Contents

From http://spanishmama.com

Here is a curated collection of links to French children's songs on YouTube: http://spanishmama.com/french-songs-for-kids/

From https://www.middleweb.com/38152/4-fun-ways-to-practice-short-oral-presentations/

Larry Ferlazzo and Katie Hull Sypnieski share four activities that get students practicing their presentational skills with short presentations. Some are quite widely used, like speed dating and PechaKucha, while another, talking points presentations, is somewhat elaborate but looks like a good technique for guiding student away from directly reading from their notes.

Read about all four strategies at https://www.middleweb.com/38152/4-fun-ways-to-practice-short-oral-presentations/
The strategies are adapted from Ferlazzo and Hull Sypnieski's book The ELL Teacher's Toolbox. You can purchase this book at https://www.amazon.com/ELL-Teachers-Toolbox-Hundreds-Practical/dp/1119364965/ and read more about it at http://caslsintercom.uoregon.edu/content/24906

From https://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org

Larry Ferlazzo has been hosting a series of guest blog posts about teaching math to English learners. So far there are five: 

“Speaking of Math: It’s time to talk in class” by Alycia Owen. http://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/2018/06/03/guest-post-speaking-of-math-its-time-to-talk-in-class/

“Support Reading, Support Mathematics Understanding” by Cindy Garcia. http://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/2018/06/05/guest-post-support-reading-support-mathematics-understanding/

"Teaching Math To English Language Learners" by Hannah Davis. http://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/2018/06/14/guest-post-teaching-math-to-english-language-learners/

"Supporting ELLs in Math Instruction" by Nicholas Pesola. http://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/2018/06/15/guest-post-supporting-ells-in-math-instruction/

"Quick tips for making ELL students comfortable in the Math Classroom" by Sarah Peterson. https://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/2018/07/13/guest-post-quick-tips-for-making-ell-students-comfortable-in-the-math-classroom/

en.news is a new service by CNN for English learners. Lessons are based on regular articles published by CNN. Users select an article of interest that matches their reading level in English, then work through the article and associated learning activities. 

Explore this resource at https://en.news/lesson-browser/lesson-store

Recently an FLTEACH listserv user asked fellow teachers how they use textbooks in their classes, what they've learned about effective instruction with a textbook, and any other considerations. Read the original query here: https://listserv.buffalo.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind1807&L=FLTEACH&D=0&I=-3&d=No+Match%3BMatch%3BMatches&P=68488

Responses have been abundant and insightful; to read all of them, click on "Next" by "By Topic" at the above link.

Two of note are a summary of a literature review on textbooks as a tool, by Richard Madel (https://listserv.buffalo.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind1807&L=FLTEACH&D=0&I=-3&d=No+Match%3BMatch%3BMatches&P=79817) and some nice, specific curriculum design suggestions from Lori Szymanski (https://listserv.buffalo.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind1807&L=FLTEACH&D=0&I=-3&d=No+Match%3BMatch%3BMatches&P=84973)

From https://passion4theprofession.com

This extensive blog post deals with building skills in the interpretive mode using authentic resources. Use the NCSSL-ACTFL Can-Do Statements to determine appropriate tasks matching your students' proficiency levels. Find authentic resources. Use pre-reading / pre-listening activities, scaffolds and supports for during reading or listening, and more. 

Read the post at https://passion4theprofession.com/2018/07/13/teaching-listening-and-viewing-skills-using-authentic-resources/

From https://www.bookwidgets.com

Here are twenty interactive activities that are intended for any content area, but especially relevant to application in language learning: https://www.bookwidgets.com/blog/2018/06/20-interactive-teaching-activities-for-in-the-interactive-classroom

CASLS is excited to welcome Brittany Kent as our new graphic designer. Brittany has been doing graphic design and photography since 2012, and she graduated this spring from Boise State University with a BFA in graphic design. In addition to her artistic skills, Brittany is bringing a lot of enthusiasm to her new job. She says, "I am excited for the new challenges CASLS has for me! I aspire to live a life where I am constantly learning and I believe CASLS will keep me on my toes."

Brittany shares an enthusiasm for languages with many other CASLS staff. She says, "My favorite language learning experience was learning American Sign Language a year ago. I took ASL online one semester and in person my second semester. I had a wonderful ASL professor that was Deaf and had been immersed in Deaf Culture her entire life. She was gracious enough to share those experiences with our class and from that, I have an entirely new perspective on different cultures other than my own."

Brittany's hobbies include movies, ceramics, and exploring the outdoors around Boise, where she currently lives.

Welcome to our team, Brittany!