PBL for ELLs

1. My Word Book
- A project based learning activity for Second Grade
English language learners in level 3-4 language
proficiency.

2. The objective of this project is to help English
language learners develop academic language skills by
building their academic English vocabulary, and their
knowledge of using the vocabularies in sentences.

4. Vocabulary development is essential
to reading comprehension.
Academic vocabulary development
is crucial to a student’s success in school.

5. “Just as learning is cumulative, so
are learning deficits” (Hirsch, 1993).
http://www.newschools.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/GVZ_Ellevation_Blog_NAEPGraph-450x254.png
The sooner for English language learners to develop academic
language, the sooner they will narrow the achievement gap.

6. https://mcdn.teachbitem/My-Word-Book-for-Spelling-Word-Wall-Phonics-Word-
Families-Writing-Cerspayteachers.com/thumenter-064582000-
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https://simplycharlottemason.com
/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/My-
Word-Book-hd.jpg
My Word Book Samples

7.  Each student will have their own word book, but they will
collaborate in pairs or trios to help each other research,
interview, write their sentences, and brainstorm to illustrate
their vocabularies.
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The Process

8. The Goal
Students will make one word book for each unit of study.
The word books are due after the second week of the start
of each unit. They will earn 20 points for each book. A
special award and token is awarded for 100 points.

9. The Rubric
 5 points – collaboration
 5 points – Illustration
 10 points – correct sentences (1 point each sentence)
20 points for each book
 100 points for the whole pie

10. Second Grade Unit Themes
Unit 1 – Plants Everywhere
https://dcps.instructure.com/courses/2018/pages/course-page-ela
Blossoms
Crops
Experiment
Life cycle
Mature
Nutrients
Pollination
Support
Survive
Transplant

11. Unit 3 – Fairytales and Fables
Analyze
Character traits
Compare
Contrast
Events
Fairytale
Folktale
Fable
Moral lesson
Phrases
https://dcps.instructure.com/courses/2018/pages/course-page-ela

12. Unit 2 – Then & Now
Automobiles
Device
Extraordinary
Gadget
Gizmo
Invented
Machines
Marvelous
Past
Technology
https://dcps.instructure.com/courses/2018/pages/course-page-ela

13. Unit 4 – Our Neighbors
Affect
Benefits
Conclude
Cultures
Describe
Foreigner
Immigrant
Lifestyle
Migrate
Tradition
https://dcps.instructure.com/courses/2018/pages/course-page-ela

14. Unit 5 – Extreme Weather
Climate
Destroy
Extreme
Forecast
Form
Gentle
Locate
Major
Respond
Sleet
https://dcps.instructure.com/courses/2018/pages/course-page-ela

15. PBL Gold Standard Design Elements in this project
 Student learning goals – learning & using academic vocabularies
 Essential Elements
 Challenging Problem – learning academic English vocabularies
 Sustained Inquiry – Use different sources for research and interviews
 Authenticity – Student’s own need to understand English vocabularies
 Student voice & choice – they have the freedom to write their own sentences
and illustrate the vocabularies. It is a student-centered project.
 Reflection – Rubric & teacher-led evaluation will help student reflect on final
outcome of the projects
 Critique and revision – Allowing students to edit their sentences, learn from
correcting errors will solidify their learning. The intention is to produce
and not to lose.
 Public product – Student books will be displayed on the bulletin board to celebrate
student’s achievement.
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Larmer, J., & Mergendoller, S.B. (2015). Setting the Standard for Project Based Learning: A Proven Approach to Rigorous Classroom
Instruction, ASCD. Retrieved from http://bie.org/blog/gold_standard_pbl_essential_project_design_elements