Fostering Language Development with Book Creator’s Multimodal Translation Features

There are many ways to support MLs in the classroom, including bridging languages, using home language, or using cognates as scaffolds. One of the most effective ways, however, is by intentionally integrating translation tools into teaching practices.

Translation can be especially helpful in allowing newcomer students to overcome language barriers and fully engage with the content. With Book Creator, teachers can unlock a range of translation features for text, audio, video, and entire books, elevating the learning experience for MLs.

Empower multilingual learners with multimodal translation tools

Book Creator is more than a platform for creating digital books—it’s a powerful resource that empowers students to take control of their learning through various forms of media.

With over 5 million multilingual learners in the United States alone, it’s critical that schools have the right tools to support language development across all four language modalities: listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

Book Creator’s translation capabilities help students navigate between their home language and English, enabling teachers to scaffold language development and tailor the learning experience to the unique needs of each student.

Let’s explore how each translation tool can enhance language learning.

Translating text for deeper understanding

Emerging English speakers often struggle with understanding written instructions or classroom content. Real-time text translation helps students bridge their home language with English, ensuring they stay engaged with the content.

The best part is that teachers can control whether students can access this feature through their library settings. This flexibility allows educators to decide when it’s an appropriate scaffold to support the learning experience, and when it could otherwise be a crutch in the student language acquisition.

Enhancing listening skills with audio translation

Listening comprehension is a critical part of language acquisition. With audio translation, teachers can offer auditory information in a student’s home language, making content accessible and engaging for those still developing their English skills. This is especially valuable for newcomers or students with limited literacy in their home language.

Making video content accessible with caption translation

Video content is an increasingly valuable classroom tool, providing both visual and audio representation of the content being presented. With Book Creator, teachers can translate video captions into over 100 languages.

This feature not only supports students in understanding visual and auditory content but also strengthens communication with families by translating video newsletters and updates.

Supporting language acquisition and content mastery

We know it is important for teachers to determine how and when translations can help students access content, versus when it might inhibit their literacy acquisition. Teachers can adjust translation settings to scaffold students’ learning without making them overly reliant on the tool.

A great place to start using the our translation tools in a targeted way, is in our Newcomer Vocabulary Notebook, which helps students build foundational language skills.

Creating an inclusive, culturally responsive learning environment

Book Creator’s translation tools go beyond language support—they help foster a culturally responsive classroom where students’ home languages are valued.

By encouraging the use of non-English languages, educators can help students feel confident and included, an essential step in creating a supportive environment for English language learners (ELLs).

Additionally, the ability to translate teacher feedback ensures meaningful communication between school and home, keeping parents engaged in their child’s education.

Start translating with Book Creator today

We understand how challenging those first few days can be for newcomer students, as well as for those at intermediate proficiency levels. By translating entire books with Book Creator, you can connect with your students in the language they’re most comfortable with, easing their transition and helping them feel supported from day one.

This “All About Me” journal is an excellent resource to translate for students on their first day, allowing them to share about themselves in the language they feel most comfortable with. Additionally, you can create a version about yourself and translate it into their home language, helping them get to know you better and fostering a welcoming connection from the start.