Documenti di Didattica
Documenti di Professioni
Documenti di Cultura
Zach Zimmer
National University
Academic Texts for ELLs and SELLs
2
Abstract
The following assignment will explain a few of the many characteristics and struggles of
ELL learners. Key characteristics of emerging level learners, expanding level learners, bridging
level learners, and students speaking non-standard varieties of English are discussed. Two
verbal instructions examples that students may hear in PE are given. The assignment then details
some of the possible struggles that ELL students may face when hearing these instructions.
Finally, the author reflects on some of the considerations teachers should make when having
1. Characteristics
various stations to enhance some of our soccer skills. The first thing I’m going to
ask you to do after I'm done explaining the stations is to get toe to toe with your
fellow classmates in groups of four. Our first station is going to be simple passing
back and forth. You should practice passing the ball accurately and receiving the
ball softly so it does not get far away from you. Our second station is going to be
a dribbling exercise. You will weave in and out of the cones while dribbling a
soccer ball, you will be racing another group, the first group to be completely
done and sitting down wins. Our final station is going to be practicing defending.
With a partner you will practice “threading” your partner down the sideline to not
Academic Texts for ELLs and SELLs
5
allow them any space then steal the ball from them. I will be playing music.
ii. Instruction on how to form groups as well as what will be being performed
at each station
b. “Today we are going to review how to properly throw a baseball for our mushball
unit. Our first step when throwing is to make a T, or tree, with our body. We
extend both our arms out, our non throwing arm is pointing to our target while our
throwing arm is extended behind us with the ball facing outwards. I like to
imagine picking an apple off a tree. Next, we will step with our non-dominant
foot towards our target. When throwing the ball remember to make an L with our
throwing arm. The ball should be about eye level. Following the release of the
ball remember to follow through. Our throwing should end up down at our
opposite foot, as well as our dominate side foot following through into a defensive
3. Struggles
emerging level
learners, visual
demonstration
will be key
simply confused.
A PE teacher
should ask,
“Does anyone
have any
questions?” as
well as follow-up
questions, “What
skill will we be
performing at
station 1?”.
4. Reflection
Following the assignment, I believe that the teaching practices I have learned during my
education have been further reinforced even after learning the many considerations a teacher
must make when taking ELL students into account. I truly believe that PE is one of the best
subjects for ELL and SELLs to flourish in. The importance of teachers using visual
Academic Texts for ELLs and SELLs
9
demonstrations is a perfect way to assist a student learning the English language. Rather than
relying on simply the auditory instructions in a language they are still trying to learn, they can
simply work to mimic the teacher demonstration. This will also help them in learning the
English language.
The immense amount of socialization of PE will be a phenomenal tool for ELL students.
Learning a new language through socialization with peers is an important step for ELLs. It will
not only help them begin to understand the language better but also begin to learn nuances of the
English language. In PE students will often be working in groups or teams. Learning how to
communicate with peers in a fun game setting is a great tool that will help ELLs form will not
only help them learn the English language, but also help them form relationships with their peers
in a new setting.