Our Yellow Bench

It's never easy and it's always important, like most aspects of a teacher's day. But differentiating for English language learners (ELLs) can not be overlooked or pushed onto tomorrow's to-do list. Because they are children, they are likely struggling with communicating, academics, friendships and adjustments (for starters).

If I could keep only one tool from my classroom, I wouldn't even need a minute to think. Its my iPad (with Apple Pencil, of course). How did I ever teach without it? When delivering a lesson, I'm in my zone with the kids with learning objectives, questions, engagement and formative assessment all over. I manage it all with my iPad. Here are my tips on some ways to do it.

You know when you're reading a story to your class, or teaching something that really needs good listening and then... there's little so and so, watching the clouds out the window or finding the texture of the carpet so interesting. WHAT?!?! If you have ever experienced life as a language learner, immersed in a society where you don't understand anything around you, you may be able to empathize. But even empathy isn't enough to get your language learners on board.

If you’d have asked me five years ago about what came to mind when someone said, “I need to prepare presentation slides for my lesson” I would  have probably thought that this person taught in a university… and also that he/she/they were a very boring lecturer… and that I’d probably fall asleep in said class (just like in art history). Like... who teaches with slides?

Enjoy this traditional tale, now retold with unique illustrations and collage. Come along with Little Red, into the forest to visit her grandmother... but don't stop to speak to strangers!  Enjoy the magic of storytelling and build literacy skills by engaging in visualisations and exploring story elements. 

Note: This story is also available on YouTube with beautiful Illustration by Sepideh Baratian. You may also visit our website : www.ouryellowbench.com for creative resources and ideas to use with this story.

Follow Us:  Instagram  and Facebook

------ CREDIT:

Narrator: Sativa Ertola     

------ PERMISSION:  All materials including illustrations, narration and script, may not be used or reproduced without explicit written permission from Our Yellow Bench. All Rights Reserved © 2020, Our Yellow Bench

This story originating from Syria, is a lesson full of virtues and character development. It is a beautiful story of a humble man's journey to improve life for his family. Listen to the story and learn just a little more about the world and it's wonderful people.

Note: This story is also available on YouTube with beautiful Illustration by Haya Halaw. You may also visit our website : www.ouryellowbench.com for creative resources and ideas to use with this story.

Follow Us:  Instagram  and Facebook

------ CREDIT:

Narrator: Sativa Ertola     

Original publication by Hakaya, in Timeless Tales, Folktales told by Syrian Refugees

------ PERMISSION:  All materials including illustrations, narration and script, may not be used or reproduced without explicit written permission from Our Yellow Bench. All Rights Reserved © 2020, Our Yellow Bench

In this traditional Persian tale, follow the main character BiBi on a troublesome journey to see her daughter where she travels through a dangerous forest, encountering frightening animals. How can she do it? You will only know if you watch and find out!  Enjoy the magic of storytelling and build literacy skills by engaging in visualisations and exploring story elements. 

Note: This story is also available on YouTube with beautiful Illustration by Sepideh Baratian. You may also visit our website : www.ouryellowbench.com for creative resources and ideas to use with this story.

Follow Us:  Instagram  and Facebook

------ CREDIT:

Narrator: Sativa Ertola     

------ PERMISSION:  All materials including illustrations, narration and script, may not be used or reproduced without explicit written permission from Our Yellow Bench. All Rights Reserved © 2020, Our Yellow Bench

Here is an old story from Malaysia that elders tell their grandchildren as a model of being clever and creative in challenging situations.   Enjoy the magic of storytelling and build literacy skills by engaging in visualisations and exploring story elements. 

Note: This story is also available on YouTube with beautiful Illustration. You may also visit our website : www.ouryellowbench.com for creative resources and ideas to use with this story.

Follow Us:  Instagram  and Facebook

------ CREDIT:  

Narrator: Sativa Ertola Illustrator: Nurnazleen Natasha Director: Arash Davar

------ PERMISSION:  

All materials including illustrations, narration and script, may not be used or reproduced without explicit written permission from Our Yellow Bench. All Rights Reserved © 2020, Our Yellow Bench

Here is a beautifully illustrated narration of a famous old Persian tale, Hassani. The boy in the story learns an important lesson after many trials. Take a few minutes and follow his adventure through his village.   Enjoy the magic of storytelling and build literacy skills by engaging in visualisations and exploring story elements. 

Note: This story is also available on YouTube with beautiful Illustration by Sepideh Baratian. You may also visit our website : www.ouryellowbench.com for creative resources and ideas to use with this story.

Follow Us:  Instagram  and Facebook

------ CREDIT:  

 ------ PERMISSION:  All materials including illustrations, narration and script, may not be used or reproduced without explicit written permission from Our Yellow Bench. All Rights Reserved © 2020, Our Yellow Bench