Duolingo: learning through translation

Effective language-learning program with a unique approach “We come together from across the world at varying language levels with the same goal in mind – to learn. Curiosity, questioning, and cultural understanding are something we celebrate.” -Duolingo Guidelines Why do so many people yearn to learn English and other languages? The reasons–whether for work, friendships, travel or...

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Newsmart: ESL Wall Street Journal

Language learners absorb English, journalism and current events Photo Source: Newsmart ““To look at the paper is to raise a seashell to one’s ear and to be overwhelmed by the roar of humanity.” -Alain de Botton (1969- ) Swiss-British writer The Wall Street Journal remains a popular source of news in the United States, teeming with a variety of breaking and analytical pieces. I first heard...

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Spring ESL: “One Stop Connection to ESL, EFL, ELD, ELT, and ESOL instructional materials”

Book center hosts a wealth of ELL materials “Spring Book Center strives in three basic principles: Service, Responsibility and Lower Prices.” -Spring ESL We live in a Golden Age for teaching English. We can find resources from around the globe to fit the needs of the language learners in our classrooms. Yet this overwhelming plethora of choices can cause headaches. Where do you go to find...

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‘Teaching History With Film’ encourages use of film through examples, lesson plans

Photo source: Wikimedia Commons. Gone with the Wind and Birth of a Nation remain prominent examples of how films can capture an era–for better, or for worse. How and when to use film in classrooms, and why “The difference between life and the movies is that a script has to make sense, and life doesn’t.” -Joseph L. Mankiewicz (1909-1993) American screenwriter Film remains a powerful, if...

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Infinite English App supplements ESL speaking, listening skills

Photo source: iTunes screenshot Using Infinite English to practice reading text, passages aloud “For the things we have to learn before we can do them, we learn by doing them.” -Aristotle (384 B.C.E.-322 C.E.) Greek philosopher Do your students use phone apps to learn English? For those looking to sharpen their speaking, pronunciation and listening skills, Infinite English from Vocefy Inc....

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