, choose the voice type – male or female, and choose or create an avatar to read your text out loud. The files can be saved, imbedded into web pages or emails, and even shared on Facebook. You can also convert files, web pages or RSS feeds.

ReadtheWords.com would allow teachers to have books read out loud in English to students at home. You could then have the same book read in their native language to promote understanding and comprehension. ReadtheWords.com would also be great for homework, worksheets and vocabulary words. Another great use of this site would be converting important newsletters or permission forms into the native language of the non-English speaking parents. The possibilities are endless, and it is free!

“﻿[|Reading To Kids A Crucial Tool In English Language Development] ﻿”, [|http://www.readthewords.com:100/post/Reading-To-Kids-A-Crucial-Tool-In-English-Language-Development.aspx retrieved February 11], 2011