My ELL students are struggling with the textbook in my 9th grade Physical Science class. Because of this they are falling behind. I just don't know what to do about it. Any ideas?
Use a lot of pictures in order to teach content. Pictures are a great way for all students to learn, not just those with English Language Barriers. Diagrams of the nervous system, cell cycle, examples of Newton's Laws -- there are great free ones on the web.
Have you tried short texts? Select only the most important sections of the book or of an authentic text instead of assigning full chapters.
Don't neglect the importance of vocabulary to your students. I find the best success with my ELL students happens when I use a word wall. Stick to teaching two or three new vocabulary words a day. Post these so you can see them on the wall along with their definitions. When students are struggling to find the right word to use or to understand a text, they can just look on the wall. Hope this helps!
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2 comments:
Use a lot of pictures in order to teach content. Pictures are a great way for all students to learn, not just those with English Language Barriers. Diagrams of the nervous system, cell cycle, examples of Newton's Laws -- there are great free ones on the web.
Have you tried short texts? Select only the most important sections of the book or of an authentic text instead of assigning full chapters.
Don't neglect the importance of vocabulary to your students. I find the best success with my ELL students happens when I use a word wall. Stick to teaching two or three new vocabulary words a day. Post these so you can see them on the wall along with their definitions. When students are struggling to find the right word to use or to understand a text, they can just look on the wall. Hope this helps!
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