Classroom
Activities that
support English
Language Learner’s
Literacy Skills
By: Erin Reardon
Section 1: Screen for Reading
Problems & Monitor Progress
M
Does it
make
sense?
S
Does it
sound
right?
V
Does it look
right?
Section 3: Provide Extensive and
Varied Vocabulary Instruction
High
Frequency
Words
could
Story
Vocabulary
understand
make
right
there
remember
why
candle
would
bury
Section 3: Activity Example
continued
Words in
Context
Vocabulary
words are
defined, and
then shown in
the sentence
that is used in
the reading.
remember
(verb): When you
remember
something, you
think of it.
Word Smart
Next to each
vocabulary word,
students will
draw a picture
that defines or
represents it.
Matching
Game
Cloze
Sentences
Concept
Completion
Students have
the focused
vocabulary
words on flash
cards. They will
then match the
term and the
definition.
Students will use
vocabulary
words to
complete given
sentences.
Students will use
what they know
about vocabulary
words by
completing given
sentences.
(matching game
with word cards)
He had to
___________ to
bring his book to
school.
It is important to
remember
______________
______________
______________.
Section 4: Developing Academic
English (Vocabulary Notebook Page)
Vocabulary Word: Lava
Image:
French: de Lave
Student Draw:
Describe: Lava comes out of
volcanoes.
Found in the Text : “Lava is
liquid rock that flows out of a
volcano.”
Extra Box:
Lava
• Melted Rock
• Above Earth’s surface
Magma
• Melted Rock
• Below Earth’s surface
Use in a sentence: Lava is red
or orange and is very hot.
Section 4: Developing Academic
English (Vocabulary Visit)
Planning
Visit
Texts
Vocabulary
Visual
The Vocabulary Visit
Jump Start
& First Write
Group Talk
Reading &
Thumbs Up
Follow-Up
Final Write
Section 4: Developing Academic
English (Vocabulary Visit continued)
Planning
VISIT:
TEXTS:
1.
Nervous System
2.
3.
4.
5.
The Brain: Our Nervous System by Seymour
Simon
The Nervous System by: Christine Taylor Butler
The Outstanding Nervous System: How Does My
Brain Work by: John Burstein
The Nervous System by: Darlene R. Stille
http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/kids/stories/
spacescience/brain/
VOCABULARY:
- Lobe
- Hemisphere
- Brain
- Cell
- Nerve Cell
- Vertebrate
- Neurons
- Spinal Chord
- Tissue
- Central System
- Spinal Chord - Peripheral System
VISUAL:
Section 4: Developing Academic
English (Vocabulary Visit continued)
The Vocabulary Visit
First Write – Nervous System
Draw a picture of what you think the
nervous system looks like:
Group Talk
-What do you notice?
-What do you see?
-How do you think the nervous system
involves your senses?
(Sticky-note related vocabulary added by
students.)
Here are some words I know about the nervous
system:
___________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
______
Read-Aloud: When students hear
vocabulary words mentioned in the readaloud, that they added to their poster,
they give a thumbs up.
Section 4: Developing Academic
English (Vocabulary Visit continued)
Follow Up:
After the texts have been used (readaloud, guided reading groups,
independent practice) final words
are added to the poster.
Final Write – Nervous System
Draw a picture of what you think the
nervous system looks like:
Here are some words I know about the nervous
system:
___________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
______
Section 5: Regular, Peer Assisted
Learning Activities