Teaching Math and Science to ELLs
Over the last few weeks I had the opportunity to work with a wonderful group of EL students at the Shelby County EL summer camp. I tried to implement many strategies that I learned about in EESL 650 at UAB.
One important aspect I remember from class is that language must be embedded into the lesson, providing students with ample opportunities to practice listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills.
Math and science concepts can be integrated among many subjects. This summer I worked to integrate some math lessons into my social studies and science lessons. One particular lesson involved learning about conservation and the Redwood forest.
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| A museum walk on the Redwood forest, students stop and jot the most shocking fact they can find. |
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| Students learn about "diameter" and simulate the diameter of a Sequoia tree in the Redwood forest |
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| The Window of the World realia box is filled with items related to the day's lesson. Students enter the classroom and discuss what they believe the lesson will be about for that day. |
We also did a lesson on the Huntsville Space and Rocket Center, a landmark in Alabama. Students learned about the center and how you can go through simulated space camp. Students learned about missions and created their own mission patch. They also watched videos of how astronauts have to eat in space because of absence of gravity. Students simulated making an orange "Tang" drink as if they were in space.
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| Students drink their "space" drink during astronaut training |
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| Directions are key for EL students, using technology to model and guide students will lower the affective filter. |
Can I get some of the tang? What a wonderful idea, I also love the "Window on the world". I will enjoy visiting your site to get some great ideas about how to help my students. AMAZING BLOG!!!!
ReplyDeleteI loved the most shocking fact idea, how fun! This really gets the students involved and trying to get a different fact than their friends. Awesome!!
ReplyDeleteThe windows on the world realia box also as a lesson starter, It really hooks them!
Amanda, Great strategies used up above, I love the "window of the world", I think that is such a creative project. Your students look very engaged in all their activities, Great Job!!
ReplyDeleteI loved how the students demonstrated the diameter of the Sequoia tree! It seems to have brought the subject to life!
ReplyDeleteI loved how you involved the kids in every aspect of these lessons. The "Window of the World" box was a very cute idea to get their little minds going as well. I love seeing the different things you do in your lessons.
ReplyDeleteWhat wonderful lessons! I will have to remember some of your ideas for the future! "Window of the World" was awesome!
ReplyDeleteGreat to work at camp with you!!