Here is a compiled list of awesome iPad apps for ELLs. They range from basic phonics, to grammar and syntax. As learning a new language can often be frustrating and at times feel hopeless, it is important for educators to make learning enjoyable.

 

 

1. Scrabble
2. Grammar Up
3. Boggle
4. Duo Lingo
5. Intro to Letters
6. Sounds Right
7. Sentence Builder for iPad
8. Speech Tutor
9. iDaily Pro HD
10. Hello-Hello English
11. Basic Pronunciation: Clear Speech from the Start
12. Wordbook XL – English Dictionary and Thesaurus for iPad
13. Busuu
14. Adventures for Kids
15. Word Wit
16. Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
17. Phonetics Focus
18. Sounds: The Pronunciation App
19. English is Easy – 1 HD
20. Berlitz My English Coach for iPad
21. Memrise

Primarily adapted from Best College’s Online article.

“Unite for Literacy” is a fantastic website for ELL students at a very basic level. You can browse through a variety of simple books that work on the student’s vocabulary through repetition and recognition. I would not recommend use of this website for intermediate or advanced level English speakers.

Podcasts are available online and on iOS/Android devices. Students can download on their own devices or listen at school!

Culips ESL 

Culips ESL Podcast,

Age Range: Best for ages 10-12

This is great resource that allows students to practice conversational English. Helps improve improve fluency, comprehension, vocabulary, and understanding of common English expressions!

Tumble

tumblepodcast.com

Age Range: Best for ages 6-12, appropriate for any age

Tumble is a science podcast that shares the stories behind science discovery. It explores how science actually works as a process. With stories ranging from reaching the deepest part of the ocean to hunting for black holes in distant galaxies, Tumble is co-hosted by a science journalist and a teacher.

Book Club For Kids

bookclubforkids.org

Age Range: Best for ages 9-14, appropriate for any age

In every episode of this podcast, a different group of kids discusses a young adult book. Each episode also features a celebrity reader and an interview with the book’s author.

Short & Curly

abc.net.au/radio/programs/shortandcurly

Age Range: Best for ages 7-12, appropriate for any age

Short & Curly is an ethics podcast from Australia. The hosts investigate dilemmas relevant to kids, like whether you have to love your sibling or whether Pokemon Go is actually playing you.

 

Brains On!

brainson.org

Age Range: Best for ages 6-12, but interesting to all curious minds

Each episode of this science podcast is co-hosted by a different kid, tackling their questions with interviews, fun segments, and the occasional musical number. Episodes cover a wide range of topics like carnivorous plants, interpreting dog and cat sounds, and life on other planets.

But Why

digital.vpr.net/programs/why-podcast-curious-kids

Age Range: Best for ages 5-10, but interesting to all curious minds

Produced by Vermont Public Radio, each episode of this podcast starts with an audio recording of a child asking a question (listeners are invited to send in their own), such as why people have different religions, why the sea is salty, and whether bumblebees have hearts. The rest of the episode goes on to answer that question by inviting experts to share their knowledge on the topic in simple language kids can understand.

 

 

List Created by www.cultofpedagogy.com

 

In a 2012 study done the University of Alabama concluded that “The results showed that using an interactive whiteboard for (a) visual presentations, (b) interactive games, and (c) test reviews was useful for the English language learners to learn new vocabulary and engage in learning.”

The SMART boards were used in three different ways;

1. The educator used it to present visual materials for vocabulary instruction. For example, when students learned new words for the first time, the teacher prepared related images (e.g., urban, rural) and explained the meanings of words. The teacher also utilized many video or animation resources from the internet.

2) The teacher used the SMART Board for interactive games or activities. The SMART Notebook program included a lesson activity toolkit that allowed the teacher to create interactive games. Using this tool, the teacher created activities such as category sort, image match, and word guess.

3) Third, the SMART Board was used for test preparation. Students reviewed weekly vocabulary words using the SMART interactive response system every Thursday for a test held the next day. Using this tool, each student identified answers to questions presented on the SMART Board and verified answers immediately. If many students missed a single question, the teacher provided additional explanations to make sure that everyone understood the information.

 

The vocabulary test results showed that students’ posttest scores improved 36 points on average, ranging from 18 to 52 points’ difference.