Spanish Interactive Whiteboard Software Benefits ESL Preschoolers

Hatch® Early Learning launches program that develops school readiness skills in English and Spanish.

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Hatch®, a leading provider of educational technology, announces the release of TeachSmart® ELL Spanish to support early learners who are acquiring English as a second language. The interactive whiteboard system includes more than 650 Spanish and 1,100 English early literacy and math activities that align with national education standards.

“Many young English Language Learners (ELL) are at-risk when they begin school”

“Many young English Language Learners (ELL) are at-risk when they begin school,” says Hatch President Ginny Norton. “TeachSmart Spanish is designed to assist children in maintaining and developing their home language in literacy and mathematics as they acquire these skills in English.”

A drop-down menu encourages research-based best practices by allowing teachers to navigate between either all-Spanish or all-English instruction. TeachSmart Spanish also provides tools to monitor ELL students’ progress in both Spanish and English by recording work samples in a digital portfolio. Recordings can be used to aid assessments and parent conferences. Story-telling activities provide language samples that represent a child’s level of accomplishment and comprehension so that teachers can demonstrate progress over time.

SMART Board™ interactive whiteboards paired with research-based content engage withdrawn or less communicative children. “Children intuitively speak a universal language of technology,” says Hatch Product Development Director Susan Gunnewig. “Children are drawn to these interactive activities with real imagery and authentic language that provide them with rich experiences to develop and demonstrate their skills in two languages.”

To help teachers with proficiency, Hatch provides continual access to online professional development through the Hatch Learning Management System (LMS). Teachers are guided through easy-to-use coursework with informational videos. Visit www.HatchEarlyChildhood.com/Spanish or call 800-624-7968 for more information.

About Hatch®, The Early Learning Experts:

Founded in 1984, Hatch is committed to providing research-based early learning technology and classroom materials that assist teachers and help children develop essential skills for success in school. Award-winning Hatch solutions combine child-appropriate hardware with research-based activities and progress monitoring tools. Teachers and administrators can access child performance data online to inform instruction and aid in assessments. For more information, visit www.hatchearlylearning.com.