

I've taught second grade for three years and I adore it. I love the content, the kids' ages, and the transition from learning to read to reading to learn. But what I love even more are the kiddos I work with! I am so blessed to teach in a Title I school with a very high English Language Learner (ELL) population. Being a teacher of ELLs is the greatest gift, and something that has helped me grow tremendously as a professional. My kiddos this past school year meant so much to me that I decided to loop with them to third grade -- but don't worry, I'm going to keep blogging here at iTeach Second, because that's where my heart is!
Today I'm sharing with you an ELL-friendly back-to-school activity -- "Our Classroom Glossary" -- that is designed to build community while also introducing or refreshing student's understanding of a tried-and-true vocabulary graphic organizer: the four-square or Frayer model. I use this graphic organizer -- in one form or another -- for each and every vocabulary word my ELL students learn during the course of the year.
I find that having a consistent graphic organizer allows students to feel comfortable in exploring new words on their own, and also allows us to focus on breaking down a word rather than on explaining how to use a new graphic organizer at each learning opportunity. The four-square Frayer model is a very student-friendly graphic organizer at any grade-level, and can be tweaked slightly depending on the content area (for math, for example, I often replace the "sentence" box with an additional example or related words box).
To create your own classroom glossary, you'll introduce or refresh the four-square graphic organizer, and then have students write their names in the middle. They are the vocabulary word, which is a neat twist on your usual getting-to-know you activities. Students can then write adjectives that describe themselves, use their name in a personal-narrative sentence, draw a picture of themselves, and describe their families (where "related words" would go -- get it?!). If students are unfamiliar with the four-square Frayer model, then you can use this version for some differentiated support:
To create your own classroom glossary, you'll introduce or refresh the four-square graphic organizer, and then have students write their names in the middle. They are the vocabulary word, which is a neat twist on your usual getting-to-know you activities. Students can then write adjectives that describe themselves, use their name in a personal-narrative sentence, draw a picture of themselves, and describe their families (where "related words" would go -- get it?!). If students are unfamiliar with the four-square Frayer model, then you can use this version for some differentiated support:
Once each student has completed their four-square, you can print the cover, fill out the table of contents, put students' papers in alphabetical order and BAM! Instant glossary and student-created book for your classroom library! Students will love being able to read about and get to know one another in such a unique format.
Go grab your own classroom glossary for FREE on TpT! Thanks for spending some time today getting to know me, and checking out my freebie. I look forward to sharing much more here on iTeach Second!
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