Project-Based Learning for ELLs

One of my big goals for this summer was to create a skeleton or framework for at least one PBL idea for each grade level for my schools this year.  I will be in three elementary schools and I want to be a part of the PBL conversation because of how beneficial and engaging it can be for (everyone and) ELLs.

This short video from the Buck Institute for Education (BIE) gives you a taste of the kinds of differentiation techniques ESOL teachers can employ or suggest to general classroom teachers to encourage confidence and meaningful participation of ELLs in a group PBL setting.  Watch it below!

Word Sums with WordWorksKingston

We learned about this in my teaching program, but I didn't pay close enough attention to how helpful this word sum, or word matrix, method could be for building vocabulary in ELLs!

I've spent the last week drinking it in and planning to teach it to my upper grade ELLs this year.  Have you used these matrices in your classroom?  What do you think?

Arvind Gupta: Turning trash into toys for learning

Brilliant, simple, and inexpensive hands-on toys that will help students understand concrete math and science concepts. I first watched this video a year ago and I continue to love watching his creativity.