Working with Specific Populations in 8th Grade Social Studies

8th Grade Social Studies

Melissa Cleveland

Problem Identified: The ELL students in 8th grade were struggling to understand the content behind the material we were learning in social studies.

Hypothesis: If I provide scaffolded context cards then my ELL students will provide in depth answers to the content as measured by a written response.

Data Collection:

Actionable Step:

• Choose a series of four-six images that can relate to the unit or the lesson.

• Construct index cards that provide names, terms and a short sentence about the image.

• Have the students talk about what they notice in the image and what feelings they get from the image (how would they feel if they were in the situation?)

Overall Findings/Impact:This was a successful method because the ELL students were given opportunities to engage with the content verbally before committing any written work. The ELL students then took their new vocabulary and could use it in their writing when responding to questions.