How to use Listenwise & Lingolift in a mixed ELP classroom

In many classrooms, teachers often are tasked with meeting the needs of English learners at all stages of language development, from newcomers who are just beginning to learn English to more advanced learners continuing to develop their language skills. To support students at different levels, teachers are turning to Listenwise and Lingolift, two products on one platform that follows student growth — from their first 90 days in the classroom and beyond. This article showcases how two teachers are using Listenwise and Lingolift to successfully engage English learners in a mixed ELP (English Language Proficiency) classroom. 
 

Gretchen Hummon, a 5th grade teacher based in Fitchburg MA, has students at a variety of levels of English language proficiency in her general education classroom. She uses both products to give students the appropriate tools and resources that they need to grow their language skills. 

When teaching a unit about the moon, Gretchen incorporated the Listenwise lesson on the Phrase of the Moon. She used the Teacher’s Guide included with the lesson to plan whole class activities for before, during, and after listening, and included extra language support for her English learners throughout. Here are some examples: 

• When reviewing the vocabulary words before listening, she asked students if they recognized Spanish cognates to help make connections.
• When students answered the comprehension questions after listening, she translated questions into Spanish and allowed a beginner level English learner to write his responses in Spanish.
• To further support her newcomer, she assigned the Lingolift Space Collection for him to do during independent work time, helping him build vocabulary and practice his speaking skills. 

Dive deeper into Gretchen’s lesson plan here.

Mercy Sandoval, a ESL teacher in Fayetteville, NC, works primarily in a mixed classroom with mostly transitional students. She uses a combination of Listenwise and Lingolift to strengthen the four key domains of language development - listening, speaking, reading and writing. Listenwise provides engaging audio content to build listening skills, while Lingolift offers visual support and speaking practice.

Listenwise and Lingolift are tailored to the needs of her ESL students and aligned with the curriculum, allowing her to easily create lesson plans that connect directly to students' experience. Here are some examples:

• Before her lessons, she pre-teaches vocabulary by showing visuals and having students write the words ensuring the student comprehension before the lesson is introduced.
• She creates tailored playlists for each transitional students focusing on basic language skills at a manageable pace.
• She supports her students during their silent period by letting them practice speaking with Lingolift at their own pace, gradually building confidence using the interactive video lessons to reinforce vocabulary and grammar.

Learn more about how Mercy and other teachers are using Lingolift in this webinar.