OUT OF THE BOX

TEKS §113.13. Social Studies, Grade 2

(2) to support the teaching of the essential knowledge and skills, the use of a variety of rich material such as non fiction texts, primary sources, biographies, folklore, poetry, songs, and artworks is encouraged. Motivating resources are available from museums, historical sites, presidential libraries, online tours, and local and state preservation societies.

(b) Knowledge and Skills
(18) Social studies skills. The student applies critical-thinking skills to organize and use information acquired from a variety of valid sources, including electronic technology. The student is expected to:

(a) obtain information about a topic using a variety of valid oral sources such as conversations, interviews, and music;

(b) obtain information about a topic using a variety of valid visual sources such as pictures, maps, electronic sources, literature, reference sources, and artifacts;

(b)Knowledge and Skills

(19) Social studies skills. The student communicates in written, oral, and visual forms. The student is expected to:
(a) express ideas orally based on knowledge and experiences; and

ELPS

(a) use prior knowledge and experiences to understand meanings in English

(d) speak using learning strategies such as requesting assistance, employing non-verbal cues, and using synonyms and circumlocution

(f) use accessible language and learn new and essential language in the process;

LEARNING ABOUT JOHN F. KENNEDY

Students in the second grade will be partnered up with one of their peers in other grade levels above. Teachers can decide if the students will be paired depending on English proficiency level.

Once the students are paired together they will work together in researching JFK. They may use all the resources located within their school and homes (e.g. Library, technology, textbook, etc).

The teacher will engage the students with the variety of rich resources. Motivating the students and supporting their learning that will lead to a trip to the museum.

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This is an out of the box idea because the 2nd graders are working with students outside of their grade level. This allows for the students to connect with their peers who possibly had the same difficulties learning English. The student is also there for guidance and assistance with their English, like a mentor.

This is an uncommon practice that I have not see implemented within schools. Having students research information with other students across different grade levels. Then also using the school resources to create conversations with guides of the museum to discover new information.

HOW EXACTLY DOES THIS RELATE TO ENGLISH LANGUAGE ACQUISITION?

The English language acquisition is gained through social interactions that happen within and outside of the classroom. Also when the student is interacting with their partner, they are connecting and gaining confidence knowing their peer may have had the same difficulties when they were learning the language.

Throughout the field trip, the students will be expected to use their current knowledge and English understandings. Accessing the language to develop new essential vocabulary and gain information. This can easily be done through conversations with their partners, guides, and teachers.

This project will be based around critical-thinking when the students begin to develop questions regarding JFK. Once they have obtained the information through their sources, the students will discuss and write in their journals regarding their experience.

The teacher may decide to send a flyer with the parents. This is specifically for regards on the child learning the death of John F. Kennedy and not using the term assassination at this grade level.

SOURCES

• Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills
• The Sixth Floor Museum
• “Best Practice for ELLs: Peer-Assisted Learning.” Colorín Colorado, 1 Dec. 2015, www.colorincolorado.org/article/best-practice-ells-peer-assisted-learning.

Thanks for watching and hope some of you will implement this in your classrooms.