avatars

12 Web Tools & Apps for Creating Digital Avatars

Posted by on Aug 16, 2016 0 Comments

“Children are likely to live up to what you believe of them.”
—Lady Bird Johnson

If you are planning to get your young learners to use web tools and navigate the web this year, then plan on teaching about digital footprints and citizenship. One way to get your young learners to be aware of their digital footprints is to have them create digital avatars. An avatar is a graphic or digital representation of a person often used in video games or virtual worlds. Avatars can also be used as profile pictures on various social networks or for digital projects to protect students’ identities. (more…)

6 Ways to Get Kids to Express Themselves in Another Language

Posted by on Aug 27, 2015 0 Comments

“It is said that children learn languages from their environment. They get into an environment where language can happen, and language learning happens.” —Greg Thompson

Although kids learn English in school, the most powerful language learning takes place outside the classroom with family or peers. Children need a context and time to experiment and play with the vocabulary and grammar they’ve acquired. They need to make plenty of mistakes so they learn from them. Outside the classroom, children can make mistakes safely and don’t feel intimidated by grading or assessment. Below are six ideas for helping children practice English outside of school in fun and engaging ways. This is a great list to share with parents at the beginning of the school year! Feel free to make a copy of this parent email template to send to the parents of your English language learners this year. (more…)

The Essential Checklist for Using Technology with Young Learners This Year!

Posted by on Aug 28, 2014 0 Comments

“Technology is just a tool. In terms of getting the kids working together and motivating them, the teacher is the most important.” —Bill Gates

This year you may have set a goal to use technology with your young learners, but you aren’t sure where to begin. Integrating technology with young learners can be tricky. Many digital tools and apps require learners to be 13 and above or have questionable material. Additionally, you have to get the children’s parents to be okay with you publishing their voices, images, and digital creations. This may seem overwhelming, but no need to worry. The checklist below will help you successfully integrate technology in your young learner classes. (more…)