English Language Learners

[BThompson]

I am hoping there are people out there that have new ideas for me on what to do during ELD time each day.

Here, in my district, we are required to teach structured English Language Development time with students that are still learning English. However, materials are rather limited in my class. In other words, I do not have a series or any type of structured lesson planning materials. Any suggestions? What should ELD time look like?

By the way, I teach 5th grade and have about 12 ELD students at various levels.

[Chef Dave]

Why not teach them American folk songs?

With Christmas nearly here, why not teach them some Christmas songs? Some Christmas songs are universal. The German "Stille Nacht" is known in the United States as "Silent Night." This song has been translated into many other languages.

Here's a link to "Silent Night" lyrics in several languages: Dutch, Spanish, Italian, German, Japanese, French etc.

http://www.visit-salzburg.net/travel/silentnightlyrics.htm

Teach them poetry. As a seasonal activity, perhaps they could read, "The Night Before Christmas" or "How the Grinch Stole Christmas."

[BThompson]

I love your idea of poetry and songs. Vocabulary and language usage is sometimes unique to these genres and it would be ideal for extending vocabulary and language skills. I never thought of using these. Thanks!

Keep the ideas coming!

[tepatria]

Pick a theme the students like - sports usually arouse interest. Have the students research their theme in groups or individually. Often their reading is better than their speaking. I did a theme on the Solar System with a group of Grade 5 and 6 students. Each one chose a different planet and we got simple books that they could follow. Not only did they learn something that was on the curriculum, but their skills for organizing and displaying their work greatly improved. I let them proof read each others work before I saw it. They really enjoyed that and helped each other well. Their projects were proudly displayed at open house.

[kingrichie]

I give my ELDS vocabulary words at the beginning of the week. First, we alphabetize and syllabicate each word.
parts
whole
parts

Then we define, give an example and illustrate each word.

definition example

illustration

[sgaestel]

Definitely do the vocabulary thing. Students love to write on smaller things, so use flashcards! On one side have them do the word, the other the definition and a picture of the word.

With these students, pictures are key... When reading the poetry try to have them break it down by going stanza by stanza and drawing a picture of the image they get. It helps with understanding and comprehension...and actually works with every grade level!