Multilanguage Learners

Multilanguage learners (MLL) are children learning English as a second language while at the same time continuing to develop their first (or home) language. They may also be learning more languages. Once identified as an MLL, students are given a proficiency level from 1-5 according to their English proficiency. Level 1 is considered a beginner while a cumulative WIDA score of 4.5 is considered proficient enough not need MLL services or to exit MLL services after receiving such services.

20 pages of basic vocabulary for newcomers, click here.

English is a challenging language to learn. The sound each letter makes may differ depending on its use such as placement within the word, blends they create with other letters, and the origin of the word. At Tubman, we assure students learn about these sounds at an early age as they read and practice along with their peers through direct instruction. As needs arise, we target older students to assure students broaden their language capabilities. For further information, please contact the MLL lead by clicking here.

Online resources from DCPS

Through our portal Clever, level 1 and 2 students are able to access our language application, Imagine, that guides students through activities that help with letter phonemes, vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation and other language pursuits that are specifically tailored for your student. Please practice this at home for at least 30 minutes each day. Another application is Brainpop ELL which leads students through engaging interactive videos as well as they progress with their language.

For background knowledge, the regular Brainpop, available in English and Spanish, is a student-friendly app to further assist in building language skills and increase general knowledge with more than 900 animations.

Ideas to use English outside the school:

• Discuss signs, advertisements, and mailings. At stores, discuss what things are called and describe them. Are they big, little, soft, hard, cheap, expensive, sweet, or salty? Incorporate numbers such as cost, weight, calorie count (with food items), etc..so that students use both English and math.

• Listen to music and watch movies in English. Remembering lyrics from songs is a great way to get English stuck in your head. For movies, choose “CC” to view the words as they are spoken.

• Read books, magazines, webpages, packaging, etc..

• Join after-school groups or clubs such as sports teams, book clubs, hobby groups, etc.

• Have outdoor activities that involved finding or naming things in English, such as scavenger hunts or nature walks.

• Use a translation application such as Google translate to learn new words and search their meaning.

3rd - 5th grade

• Bruno Mars - Count on Me

• Pharrell Williams - Happy

• Jon Baptise - Freedom

Imagine Learning (available through the Clever portal)

Some songs:

PreK-2

• Five Little Ducks - Kids songs and nursey rhymes