Dive Into Digital Tools and Strategies for English Language Arts (ELA)

Listen to an overview of this collection (starts download of .mp3)

English Language Arts (ELA) is a unique subject area because, either directly or indirectly, it impacts learning in every other content area. In fact, you could argue that the skills learned in ELA become the foundational skills that lead to academic success in all content areas. As the popular saying goes, students “learn to read,” so they can then “read to learn.” We can expand this thought process to other core ELA skills as well. For instance, students must “learn to write,” so they can “write to learn.” When students master writing, they gain new and powerful ways to reflect on their learning and share what they know. The same can be said for speaking, viewing, and listening. These fundamental learning skills constitute the core of the ELA curriculum and splash over into every other curricular area. When we empower our students as effective communicators, we empower them to become successful, lifelong learners in all aspects of their lives.

Because it provides such an important foundation, it’s not surprising that reading, writing, and other language arts skills occupy such a large portion of both an elementary and secondary school day. If you are an ELA teacher, you will definitely find the resources in this collection directly related to your teaching and learning needs. But even if you are not an ELA teacher, these skills are still very relevant to your students and their learning in your content area. As you review the skills, strategies, and resources in this collection, consider how you may apply and transfer them to the learning in your classroom.