CodeHS has several features that can help ELLs succeed in their computer science courses. This article will describe these features as well as provide some additional strategies for ELLs. See Intro to Karel Programming with Karel the Dog (Español) or Intro to Python with Tracy (Español) to learn more about our Spanish course options.

You can enable block coding (rather than typing code) on a per-student basis or for an entire section to assist students whose language or typing skills are inhibiting their progress. For more about Block Settings, check out this article: Block Settings.

The following languages are compatible with Blocks:

The following courses include some Block Compatible Activities:

To enable YouTube-generated Closed Captions for videos, select YouTube at the start of a video and then click CC to enable subtitles. Click the gear to switch subtitle language to Auto-translate and select a language:

Please Note: YouTube auto-generates language settings that could impact subtitle settings beyond our control. Some schools may block access to YouTube player.

While instructional videos are ideal for some, other students may benefit from viewing the Slides, especially if they struggle with the speaking pace. Students can take notes and work at their own pace (rather than the pace of the video speaker).

Students can access the Slides for any video by selecting Slides at the top:

On the CodeHS Glossary, you can find a full list of terms and definitions used in the CodeHS curriculum. You can filter by language (JavaScript, Python, HTML, etc). using the search bar. Click on any term to show an example:

Also: Check out our Free Digital Textbooks!

Many lesson plans include additional worksheets, handouts, and physical activities to help make some of the more abstract concepts of programming more accessible. These activities can help students think about solving problems in a variety of ways.

With CodeHS Pro, teachers have the ability to print slides, quizzes, handouts, and other resources, which can be an excellent adaptation for ELL students.

To print a resource:

Using the CodeHS Glossary, Students can make flashcards or create a personal dictionary to help reinforce programming concepts. Encourage students to draw pictures, use different colored pens, and/or paraphrase definitions using their own words. For ELL students, it may be helpful to make additional flashcards highlighting capitalization, syntax, and common commands. Students can also use the Docs tab as a guide to create these study tools.

A vocabulary word wall in the classroom can include vocabulary from each lesson or module. The word wall can be printed and hung on a wall of the classroom to serve as yet another interactive and visual tool for students.