Math & Science TAKS Bootcamp Strategies For English Language Learners

Ice Breaker…. What is the biggest obstacle ELLs face in passing the Math & Science TAKS tests?

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What is Bootcamp? A series of 5 tutorial sessions. Strategies focusing on the needs of ELLs. –Language Scaffolding –Critical Thinking –Content Review

Objectives Build Testing Confidence Teach Concrete Strategies Language Scaffolding Techniques Reinforce Strategic Test Taking Skills

Math & Science Bootcamp 5 Sessions 50 minutes each 4 elements per session –Read Aloud –Vocabulary –Question T-Chart –Answer Match –Solve & Present

Materials Classroom Questions & Answers Student question manipulatives Student answer manipulatives Paper for vocabulary activity Paper for T-chart activity

Classroom Questions & Answers Large Copies of the 5 Questions and 5 Answer groups for each session Students will have small copies of the same

Element 1: Question Read Aloud 5 Questions Students read the questions aloud noting the vocabulary marked in each question.

Element 2: Vocabulary 5-8 words pre-chosen per session Words taken from TAKS context Students create personal dictionaries for EACH word

Vocabulary Word or Phrase Visual Representation Definition in my own words Word in TAKS Context

Element 3: T-Chart Language Breakdown Slow-down & Think

What is the question really asking me? In my own words what is it looking for?  Data  Facts  Numbers  Information

Element 4: Answer Match Students match their answer manipulatives to the question manipulatives

Element 5: Answer Present Students solve all 5 questions using their vocabulary and T-charts Each question is presented to the class All 5 Questions remain on the wall until the next Bootcamp session.

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