5K) Content-based writing assignments
Provide writing assignments that are content-based and help develop academic language as well as writing skills. (elementary only)
Video: Language Function Wall—1st Grade
This video shows a first grade class engaged in the creation of a "Language Function Wall." This strategy helps students develop powerful academic language over the course of a thematic unit.Read More
Video: Sentence Patterning Chart—Kindergarten
In this bilingual classroom, students are engaged in creating a Sentence Patterning Chart, a strategy designed to help students utilize the high level, academic vocabulary they have acquired orally to read and/or write sentences with an emphasis on grammar and parts of speech.Read More
Strategy Overview: Conducting a Family Oral History—K-3rd
Everyone has stories that are worth sharing! This strategy deepens a child's knowledge about their heritage, makes use of their home language, and opens opportunities to share their stories with their peers.Read More
Video: Our Chicks Have Hatched!—A Home School Connection
The first clip of this video is a conversation between a parent and a child as they discuss a school project about chicks that have been sent home. The second clip shows how the school project was made in the classroom. Children interact with live chicks in the classroom while the teacher helps them identify and write the language they want to use to express what they have learned.Read More
Video: Writing Her First Letter—Alphabetic Knowledge
In this video clip, the teacher supports a Multilingual Learner to write her letters on her work after they talk about it. The teacher supports the child to practice letter-sound correspondence in an authentic context and then helps her read her work.Read More
Video: Model Curriculum for English Learners – Animals and Where They Live (1st grade)
In this video, the teacher introduces the intentional supports she builds into a writing lesson to support intermediate Multilingual Learners.Read More
Video & Video Guide: Using Reciprocal Teaching to Engage 3rd-Grade Readers
This video shows Multilingual Learners in a 3rd-grade classroom engaged in reciprocal teaching. This small group interaction helps structure student-led discussions about a text and bolster reading comprehension. The accompanying guide suggests moments in the video to pause to notice teachers’ practice, along with prompts for reflection and discussion.Read More
Video: Integrating ELD Instruction Using Text Reconstruction
This is a 2nd-grade lesson of the text reconstruction ELD strategy, designed to provide access and practice in both English and content instruction. This strategy encourages Multilingual Learners to communicate as they engage with informational text.Read More
Strategy Overview: Helping Emergent Bilinguals Become Confident Writers
When sufficient supports and intentional instruction are in place, Multilingual Learners can develop into confident writers. In these resources, teachers can read about the dos and don'ts of writing instruction for Multilingual Learners.Read More
Website Article: Culture & Writing With the Common Core- Considerations for English Learners (Part 2)
This article introduces instructional ideas and specific supports that teachers can use to integrate culture into Multilingual Learners' writing to build confidence and motivation.Read More
Website Article: Writing With the Common Core- Considerations for English Learners (Part 1)
This article introduces instructional ideas and specific supports that can help Multilingual Learners access writing across different genres to meet the requirements of Common Core State Standards.Read More
Strategy Overview: Juicy Sentence Guidance
This document reviews a strategy to help Multilingual Learners access complex text through the study of a mentor sentence. After selecting a "juicy" sentence, the teacher facilitates explicit discussion about the language structure, word choice, and layers of meaning found in the example.Read More
Podcast: Writing Matters with Dr. Troy Hicks ft. Andrea Honigsfeld & Maria Dove
This episode features a discussion about process-oriented writing with Multilingual Learners. The presenters mention studying the craft of writing, looking at mentor texts, using specific language supports, and using culturally relevant writing prompts.Read More
Webinar: Supporting English Learner Students in the Early Grades
This link includes two webinars that share practical strategies for teachers to support the literacy and language development of Multilingual Learners in the early grades. The first webinar is "Scaffolding Emergent Reading, Oral Language, and Writing for Dual Language Learners/English Learners in PreK–1st Grade," and the second is "Language & Literacy Development in PreK–1st Grade: Words and More."Read More
Video & Video Guide: Integrated Thematic Unit – 3rd Grade
This video provides a rich opportunity to look inside a classroom and note the intentional supports for English language and literacy development embedded in a thematic unit of study. The teacher implements a Daily 5 structure, which allows Multilingual Learners to learn both academic language and content across multiple modalities and learning activities. The accompanying guide suggests moments in the video to pause to notice teachers’ practice, along with prompts for reflection and discussion.Read More
Strategy Overview: Shared Research Projects / Los proyectos de investigación compartidos
The Shared Research Project strategy is typically implemented midway through a thematic unit of study. The teacher preselects relevant topics and intentionally groups students into small research teams to research, take notes using supports like graphic organizers, and ultimately produce a piece of collaborative writing.Read More
Strategy Overview: Sentence Patterning Chart / La tabla de formación de oraciones
This resource introduces a strategy to model and write good descriptive sentences with Multilingual Learners. It combines language-based supports with opportunities for children to practice academic vocabulary and apply it to structured, content-based writing.Read More
Strategy Overview: Cooperative Strip Paragraph
This shared writing technique structures support for Multilingual Learners in content-based, academic writing. The cooperative learning structure offers students the chance to engage in the writing process in small groups with same language or English proficient peers.Read More
