Jamie Henderson

Cultural Assignment
Jen Rider
Teaching English as a Second Language
Grade Level- 6th Grade
Content Area- Language Arts
Justification- One of the biggest things I have learned so far in every class is that, as teachers we
need to create an accepting atmosphere in our classrooms. We need to not look at students with a
deficit perspective, but look at all of the skills that each student brings to the table. This lesson is
intended to give the students a chance to describe their culture to the class. By doing this, it will
create a better atmosphere because students will get to know their peers. On page 151 of
Foundations for Teaching English Language Learners, it says Speaking is much more
complicated then simply selecting the correct vocabulary words and stringing them together with
proper syntax to make sentences. To be comprehensible, an ELL must have adequate
pronununciation, a smooth rate and flow of speech, and sufficient vocabulary and grammar, as
well as a working understanding of the social cultural context of speech. (Wright) When
presenting their cultures and their meanings of their last name to the class, this will give them
good practice with their English. Unlike other assignments, they will be more confidant talking
about something that they are passionate about. They will also be able to incorporate words from
their native language into their presentation. This assignment will create a better atmosphere in
the classroom and give students practice with English as they present their findings to the class.
Description- In the beginning of the school year, to create a cultural diverse and accepting
atmosphere in my classroom, I will have the students analyze where their last name originates
from. The students will fill out a guiding worksheet and by the end of the assignment; they will
understand what their last name represents. After finding the meaning of their name, they will
analyze the culture their name represents and compare it to their own. The students will then take
turns presenting their findings to the class. While they are presenting, the other students will take
notes to provide feedback to their peers.
State Standard- The state standard that this assignment will be satisfying is 2: 3. It describes
how students will find meanings form words. The meaning they find from their last name will
shed light into their defining culture.

Standard

Reading, Writing, and Communicating

Grade Level Expectations at a Glance
Grade Level Expectation

Sixth Grade
1. Oral Expression
and Listening
2. Reading for All
Purposes

1.

Successful group discussions require planning and participation by all

1.

Understanding the meaning within different types of literature

depends on properly analyzing literary components
Organizing structure to understand and analyze factual information
Word meanings are determined by how they are designed and how
they are used in context
Writing literary genres for intended audiences and purposes requires
ideas, organization, and voice
Writing informational and persuasive genres for intended audiences
and purposes require ideas, organization, and voice develop
Specific editing for grammar, usage, mechanics, and clarity gives
writing its precision and legitimacy
Individual and group research projects require obtaining information
on a topic from a variety of sources and organizing it for
presentation
Assumptions can be concealed, and require identification and
evaluation
Monitoring the thinking of self and others is a disciplined way to
maintain awareness

2.
3.
3. Writing and
Composition

1.
2.
3.

4. Research and
Reasoning

1.

2.
3.

WIDA

The assignment meets level 3 during the feedback time. Students will be able to take words
that they have recently learned and apply them to use when giving feedback,

Guide Questions
1. What is your last name?
2. Where does your family originate from?
3. What culture or race is your last name is associated with?
4. Does it compare to your culture?
5. What are some traits that make your culture unique?
6. What are some traditions that make your culture unique?
7. If your last name does not represent your culture, what are some of the traits that describe the
culture where your last name originates from?

8. Does your mothers maiden name represent a different culture?

9. If so, does this culture describe you better?