Supporting English Learners Across Content Areas by Lauren Hoffmann

Visual Math Word Problem Strategies

lauren_hoffmann1 — 2024-10-29 11:29:07 UTC

These visual strategies can help ELLs tackle word problems! I am sure we have all seen how graphic organizers and drawing models can greatly benefit students and yield a lot of success. Teaching students to highlight key vocabulary and create simple drawings helps bridge the language gap. This works great alongside word banks with mathematical vocabulary!

Math Vocabulary Cards

lauren_hoffmann1 — 2024-10-29 11:29:09 UTC

These bilingual math vocabulary cards could be a game changer. Each card has the term, visual representation, definition, and an example. It's perfect for various proficiency levels and can be differentiated by adding native language translations.

Number Talks for ELLs

lauren_hoffmann1 — 2024-10-29 11:29:09 UTC

Number talks are great for developing mathematical discourse. Start with simple visual problems and gradually increase the complexity. You can use sentence frames to help students explain their thinking: 'I solved this by...', 'Another way to solve this is...', 'I agree/disagree because...'. I have seen these in some of your classrooms and think they are amazing!

Interactive Science Notebooks

lauren_hoffmann1 — 2024-10-29 11:29:10 UTC

Interactive notebooks help ELLs organize their thinking and learning, just like for any student. You can include vocabulary sections, visual representations, and space for both English and native language notes. Great for building academic language in science!

Science Experiment Procedure Templates

lauren_hoffmann1 — 2024-10-29 11:29:11 UTC

I found these free modified lab report templates that include visual supports and sentence frames. Perfect for helping ELLs participate fully in hands-on experiments while developing their scientific writing skills. Includes different versions for various English proficiency levels. I know interactive notebooks are a common practice in our classrooms already, so here are just some more resources to support that!

Virtual Science Simulations

lauren_hoffmann1 — 2024-10-29 11:29:13 UTC

PhET simulations are fantastic for ELLs. They provide visual support for complex science concepts and allow students to explore at their own pace. You create guided worksheets with simplified instructions and key vocabulary highlighted.

Timeline Creation Tools

lauren_hoffmann1 — 2024-10-29 11:29:13 UTC

Visual timelines can help ELLs understand historical sequences. You can use timeline templates with picture supports and simplified text. Students can add events in both English and their native language, making historical concepts more accessible to them.

Geography Picture Dictionary

lauren_hoffmann1 — 2024-10-29 11:29:15 UTC

Here is a picture dictionary for geography terms! You can include images, definitions, and examples. Great for building academic vocabulary. Students can also add translations and their own examples. This is great for map reading and spatial concepts.

Primary Source Analysis Guides

lauren_hoffmann1 — 2024-10-29 11:29:16 UTC

A resource for research activities or projects! These are modified primary source analysis worksheets with scaffolded questions and visual supports. This includes sentence frames for document analysis and discussion. There are different versions available for varying English proficiency levels.

Graphic Novel Study Guides

lauren_hoffmann1 — 2024-10-29 11:29:18 UTC

Graphic novels are perfect for ELLs at any proficiency level! Visual storytelling supports comprehension while building their overall reading skills. Vocabulary.com has a ton of resources to guide through various Graphic Novels at the middle school level. It even has vocabulary cards for the books that include audio for pronunciation and oral comprehension practice.

Writing Frames for Essays

lauren_hoffmann1 — 2024-10-29 11:29:18 UTC

These writing frames help ELLs organize their essays across genres. Includes sentence starters, transition words, and paragraph templates. Different levels available from beginning to advanced English proficiency.

Reading Response Activities

lauren_hoffmann1 — 2024-10-29 11:29:20 UTC

Modified reading response activities that work great for ELLs! Includes graphic organizers, simplified question prompts, and visual supports. Perfect for independent reading and literature circles!

Academic Language Sentence Frames

lauren_hoffmann1 — 2024-10-29 11:29:22 UTC

A comprehensive collection of sentence frames for different purposes: comparing, contrasting, agreeing, disagreeing, explaining processes, etc. Can be used across all content areas to support academic discussions and writing.

Translation Tools Guide

lauren_hoffmann1 — 2024-10-29 11:29:24 UTC

Best practices for using translation tools in the classroom! While Google Translate isn't perfect, it can be a valuable support when used appropriately and when a block of language needs quick translation. However, resources like Word Reference (above), Reverso, and Linguee are much better tools for translation for language learning and to make sure the language is translation and used appropriately.

Visual Thinking Strategies

lauren_hoffmann1 — 2024-10-29 11:29:25 UTC

VTS discussions can work great with ELLs! You can start with engaging images and use the three questions: What's going on in this picture? What do you see that makes you say that? What more can you find? This is a good strategy for developing observation and discussion skills.

Parent Communication Templates

lauren_hoffmann1 — 2024-10-29 11:29:27 UTC

Here is a blog on effective strategies and things to know about communicating with multilingual families. It include links to other topics as well, such as strategies to support immigrant students and families. Communicating effectively helps maintain strong home-school connections with ELL families.