English Language Learners
Learning the English language can often be frustrating and difficult.. Add to that the complex and often challenging vocabulary present in many science classes, and English language learners are often left with an overwhelming sense of confusion and frustration. Below are several different strategies that can be utilized within the science classroom to assist in an English language learners understanding of the science curriculum.
Auditory
1. Speak slowly and write down important terms - Often when native language speakers are talking, it may seem "too fast" to ELL. Slow down. Also, write down key words or important terms so that the ELL can learn to connect the written word to spoken words.
2. Closed Captioning - When watching videos or movies, turn on the closed captioning so that ELL can connect the written word to the spoken word.
Visual
1. Utilize visual literacy - Math and music are often considered a universal language, as people from around the world can understand them. Use lots of pictures, graphs, maps and drawings to assist your ELL students.
2. Graphic Organizers - Similar to visual literacy, graphic organizers often use very little words and are thus a very valuable tool to use in teaching ELL. Mind maps, flow chars and other graphic organizers can be useful within your class.
Interpersonal Strategies
1. Group projects and cooperative learning - Allows students to exchange, write and present ideas under less pressure.
2. Encourage Participation - Encourage participation through the creation of a positive and supportive environment.
Reading/Writing
1. Journaling - Encourage students to improve their proficiency within the English language by requiring them to take notes and keep science journals.
2. Science reading and comprehension - Utilize jigsaw learning activities within the classroom.
Structure
- Consistent routines
- Agendas and outlines
- Relate to prior knowledge
Laboratory
- Hands-on activities
Demonstrations
- Clear procedures step-by-step
- Model expectations and procedures visually
- Use pictures in the lab procedures
Instruction
- Wait time - Allow students to formulate a response.
- Analogies
Vocabulary
- Language-based science games
- Picture glossary
- Common classroom vocabulary - develop a vocabulary that all of the students will be comfortable using.
- Root words - greek word and suffixes.
- Cognates
- Word wall - Post all vocabulary in an organized manner on a wall.
All of the above suggestions were adapted from "The Sourcebook for Teaching Science" by Norman Herr.
Dual Language Assignments
Depending on the student's fluency in their first language, you may choose to create bi-lingual assignments for the ELL in your class. Google translate is a quick way to create a dual language document, just keep in mind that the translations are not always 100% accurate. Below is an example of a dual language document created for my grade 7 science class.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/14fsFcuHRdScZ7IPdh0K7CJMH2D4TCunCuiBVPMiNMaE/edit?usp=sharing
Wikipedia - Simple English
When doing research projects online, direct your ELL students to the simple English version of Wikipedia. The simple version has the same information in easier to understand language. To get to the site, type in simple before your Wikipedia url.
Ex. http://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lion
Text Compactor
Attached below is a link to a website that will take a large amount of text and shorten it to just include the necessary information. http://textcompactor.com
Auditory
1. Speak slowly and write down important terms - Often when native language speakers are talking, it may seem "too fast" to ELL. Slow down. Also, write down key words or important terms so that the ELL can learn to connect the written word to spoken words.
2. Closed Captioning - When watching videos or movies, turn on the closed captioning so that ELL can connect the written word to the spoken word.
Visual
1. Utilize visual literacy - Math and music are often considered a universal language, as people from around the world can understand them. Use lots of pictures, graphs, maps and drawings to assist your ELL students.
2. Graphic Organizers - Similar to visual literacy, graphic organizers often use very little words and are thus a very valuable tool to use in teaching ELL. Mind maps, flow chars and other graphic organizers can be useful within your class.
Interpersonal Strategies
1. Group projects and cooperative learning - Allows students to exchange, write and present ideas under less pressure.
2. Encourage Participation - Encourage participation through the creation of a positive and supportive environment.
Reading/Writing
1. Journaling - Encourage students to improve their proficiency within the English language by requiring them to take notes and keep science journals.
2. Science reading and comprehension - Utilize jigsaw learning activities within the classroom.
Structure
- Consistent routines
- Agendas and outlines
- Relate to prior knowledge
Laboratory
- Hands-on activities
Demonstrations
- Clear procedures step-by-step
- Model expectations and procedures visually
- Use pictures in the lab procedures
Instruction
- Wait time - Allow students to formulate a response.
- Analogies
Vocabulary
- Language-based science games
- Picture glossary
- Common classroom vocabulary - develop a vocabulary that all of the students will be comfortable using.
- Root words - greek word and suffixes.
- Cognates
- Word wall - Post all vocabulary in an organized manner on a wall.
All of the above suggestions were adapted from "The Sourcebook for Teaching Science" by Norman Herr.
Dual Language Assignments
Depending on the student's fluency in their first language, you may choose to create bi-lingual assignments for the ELL in your class. Google translate is a quick way to create a dual language document, just keep in mind that the translations are not always 100% accurate. Below is an example of a dual language document created for my grade 7 science class.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/14fsFcuHRdScZ7IPdh0K7CJMH2D4TCunCuiBVPMiNMaE/edit?usp=sharing
Wikipedia - Simple English
When doing research projects online, direct your ELL students to the simple English version of Wikipedia. The simple version has the same information in easier to understand language. To get to the site, type in simple before your Wikipedia url.
Ex. http://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lion
Text Compactor
Attached below is a link to a website that will take a large amount of text and shorten it to just include the necessary information. http://textcompactor.com