Tue, Nov 08, 2022 6:06 PM
science strategies for ELL learners
I like how this article gave 6 strategies to use when teaching science to ELL students. The first strategy is to make ELLs included members of your class. This includes learning how to say their names with a reasonable amount of pronunciation. It is best to not ask ELL students if we can use a nickname since this may have them feel invisible in your class. Using your students name shows that you respect them. The second strategy is to give students opportunities to produce oral language in situations where they can succeed. Teachers should provide a number of supports so that ELLs can confidently respond in class and provide contributions. The third strategy is to provide key terms of the unit in a readily accessible location. Many ELLs struggle to articulate concepts if they do not have access to the English terms for the words they need. One common way to provide these words is by using a word wall. The fourth strategy is to recognize that the words that show up on the word walls are not the only one important to conceptual understanding. Teachers can help by calling attention to words like prepositions by using graphic organizers. The fifth strategy is to use the learning cycle to increase comprehension and ground language. We can do this by beginning class with experiences which helps all students have a foundation to build understanding. Finally, the sixth strategy is to use alternative assessments. In science, we do not have to give a pencil and paper test, children can show their understanding through models, projects, simulations, demonstrations, drawings, and conversations. These strategies will not only help ELL students, but also non-ELL students as well. This article focuses more on how to teach science effectively to ELL students without making them feel left out, so the NGSS aren’t discussed much throughout the article. This article does have a section discussing the strategy of using alternative assessments for ELL students. I don’t believe there are any shortfalls to this article.