Learning English as a new language can feel like an exciting adventure—full of growth and discovery—but it can also be challenging.
Have you ever found yourself looking for resources that make learning more fun, effective, and easy to understand?
With so many online tools available today, the possibilities are endless.
If you need extra help with grammar, want to improve your vocabulary, or practice speaking, there’s something out there for everyone.
Ready to explore some of the best resources for ELL (English Language Learners) students?
Table of Contents
Best Online Resources For ELL Students
Here is a list of resources for ELL students to learn and grow:
Duolingo
Duolingo is a widely-used language-learning app that makes learning English fun and engaging. It’s designed like a game, where students earn points and unlock levels as they complete lessons.
The lessons are short and focus on building vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structure.
What makes Duolingo especially helpful for ELL students is the way it adapts to their skill level, offering exercises that get progressively challenging.
The app also includes listening, speaking, reading, and writing activities, making it a well-rounded tool for improving all aspects of language learning.
Plus, it’s free to use, which makes it accessible for everyone.
Newsela
Newsela is an educational website that provides news articles on various topics, ranging from science and technology to social issues.
The unique feature of Newsela is that each article is available at different reading levels, allowing ELL students to read about current events and topics they care about in language that suits their proficiency.
This online resource for ELL students also includes comprehension questions, quizzes, and vocabulary exercises that help reinforce learning.
Teachers often use Newsela in classrooms, but it’s also a great resource for independent learners who want to practice reading comprehension in a real-world context.
BBC Learning English
BBC Learning English is a comprehensive resource that offers lessons for English learners at all levels.
The platform provides videos, quizzes, vocabulary lists, and grammar explanations.
There are different series and programs available, like “6 Minute English” or “The English We Speak,” which focus on practical, everyday English in short and easy-to-follow lessons.
ELL students can learn at their own pace, focusing on topics that interest them, whether it’s improving their pronunciation, understanding British culture, or mastering complex grammar rules.
The site also includes transcripts and quizzes to help reinforce what students have learned.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy is well known for offering free courses in subjects like math and science, but it’s also a valuable resource for ELL students.
The platform provides lessons with subtitles and transcripts in English, which helps students improve their academic English while learning other subjects.
Khan Academy’s content is clear and straightforward, making it easier for ELL students to grasp complex ideas.
The site offers exercises to practice vocabulary and comprehension skills, as well as videos that explain concepts in a simple and visual way.
ReadWorks
ReadWorks is a free online platform for ELL students that offers a large collection of reading passages for students of all ages.
The passages are available at different reading levels, so ELL students can find materials that match their proficiency.
ReadWorks also provides comprehension questions and vocabulary practice alongside each passage, which helps students better understand what they’ve read.
Teachers often use ReadWorks in classrooms, but it’s also a great tool for self-study.
The variety of topics available ensures that students stay engaged, while the structured exercises help them steadily improve their reading skills.
Helpful Online Resources For ELL Students
Here are a few best online resources every ELL student must try:
English Central
English Central is a unique platform that combines video-based learning with interactive exercises.
The platform offers a wide selection of videos, from everyday conversations to news clips, all designed to help ELL students improve their listening, speaking, and pronunciation skills.
Students can watch videos and then engage in activities like repeating phrases or answering comprehension questions.
English Central’s speech recognition technology gives feedback on pronunciation, helping students refine their speaking skills.
This platform is particularly useful for those who want to focus on improving their spoken English in a practical and engaging way.
ESL Library
ESL Library is a resource-rich platform that provides high-quality lesson plans, worksheets, and activities for both teachers and students.
The materials are designed specifically for English language learners and cover a wide range of topics, from everyday conversations to more academic subjects.
For ELL students, the site offers reading passages, vocabulary exercises, and grammar lessons that are clear and easy to follow.
ESL Library’s content is suitable for all proficiency levels, from beginners to advanced learners. It’s a great resource for structured learning, whether in a classroom setting or for independent study.
Colorín Colorado
Colorín Colorado is a bilingual website that offers resources specifically designed for educators and families of ELL students.
The site provides a wealth of information, including reading strategies, tips for language development, and activities to help children build their English skills.
There are also videos, book recommendations, and articles focused on supporting bilingual students.
For parents, Colorín Colorado offers advice on how to support their children’s language learning at home.
This site is particularly useful for younger learners and those who are just beginning their English language journey.
Epic! Books for Kids
Epic! is an online library for ELL students with thousands of digital books aimed at children.
Many of the books come with audio support, which is particularly helpful for ELL students as they can listen to the pronunciation while reading along with the text.
The platform offers books across a wide range of genres and reading levels, making it easy for students to find materials that match their interests and language proficiency.
Epic! is especially great for younger learners who need to build their reading skills in an engaging and interactive way.
Storyline Online
Storyline Online is a literacy website that features well-known actors reading children’s books aloud.
The videos are high-quality, and the stories are read with expressive voices that make them enjoyable to listen to.
ELL students can follow along with the text while listening to the stories, which helps improve their reading comprehension and listening skills.
The site also offers lesson plans and activities for each book, making it a useful tool for teachers and parents alike.
Storyline Online is perfect for younger ELL students who benefit from engaging and interactive storytime experiences.
Conclusion
As you can see, the internet offers a treasure trove of resources to support your English learning journey.
From interactive games to full courses, the right tools can make a world of difference.
Which of these resources will you try first?
Learning a new language takes time, but with the right support, it can be a fun and rewarding experience.
What’s stopping you from diving into these resources and taking your English skills to the next level?
