Supporting EL Students in Learning Science Content Jazlyn Wright GCPS Teaching & Learning Conference June 17, 2015

Think about some of the reasons why EL students have difficulty accessing scientific concepts and expressing their understanding of these concepts in oral and written language. Share your thoughts using this linklink Think about some of the reasons why EL students have difficulty accessing scientific concepts and expressing their understanding of these concepts in oral and written language. Share your thoughts using this linklink What are some issues that EL students face as they try to understand science concepts?

Effective language instruction for EL students is built on three fundamental pillars: 1.Activating Prior Knowledge 2.Accessing Content 3. Extending Language

Pillar #1: Activating Prior Knowledge

Prior knowledge is the “foundation of learning”. When students read a scientific text, they pull in their prior knowledge of language, science, and the world around them. Activating prior knowledge helps EL students tremendously, for they may not be aware of exactly what they know about a particular science topic.

Why activate prior knowledge? Facilitates learning. Helps struggling EL students with vocabulary & grammatical structures in addition to complex concepts. Building context helps EL students understand more complex language. Lessens the cognitive load of the text and frees up brain power.

Activating prior knowledge could be done simply by sharing pictures or video clips with students. Here are two videos that I’ve used to introduce a preserving ecosystems unit! Lingering Effects of BP Oil Spill on Water Ecosystem BP Oil Spill Effects Lingering Effects of BP Oil Spill on Water Ecosystem BP Oil Spill Effects Gulf Oil Spill Volunteer Action Oil Spill Clean-Up Efforts

Pillar #2: Access Content

How can we make the content easily accessible? We can scaffold student learning by modifying the input. We must continually embed the content in a richly redundant context with multiple routes to the meaning in addition to the language itself.

Strategies that improve student access to content include, but are not limited to… Using Visuals: Visuals allow students to “see” the concept rather than solely relying on words. Acting it Out : Allow students to physically represent phenomenon or act out commands. Clarifying Language: Provide language-oriented activities. Instructors may explain new, scientific words by introducing synonyms, antonyms, or “common” definitions of science-related academic vocabulary. Using Visuals: Visuals allow students to “see” the concept rather than solely relying on words. Acting it Out : Allow students to physically represent phenomenon or act out commands. Clarifying Language: Provide language-oriented activities. Instructors may explain new, scientific words by introducing synonyms, antonyms, or “common” definitions of science-related academic vocabulary.

Pillar #3: Extending Language

Extending Language A systematic focus on words and exploration of language is essential in the acquisition of academic language. We can assist EL students with this by… Exploring Etymology: A large portion of the technical terms of the English language derive from Greek and Latin roots with very predictable patterns. Relating words to the students’ first language Modeling appropriate academic language. A systematic focus on words and exploration of language is essential in the acquisition of academic language. We can assist EL students with this by… Exploring Etymology: A large portion of the technical terms of the English language derive from Greek and Latin roots with very predictable patterns. Relating words to the students’ first language Modeling appropriate academic language.

Let’s Explore Activities that fall under our three Fundamental Pillars…

Strategies for Activating Prior Knowledge Talking Drawings A-B-C Brainstorming Written Conversations Transformed Texts

Strategies for Accessing Science Content Text Dependent Vocabulary Sample Lesson – Weathering & Erosion Public Service Announcement Assignment Project (3 rd Grade) Plan Your PSA Lesson PSA Storyboard Graphic Organizer Rubric for PSA Project

Strategies for Extending Language Vocabulary Dictionaries (Could be used with any science unit) Preserving Ecosystems Sample Terms & Definitions Term Template Vocabulary Strategies for Science Centered Language

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