Supporting Reading in the Content Areas

The 12 teachers working in the bilingual/ESL program at East Junior High School met on two Saturdays to discuss how to support English language learners with reading through all subject areas.

Strategies for entry into new content include using brainstorming, using literature, telling stories, choral reading, partner reading, using visuals and using manipulatives.

Other strategies discussed including the following:

-- having student generate questions while they are reading, for example using a think mark.
-- building vocabulary using a word splash.
-- using fiction texts as read alouds to generate interest and pictures for students of the -content and ideas.
-- help students generate connections with texts.
-- insuring appropriate wait time for students.

Reading aloud to students allows opportunities to model effective reading. Students are encouraged to discuss literature and share responses. Reading comprehension and development of students' vocabulary is further developed. Students are introduced to literature they might not be able to read independently.

For some of the teachers' units of study, see below:

· Building Models Using Indirect Evidence

· Buying My First New Car

· Changes in Teenagers' Lives

· Elements and Compounds

· Exploring Circumference, Radius, and Diameter

· Family

· The Power of Mindful Learning

· The Sun and Parts of the Solar System

· World War II