ELLs+and+Simple+English+Wikipedia

= ELLs and Simple English Wikipedia =

The Simple English Wikipedia is just what is sounds like: it is the collaboration of many people creating an online, collaborative encyclopedia but in simple English. There are multiple ways teachers of ELLs can use Simple English Wikipedia [SEW] to help their students learn English. First, teachers can direct their ELLs to SEW for research. In the review of SEW from one teacher, the ELL and other students at lower reading levels are able to access the same material but through the use of SEW. These students felt included without the worry or embarrassment of viewing a different website than their classmates. In this way, the teacher is able to differentiate for a variety of students to complete research. Second, teachers can have their students contribute to the Simple English Wikipedia. The benefits of this are numerous but most importantly, students are motivated by knowing that their work contributes to something beyond themselves. Knowing that people all over the world will see their work creates a higher standard for students and they work much harder to do well. Third, teachers can consult SEW to think critically about their own teaching and they language they use for explanation when dealing with a complex topic. In the blog post “Simple Words, Complicated Math”, the author ponders taking an idea and explaining it with simpler language. There are points in all of our teaching experiences when we could work to simplify our language for the benefit of our students. When teaching an ELL learner a teacher may be speaking at a normal pace but the ELL learner may feel like the words are coming out a million miles an hour. We as teachers must use the language that we would expect our learners to know. If we expect too much or too little we may be hindering the learning process. We must get to know our students and find out their knowledge. It is important for us to use words that be put into an easy conversation. W can talk about daily life, school life, entertainment or sports. If we find out the hobbies and likes of our students then we can try to use those words more to build a connection.

**Resources**: Teacher Review of Simple English Wikipedia 16 Concepts made simpler on the Simple English Wikipedia Simple English Wikipedia Free and Open Encyclopedia for Learning and Teaching through Topics Written in Basic English Simple Words, Complicated Math Simple English Wikipedia in Language Lessons

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