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Hands-On English Language Learning for Middle Years (Grades 4-6)

An Inquiry Approach

Canada-wide

Table of contents

Introduction to Hands-On English Language Learning 1

  • Program Introduction 1
  • Who Are English Language Learners (ELLs)? 1
  • Stages of Language Acquisition 1
  • Program Principles 2
  • The Middle-Years Learner 4
  • Topics of Study 4
  • Program Implementation 5
  • Tips for Teachers 7
  • Classroom Environment 7
  • Timelines 8
  • Classroom Management 8
  • Cooperative Learning Activities 8
  • Peer Helpers 9
  • Important Notes About Terminology 9
  • Using Care and Sensitivity 10
  • Scope and Sequence Charts for Hands-On English Language Learning 11
  • Subject-Area Correlation 20

Hands-On English Language Learning Assessment Plan 32

  • Introduction 32
  • Cultural Knowledge 32
  • Cultural Competency 32
  • Purposes of Classroom-Based Assessment for Language Learning and Use 33
  • Assessment Tasks Appropriate for Middle-Years English Language Learners 33
  • Teacher Considerations When Assessing Middle-Years English Language Learners 34
  • Assessment Tools 34
  • Assessment Reproducibles 37
  • References 41

Module 1 43

  • Introduction 44
  • Books for Students 48
  • Websites 50
  • 1 Greetings/Social Communication 51
  • 2 The Classroom 58
  • 3 The School 65
  • 4 School Activities 71
  • 5 The Alphabet 76
  • 6 Colours 83
  • 7 Numbers, Counting, and Math 88
  • 8 The Calendar – Days of the Week 99
  • 9 The Calendar – Months of the Year 104
  • 10 Personal Information 109
  • 11 Culminating Activity: Creating A Board Game 117
  • References for Teachers 121

Module 2 123

  • Introduction 124
  • Books for Students 128
  • Websites 130
  • 1 Emotions 132
  • 2 Clothing 139
  • 3 Food 147
  • 4 Body Parts and Health 159
  • 5 Physical Activities 168
  • 6 Hobbies and Interests 175
  • 7 Music and Instruments 181
  • 8 Homes 189
  • 9 The Community 196
  • 10 Ordering Food 203
  • 11 Technology 211
  • 12 Culminating Activity: Creating an “All About Me” Electronic Portfolio 216
  • References for Teachers 220

Module 3 223

  • Introduction 224
  • Books for Students 228
  • Websites 230
  • 1 Canadian Geography 232
  • 2 Canadian Symbols 242
  • 3 Celebrations and Holidays 248
  • 4 Relationships 257
  • 5 Rules, Laws, and Responsibility 262
  • 6 Government 268
  • 7 World Geography 277
  • 8 North America 283
  • 9 Cultural Diversity 288
  • 10 Our World Community 295
  • 11 Basic Human Needs 299
  • 12 Human Rights 307
  • 13 The Media 313
  • 14 Culminating Activity: Designing a Newspaper 319
  • References for Teachers 323

Module 4 325

  • Introduction 326
  • Books for Students 330
  • Websites 332
  • 1 Nature 336
  • 2 Weather and Seasons 343
  • 3 Animals of Canada 352
  • 4 Plants of Canada 363
  • 5 Natural Habitats 372
  • 6 Importance of the Environment 379
  • 7 Human Impact on the Environment 384
  • 8 Air Pollution 389
  • 9 Water 395
  • 10 Reduce, Reuse, Recycle 401
  • 11 Saving Energy 406
  • 12 Culminating Activity: Sustainability Life Practices 410
  • References for Teachers 414

Module 5 415

  • Introduction 416
  • Step 1: Assessment for Learning 416
  • Step 2: Curriculum Review 417
  • Step 3: Instructional Strategies 418
  • Making Connections to Prior Knowledge 418
  • Building Vocabulary 420
  • Conceptual Understanding 421
  • Conducting Research 422
  • The Language-Rich Classroom 424
  • Other Things to Consider for Unit Planning 425
  • Concluding Note to Teachers 426
  • Unit Planning Reproducibles 427
  • References 430

Access Digital Resources 431

Description

Hands-On English Language Learning program is a resource for classroom teachers, specialist teachers working with English-language learners, and other educational professionals who support these students. In developing the resource, the authors referred to current curricular documents and to research in English-language acquisition. Careful attention has been given to basic language skills, essential subject-specific vocabulary, and knowledge required by middle-years English-language learners.

To assist your students in developing language skills, this resource includes:

  • specific curricular connections for each lesson to identify links to subject-area themes in language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, health, physical education, and the arts
  • integrated class activities to promote learning in context for all students in the classroom
  • career connections that offer students an opportunity to explore employability skills and career choices within the context of English-language learning
  • suggested activities focus on curricular topics in all subject areas, while supporting English-language learners
  • lesson topics that relate specifically to the interests and lives of middle-years students
  • relevant topics, such as the classroom and school, clothing, food, hobbies and interests, plants and animals of Canada, the world, and the environment
  • age-appropriate, high-interest learning activities that foster the development of essential English-language vocabulary and skills in listening, speaking, reading, writing, viewing, and representing
  • activities (in keeping with the philosophy of all Portage & Main Press Hands-On programs) that are student-centred and focus on real-life, hands-on experiences
  • access to digital reproducibles (Find download instructions in the Appendix of the book.)