"Science talks" for student groups

This article provides much of the same information on how to adjust instructional strategies for ELLs as other articles (study buddies, define vocabulary, use of visuals). This article add... See More

This article provides much of the same information on how to adjust instructional strategies for ELLs as other articles (study buddies, define vocabulary, use of visuals). This article adds an additional component, "Science talks" where students share in small groups at the beginning and during a unit what they know about the content and experiences they have had with the topics being studied. This allows the ELL student an opportunity to share with classmates and for classmates to help them improve their vocabulary. It is a valuable tool because it provides the teacher with an formative pre-assessment tool and a means for all students to share those experiences they are just bursting to let others know about in a way that keeps the class momentum going.

Some Basic Techniques

All classrooms are diverse but with No Child Left Behind law teachers have to provide extra support to students with English language difficulties. This article provides some insight to sta... See More

All classrooms are diverse but with No Child Left Behind law teachers have to provide extra support to students with English language difficulties. This article provides some insight to standard and basic strategies. Suggestions include the using of visuals and to build on students’ prior knowledge. Also described is a strategy called ‘instructional conversations.’ The author describes the use of speaking strategies for these students as well. This is a good article for a new teacher.