Building Vocabulary with Canva: Digital Storytelling for 3rd and 4th Grade English Language Learners

Abstract

This lesson helps 3rd–4th grade English Language Learners (ELLs) build academic vocabulary through digital storytelling using Canva. Students create digital books that integrate visuals, text, and narration, providing authentic contexts for language use. The lesson engages students by allowing them to work collaboratively, create stories, and receive feedback. Canva’s multimodal features uniquely support academic vocabulary. Students search images to represent words, type sentences with differentiated frames, and record oral narrations with opportunities for re-recording. This process deepens semantic understanding, builds syntax, and develops oral fluency in academic register, offering support beyond traditional instruction. Assessments like rubrics and peer feedback track progress and improve language skills and digital communication.