{"id":7495,"date":"2026-01-14T20:27:21","date_gmt":"2026-01-15T01:27:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/teachersfirst.org\/conferences\/?page_id=7495"},"modified":"2026-01-20T17:32:09","modified_gmt":"2026-01-20T22:32:09","slug":"multilingual-magic","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/teachersfirst.org\/conferences\/events\/ideacon-2026\/multilingual-magic\/","title":{"rendered":"Multilingual Magic: Tools That Make Every Student Shine"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #4472c4;\">Multilingual Magic: Tools That Make Every Student Shine<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3 style=\"color: white; background-color: #4472c4; text-align: center;\">Virtual Session<br \/>\nPresented by Melissa Henning<\/h3>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #b90843;\">Session Description:<\/span><\/h4>\n<p>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\u2014translation &amp; communication, visual &amp; content creation, assessment &amp; feedback, and collaboration &amp; 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.<\/p>\n<h5><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Objectives:<\/span><\/h5>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Identify 4 digital tools across different categories that support multilingual learners.<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Apply specific strategies for implementing each tool type effectively.<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use UDL principles with technology to benefit all students.<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Implement at least one new tool + strategy combination within their existing curriculum.<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Create more inclusive digital learning environments using strategic approaches.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Download a PDF copy of the slides <a href=\"https:\/\/teachersfirst.org\/conferences\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026-IDEAcon-Multilingual-Learners.pdf\">here<\/a>.<\/h3>\n<h2 style=\"color: white; background-color: #b90843;\"><em>Try It<\/em> Activity:<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Practice Makes Permanent<\/strong><br \/>\nResearch shows that applying new knowledge helps it stick. After watching the webinar, take a few minutes to complete the \u201cTry It\u201d activity. These hands-on tasks are simple, focused, and designed to reinforce key concepts so you can confidently use them in your classroom.<\/p>\n<p><b>&#8220;Tool Test Drive: Supporting Multilingual Learners&#8221;<\/b><\/p>\n<p><strong>Try-It Activity Objective: <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hands-on exploration of one tool from the session to experience its potential for supporting multilingual learners.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Estimated Time Required:<\/strong> 15 minutes<\/p>\n<p><b>Activity Structure:<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b>Minutes 1-3: Choose Your Category &amp; Tool<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Select one of the four tool categories that most appeals to your current needs<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Translation &amp; Communication\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Visual &amp; Content Creation\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Assessment &amp; Feedback<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Collaboration &amp; Community Building\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Choose the tool Melissa demonstrated in that category<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Translation &amp; Communication &#8211; <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.magicschool.ai\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Magic School<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Visual &amp; Content Creation &#8211; <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.teachvid.com\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">TeachVid<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Assessment &amp; Feedback &#8211; <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/wordwall.net\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wordwall<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Collaboration &amp; Community Building &#8211; <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/padlet.com\/auth\/login\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Padlet<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Open the tool and create a free account if needed<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Minutes 4-12: Explore, Create &amp; Strategize<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Follow Melissa&#8217;s demonstration to try the tool yourself<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Create a simple example, thinking about your specific classroom context<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consider the strategies Melissa shared for this tool category<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Test one feature that could immediately benefit your multilingual learners<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Minutes 13-15: Share Your Learning<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take a screenshot of what you created OR a photo of your notes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Craft a social media post highlighting your key takeaway<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Suggested elements for post:<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tool name and category<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One strategy you learned<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How it could help multilingual learners AND all students<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tag @TeachersFirst and use #TeachersFirstPD<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Social Share Examples:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Facebook\/Twitter\/Bluesky:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> &#8220;Just tried TeachVid from my @TeachersFirst session on multilingual support! Love how the language options help all my students express their learning. Can&#8217;t wait to use this on Monday! #TeachersFirstPD #MultilingualLearners&#8221;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 style=\"color: white; background-color: #b90843;\">Resource Materials:<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">In this <em><strong>Resource Materials<\/strong><\/em> section, you will find reference materials, tutorials, and how-to information that will help you review or extend your knowledge from the presentation.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"color: #4472c4;\">Resources from TeachersFirst<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"zfr3Q CDt4Ke \" dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a class=\"XqQF9c\" href=\"https:\/\/www.teachersfirst.com\/content\/esl\/adaptstrat.cfm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span class=\"C9DxTc aw5Odc \">Adapt-A-Strategy<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"zfr3Q CDt4Ke \" dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a class=\"XqQF9c\" href=\"https:\/\/www.teachersfirst.com\/spectopics\/enl.cfm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span class=\"C9DxTc aw5Odc \">Multilingual Special Topics Collection<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.teachersfirst.com\/spectopics\/gblmll.cfm\">Game-Based Learning for Multilingual Learners Special Topics Collection<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"CDt4Ke zfr3Q\" dir=\"ltr\">OK2Ask (free, on-demand recording): <a href=\"https:\/\/the-source-for-learning.trainercentralsite.com\/course\/ok2ask565#\/home\"><span class=\" aw5Odc\">Tech-Tool Smackdown Multilingual Learner Edition<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"CDt4Ke zfr3Q\" dir=\"ltr\">Blog Post:\u00a0<span class=\"C9DxTc \">Infusing Technology Blog (<\/span><a class=\"XqQF9c\" href=\"https:\/\/teachersfirst.com\/blog\/tag\/mll\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span class=\"C9DxTc aw5Odc \">posts related to multilingual learners<\/span><\/a><span class=\"C9DxTc \">)\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">Blog Post: <a href=\"https:\/\/teachersfirst.org\/blog\/2024\/07\/tech-tool-of-the-month-padlet-part-1-2\/\">Tech Tool of the Month &#8211; Padlet<\/a><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">Blog Post: <a href=\"https:\/\/teachersfirst.org\/blog\/2025\/11\/tech-tool-of-the-month-wordwall-part-1\/\">Tech Tool of the Month &#8211; WordWall<\/a><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">Blog Post: <a href=\"https:\/\/teachersfirst.org\/blog\/2024\/03\/tech-tool-of-the-month-teachvid-part-1\/\">Tech Tool of the Month &#8211; TeachVid<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"zfr3Q CDt4Ke \" dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">TeachersFirst Review &#8211; <a class=\"XqQF9c\" href=\"http:\/\/www.teachersfirst.com\/single.cfm?id=19888\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span class=\"C9DxTc aw5Odc \">Magic School AI Review<\/span><\/a><span class=\"C9DxTc \"> (YouTube Question Generator, Text Summarizer, Professional Email Maker, and more)<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">TeachersFirst Review &#8211; <a class=\"XqQF9c\" href=\"http:\/\/www.teachersfirst.com\/single.cfm?id=19176\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span class=\"C9DxTc aw5Odc \">TeachVid Review<\/span><\/a><span class=\"C9DxTc \">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">TeachersFirst Review &#8211; <a href=\"http:\/\/www.teachersfirst.com\/single.cfm?id=19152\">WordWall Review<\/a><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">TeachersFirst Review &#8211; <a href=\"http:\/\/www.teachersfirst.com\/single.cfm?id=10007\">Padlet Review<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 style=\"color: #4472c4;\">Articles<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"zfr3Q CDt4Ke \" dir=\"ltr\"><a class=\"XqQF9c\" href=\"https:\/\/www.multilinguallearningtoolkit.org\/instructional-strategies-resources\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span class=\"C9DxTc aw5Odc \">Instructional Strategies &amp; Resources &#8211; Multilingual Learning Kit<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"zfr3Q CDt4Ke \" dir=\"ltr\"><a class=\"XqQF9c\" href=\"https:\/\/www.edutopia.org\/article\/4-practical-ways-make-instruction-accessible-multilingual-learners\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span class=\"C9DxTc aw5Odc \">4 Practical Ways to Make Instructional Accessible for Multilingual Learning<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"zfr3Q CDt4Ke \" dir=\"ltr\"><span class=\"C9DxTc aw5Odc \"><a class=\"XqQF9c\" href=\"https:\/\/www.janaechevarria.com\/?p=5377\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Reflecting on Teaching Multilingual Learners<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com\/sitesz\/AClOY7r2YsdUVVJMJtowzTIlY4_2XplA5L3ByYeE34y-Qwu9Ysd3crN11AKotaotC8Rg_hwIxngx50B74DZyeoKFElQFEnAFJeMr1VflW6PLvZoVsvNSWyld48I10UBmR3j33sKxvBXH7IZycP-NO9C-EgAXQMmJu7u06_7xg8Oe-dGJYpoJM_0?key=YgTJ-jaBx6u0CsRxWbBt7_4m\" width=\"443\" height=\"576\" \/><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\"><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 style=\"color: #4472c4;\">Videos<\/h3>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"\u2728Padlet in 10 Minutes!   Game Changer for Teachers!\" width=\"648\" height=\"365\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Dd4dQSUPJ3w?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Magic School AI:   Language Tutor Tool\" width=\"648\" height=\"365\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Q9G9G8fUWfI?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Interactive Games for ESL students | Wordwall tutorial for beginners\" width=\"648\" height=\"365\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/4hlRcu36mgc?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"How to Use TeachVid in Spanish Class #Shorts\" width=\"648\" height=\"365\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Li7OmT6s6pM?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"color: white; background-color: #b90843;\">In-the-Classroom:<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Our <em><strong>In-the-Classroom<\/strong><\/em> section is where you will find ideas and examples for integrating the tools shared into classroom instruction.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em><b>Category: Translation &amp; Communication\u00a0<\/b><\/em><\/p>\n<p><b>Translation Strategies:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Create a library of commonly used documents already translated into your school&#8217;s primary languages<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use visual aids, diagrams, and pictures alongside text to support comprehension across language barriers<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Communication Strategies:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Send communications home in families&#8217; native languages whenever possible, and provide advance notice for meetings so families can arrange interpreters if needed.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use clear, jargon-free language and avoid educational acronyms that may not translate well<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Offer multiple communication channels\u2014written notes, phone calls, text messages, and video calls\u2014to meet different family preferences<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em><b>Category: Visual &amp; Content Creation\u00a0<\/b><\/em><\/p>\n<p><b>Visual Supports for Instruction:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Display word walls with pictures, cognates (words similar across languages), and translations to build vocabulary<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use color-coding systems to highlight key information, text structures, or grammatical patterns<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Create visual step-by-step instructions for routines, assignments, and multi-step tasks<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Multimedia and Technology Tools:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Integrate videos with subtitles or captions in multiple languages to support comprehension<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Leverage text-to-speech and speech-to-text tools to support reading and writing<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Create digital vocabulary journals with images, audio pronunciations, and student-generated examples<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Content Creation Opportunities:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Encourage students to create bilingual books, posters, or presentations that showcase their home language as an asset<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Provide choice boards that offer various ways to show understanding\u2014comic strips, models, art, video demonstrations, skits, digital slideshows, or annotated drawings<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em><b>Category: Assessment &amp; Feedback\u00a0<\/b><\/em><\/p>\n<p><b>Alternative Assessment Methods:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use multiple forms of assessment beyond traditional written tests\u2014oral explanations, demonstrations, projects, portfolios, and performances<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Offer choice in how students demonstrate their learning (visual presentation, video, model, diagram, or oral defense)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Implement performance-based assessments that evaluate content knowledge rather than solely English language proficiency<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Assessment Accommodations:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Provide extended time for multilingual learners to process questions and formulate responses<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Read test questions aloud or provide audio versions to support reading comprehension<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Break longer assessments into smaller chunks to reduce cognitive load<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Ongoing Formative Assessment:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use quick checks like thumbs up\/down, exit tickets with sentence frames, or visual response cards to gauge understanding<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Implement strategic questioning techniques with wait time and opportunities to discuss with peers before responding<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use digital tools like Kahoot, Wayground, or Nearpod that provide immediate feedback and allow for visual\/interactive responses<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Effective Feedback Strategies:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Focus feedback on content and ideas first, then address language development as a separate element<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Provide feedback in multiple modalities\u2014written, verbal conferences, visual annotations, or recorded audio\/video comments<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Highlight strengths and progress explicitly, celebrating growth in both content knowledge and language development<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Involve students in self-assessment and goal-setting using student-friendly rubrics with visual indicators<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>Category: Collaboration &amp; Community Building\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<p><strong>Creating an Inclusive Classroom Culture &amp; Community Building:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Celebrate linguistic diversity by displaying &#8220;Welcome&#8221; signs, classroom labels, and student work in multiple languages<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Share positive narratives about bilingualism as a cognitive asset and valuable skill, not a deficit<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Create a &#8220;language of the week&#8221; spotlight where students teach classmates words and phrases from their home languages<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use literature, music, and art from diverse cultures to build connections and validate students&#8217; identities<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Collaborative Activities That Build Community:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use icebreakers and team-building activities that don&#8217;t rely heavily on verbal English proficiency<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Incorporate collaborative art projects, music, drama, or movement activities that transcend language barriers<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Plan service-learning projects where students work together toward a common goal in the community<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Organize multicultural showcases where students present about their heritage with pride<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use video projects where students can plan together and edit multiple takes, reducing performance anxiety<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4>Return to the <a href=\"https:\/\/teachersfirst.org\/conferences\/events\/ideacon-2026\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">IDEAcon 2026 Session Listings Page<\/a><\/h4>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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\u2014translation &amp; communication, visual &amp; content creation, assessment &amp; feedback, and collaboration &amp; community building. &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/teachersfirst.org\/conferences\/events\/ideacon-2026\/multilingual-magic\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Multilingual Magic: Tools That Make Every Student Shine<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":7458,"parent":7467,"menu_order":5,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-templates\/full-width-page.php","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-7495","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","user-has-not-earned"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/teachersfirst.org\/conferences\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/7495","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/teachersfirst.org\/conferences\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/teachersfirst.org\/conferences\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/teachersfirst.org\/conferences\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/10"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/teachersfirst.org\/conferences\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7495"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/teachersfirst.org\/conferences\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/7495\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7568,"href":"https:\/\/teachersfirst.org\/conferences\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/7495\/revisions\/7568"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/teachersfirst.org\/conferences\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/7467"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/teachersfirst.org\/conferences\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7495"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}