Using PhotoPeach with ESL Students

Subjects:  Language Arts, Science, Social Studies

Grades:  K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Technology tools:  Computer(s), Laptop(s), LCD Projector, Interactive Slate

Tools used:  Interactive website, Video, Digital text / ebook, Audio, Audio creator / editor, Word processing, Image creator / editor

Activity type:  Lesson, Unit, Project, Teacher presentation

I used PhotoPeach, a web-based, user-friendly, slideshow maker, to integrate science and technology, and ESL/ELA content and technology. In one third grade project, students studied main idea, comparing and contrasting, and Tier 2 words, and science content. After drawing pictures and writing descriptive sentences that compared and contrasted, they were able to upload their drawings, and add music, text, and comments to their presentations.

A similar activity was done in first grade; with more of a focus on sentence structure.

Another PhotoPeach project integrated the school-wide Career Day presentations by parents and community members. After pictures were uploaded, students added descriptive sentences, which are now to be presented to parents and attendees at Awards Day.

PowerPoint presentations and interactive slates have been a part of my curriculum for a few years now.

Crystal Pritchett, Jenkins Elementary 

Using PhotoPeach to Retell a Story

Subjects:  Language Arts, ESL

Grade:  1

Technology tools:  netbooks

Tools used:  Interactive website, Image creator / editor

Activity type:  Lesson, Project

ELA/ELL: retelling stories, using phonics skills in writing

After reading the book "The Snow Lambs", I had my first graders draw pictures that showed the important parts of the story. After scanning the pictures, I then divided them into pairs and had them select the pictures they would use to retell the story. They then uploaded these pictures to the PhotoPeach website. Together they created and typed captions for each picture that retold the story. They also selected music that accompanied the retell. We then published the stories on the PhotoPeach site.

If I did this activity again, I would have them draw fewer pictures for the retelling. Also, we ran out of time to finish before ESL testing began. Otherwise, it was a great experience in collaborating and working on phonics and retell skills!

Ellen Douglas,  Southwest