Multilingual Magic: Tools That Make Every Student Shine

Virtual Session
Presented by Melissa Henning

Session Description:

Discover how simple technology tools can break down language barriers while benefiting all learners. This session provides practical strategies using four categories of digital tools—translation & communication, visual & content creation, assessment & feedback, and collaboration & community building. Learn specific implementation strategies that support multilingual learners and enhance learning for everyone. Perfect for educators seeking inclusive classroom practices that leverage technology thoughtfully.

Objectives:
    • Identify 4 digital tools across different categories that support multilingual learners.
    • Apply specific strategies for implementing each tool type effectively.
    • Use UDL principles with technology to benefit all students.
    • Implement at least one new tool + strategy combination within their existing curriculum.
    • Create more inclusive digital learning environments using strategic approaches.

Download a PDF copy of the slides here.

Try It Activity:

Practice Makes Permanent
Research shows that applying new knowledge helps it stick. After watching the webinar, take a few minutes to complete the “Try It” activity. These hands-on tasks are simple, focused, and designed to reinforce key concepts so you can confidently use them in your classroom.

“Tool Test Drive: Supporting Multilingual Learners”

Try-It Activity Objective: Hands-on exploration of one tool from the session to experience its potential for supporting multilingual learners.

Estimated Time Required: 15 minutes

Activity Structure:

Minutes 1-3: Choose Your Category & Tool

  • Select one of the four tool categories that most appeals to your current needs
    • Translation & Communication 
    • Visual & Content Creation 
    • Assessment & Feedback
    • Collaboration & Community Building 
  • Choose the tool Melissa demonstrated in that category
  • Open the tool and create a free account if needed

Minutes 4-12: Explore, Create & Strategize

  • Follow Melissa’s demonstration to try the tool yourself
  • Create a simple example, thinking about your specific classroom context
  • Consider the strategies Melissa shared for this tool category
  • Test one feature that could immediately benefit your multilingual learners

Minutes 13-15: Share Your Learning

  • Take a screenshot of what you created OR a photo of your notes
  • Craft a social media post highlighting your key takeaway
  • Suggested elements for post:
    • Tool name and category
    • One strategy you learned
    • How it could help multilingual learners AND all students
    • Tag @TeachersFirst and use #TeachersFirstPD

Social Share Examples:

  • Facebook/Twitter/Bluesky: “Just tried TeachVid from my @TeachersFirst session on multilingual support! Love how the language options help all my students express their learning. Can’t wait to use this on Monday! #TeachersFirstPD #MultilingualLearners”

Resource Materials:

In this Resource Materials section, you will find reference materials, tutorials, and how-to information that will help you review or extend your knowledge from the presentation.

Resources from TeachersFirst

Articles

Videos

In-the-Classroom:

Our In-the-Classroom section is where you will find ideas and examples for integrating the tools shared into classroom instruction.

Category: Translation & Communication 

Translation Strategies:

  • Use translation tools for important documents like IEPs, report cards, and school policies. AI may not always be perfect, but there are some good tools out there. 
  • Create a library of commonly used documents already translated into your school’s primary languages
  • Use visual aids, diagrams, and pictures alongside text to support comprehension across language barriers

Communication Strategies:

  • Send communications home in families’ native languages whenever possible, and provide advance notice for meetings so families can arrange interpreters if needed. 
  • Use clear, jargon-free language and avoid educational acronyms that may not translate well
  • Offer multiple communication channels—written notes, phone calls, text messages, and video calls—to meet different family preferences

Category: Visual & Content Creation 

Visual Supports for Instruction:

  • Display word walls with pictures, cognates (words similar across languages), and translations to build vocabulary
  • Use color-coding systems to highlight key information, text structures, or grammatical patterns
  • Create visual step-by-step instructions for routines, assignments, and multi-step tasks

Multimedia and Technology Tools:

  • Integrate videos with subtitles or captions in multiple languages to support comprehension
  • Leverage text-to-speech and speech-to-text tools to support reading and writing
  • Create digital vocabulary journals with images, audio pronunciations, and student-generated examples

Content Creation Opportunities:

  • Encourage students to create bilingual books, posters, or presentations that showcase their home language as an asset
  • Provide choice boards that offer various ways to show understanding—comic strips, models, art, video demonstrations, skits, digital slideshows, or annotated drawings

Category: Assessment & Feedback 

Alternative Assessment Methods:

  • Use multiple forms of assessment beyond traditional written tests—oral explanations, demonstrations, projects, portfolios, and performances
  • Offer choice in how students demonstrate their learning (visual presentation, video, model, diagram, or oral defense)
  • Implement performance-based assessments that evaluate content knowledge rather than solely English language proficiency

Assessment Accommodations:

  • Provide extended time for multilingual learners to process questions and formulate responses
  • Read test questions aloud or provide audio versions to support reading comprehension
  • Break longer assessments into smaller chunks to reduce cognitive load

Ongoing Formative Assessment:

  • Use quick checks like thumbs up/down, exit tickets with sentence frames, or visual response cards to gauge understanding
  • Implement strategic questioning techniques with wait time and opportunities to discuss with peers before responding
  • Use digital tools like Kahoot, Wayground, or Nearpod that provide immediate feedback and allow for visual/interactive responses

Effective Feedback Strategies:

  • Focus feedback on content and ideas first, then address language development as a separate element
  • Provide feedback in multiple modalities—written, verbal conferences, visual annotations, or recorded audio/video comments
  • Highlight strengths and progress explicitly, celebrating growth in both content knowledge and language development
  • Involve students in self-assessment and goal-setting using student-friendly rubrics with visual indicators

Category: Collaboration & Community Building 

Creating an Inclusive Classroom Culture & Community Building:

  • Celebrate linguistic diversity by displaying “Welcome” signs, classroom labels, and student work in multiple languages
  • Share positive narratives about bilingualism as a cognitive asset and valuable skill, not a deficit
  • Create a “language of the week” spotlight where students teach classmates words and phrases from their home languages
  • Use literature, music, and art from diverse cultures to build connections and validate students’ identities

Collaborative Activities That Build Community:

  • Use icebreakers and team-building activities that don’t rely heavily on verbal English proficiency
  • Incorporate collaborative art projects, music, drama, or movement activities that transcend language barriers
  • Plan service-learning projects where students work together toward a common goal in the community
  • Organize multicultural showcases where students present about their heritage with pride
  • Use video projects where students can plan together and edit multiple takes, reducing performance anxiety

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