Thematic+Unit

= ** Thematic Instruction **  =



Thematic Instruction for ESL: Supporting and Enhancing Regular Classroom Instruction

==Overview: **This is a Science unit that will give second language learners a chance to explore all animals and their habitats. We will also be focusing on learning language and literacy skills. By using a thematic unit it hides the language piece and brings it out through a very high interest study of animals. By doing this it allows great opportunities that will engage the English Language Learner and develop their language skills.**==

==**Targeted Proficiency Level, Grade Span, and Approximate Age:** Limited English Proficiency with some Beginners, several Intermediate and a few Advanced ELLs enrolled in 2nd and 3rd grade. Students represent multiple languages.==

==**Explanation:** This thematic unit will use be used to extend a regular classroom unit on animals. It will be using content vocabulary and objectives while promoting a rich language learning environment for learning language and promoting literacy. Each objective, book, resource and material has been carefully selected for the various levels and cultures that are represented in the classroom. I have used several leveled readers to ensure each EL has the opportunity to be successful with each objective. The objectives, vocabulary and language learning goals are aligned with content in order to provide enhanced instruction for second language learners.== ==In completing this unit the students will be developing background knowledge about animals and their habitats. They will also use grade level content vocabulary within the regular classroom setting. Students will be practicing and improving their language skills in the areas of: a) comprehension, b) academic language, c) oral language, and d) written language. ==

= Click here to view the entire Animal Thematic Unit =

Here is an excerpt from the Unit. This is from the Habitat lesson.

Goal 1, Standard 1 - // To use English to communicate in social settings: Students will use English to participate in social interactions // Goal 2, Standard 1 - // To use English to achieve academically in all content areas: Students will use English to interact in the classroom // Goal 2, Standard 2 - // To use English to achieve academically in all content areas: Students will use English to obtain, process, construct, and provide subject matter information in spoken and written form // 1. retelling information 2. responding to the work of peers and others 3. representing information visually and interpreting information presented visually Goal 2, Standard 3 - // To use English to achieve academically in all content areas: Students will use appropriate leaning strategies to construct and apply academic knowledge. //
 * Language Learning Goals / Standards: **
 * // TESOL National Standards //**

S.1-2.5 Describe familiar settings and events. S.1-2.3 Ask pertinent questions; respond to questions with basic facts. L.1-2.8 Understand content specific vocabulary and discourse features of the content area. W.1-2.3 Write a variety of text types (e.g. narrative, descriptive, persuasive, expository, procedural). W.1-2.2 Write to convey ideas or stories using pictures, marks, letters, words and simple sentences. R.1-2.6 Use pre-reading and reading strategies such as accessing prior knowledge, predicting, previewing, using graphic organizers and setting a purpose.
 * // Tennessee ESL Standards //**

1. Recall animal groups and their characteristics. 2. Discuss what animals need and how they meet their needs. 3. Choose an animal group and discuss what type of habitat they would need to live in, based on their characteristics. 4. Match animal pictures to habitats and descriptions. 5. Classify statements true or false. 6. Compare two habitats using graphic organizer. 7. Based on choice and proficiency level, select a group task to complete – Group Tasks: a.)Write an illustrated short story from an animals view telling about their home and things they need, using vocabulary words. b.)Research habitats using books and computer to complete Habitat Facts.
 * Lesson Objectives: ** TLW participate in a mini-lesson and small group work and be able to:

** Leveled Reading Materials: **



information on the habitat of the pond and all of the plants and animals that live there.
** JUST FOR FUN **



with our content, our theme and our objectives. This is appropriate for ELLs at the intermediate level and above.
** EXAMPLE MATERIALS FOR ELLS: Vocabulary Cards **



** EXAMPLE MATERIALS FOR ELLS: Habitat Match Game **