8 highly engaging technology tools for Early Years and ESL students

For most students, technology can be one of the most engaging ways to learn.

Below are 8 great Apps and websites to help Early Years and ESL teachers make language learning hands-on, interactive and engaging.

For teachers introducing new words or reinforcing vocabulary and themes, these Apps and websites can be leveraged to hopefully encourage students to speak and actively use the language, which is sometimes the hardest part of learning in a classroom setting.

1. ChatterPix App - iTunes for iOS devices

This is a fun one! Kids simply grab the camera and make anything talk -- plants, friends, doodles, and even their teacher or principal. Take any photo, draw a line to make a mouth, and record your voice.

2. EdPuzzle - edpuzzle.com

With this website you can turn any video into an interactive lesson.

The teacher simply chooses any video, from Youtube for example, and adds spots where the video stops and asks students questions they have to answer before moving on.

3. Futaba App - iTunes for iOS devices

This is a great multiplayer game. A highly interactive and fun way to help children learn new words. Four people can play Futaba on the same iPad. Check it out in the video below.

4. Green Screen by Do Ink - iTunes for iOS devices

Using a actual green screen as a backdrop combined with this App teachers can bring their students stories to life. I recommend filming with this App and editing in iMovie. Behind the scenes on the right, and the finished product below.

5. Osmo - www.playosmo.com

Play beyond the screen is their motto. The base and red reflector cost about $30. For engaging ESL students simply download the App and purchase the letter and number tiles. Osmo also offers a variety of different kits.

6. Live Coloring - livecoloring.org or iTunes for iOS devices

A great way to bring vocabulary, themes of concepts to life for ESL learners and early childhood classes.

Students color the pages and using the iPad the paper comes to life through augmented reality.

7. Quizlet - quizlet.com or iTunes for iOS devices

Quizlet provides a number of tools to transform sets of terms or definition into flashcards, quizzes and tests, or mini-games where students can compete against each other. Users can make their own sets or search by subject for already created sets.

8. Kahoot - iTunes for iOS devices

Kids love Kahoot! Students can challenge friends and classmates or simply practice on their own. Kahoot quizzes can be done at home or at school.