Class Language Profile and Acquisition of Academic Content


In Grade 3 we have been implementing the Tier system in learning the academic vocabulary. Tier 1 represents easier, basic meaning of a word, whereas Tier 2 includes more specific and concrete words. Tier 3 represents more sophisticated, academic vocabulary. (We appreciate the ELL Confianza team for introducing this effective learning approach during their professional training session at TIS)

Besides this tiered approach, we have been color coding the languages presented in our class. Every language group selected a color in the beginning of the year, which would represent their language. Students have been using this approach for translanguaging purposes, which allows easier access to content language in English.

Often we translate the key vocabulary of the Unit together, and students get fascinated by the difference of how they understood the central idea and the lines of inquiry initially, as opposed to comparing with translated terminology.

This allows learners to consolidate and deepen their overall understanding of the topic.
Below are some examples from the Sharing the Planet (with Geology) in Grade 3 this year.






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