Introduction: Supporting Language Acquisition
ELL student challenge: Learn content AND language simultaneously
⚠️ Traditional Worksheet Challenge
Math word problem (text-heavy):
"Sarah has 24 cookies. She wants to share them equally among 6 friends. How many cookies will each friend receive?" ELL barriers: - Vocabulary: "share," "equally," "among," "receive" (unfamiliar words) - Syntax: Complex sentence structure (hard to parse) - Cultural context: Cookie-sharing scenario (may be unfamiliar) - Result: Student can't access math (blocked by language, not math ability)
✅ Scaffolded Alternative
Same problem with visual support:
[Picture: 24 cookie images] Sarah has 24 cookies. [Picture: 6 stick figures] She gives cookies to 6 friends. [Picture: Empty boxes under each friend] Each friend gets ____ cookies. 24 ÷ 6 = ____ ELL access: Picture conveys meaning (reduced language barrier) Result: Student CAN access math (visuals bridge language gap)
Research (Marzano, 2004): Visual representation increases comprehension 27-34% for ELL students
💡 Key Principle
Show, don't just tell - visuals are universal language
Picture-Supported Worksheets
Reduce language load with strategic images
Math Word Problems with Visuals
Example: Subtraction story problem
Text-only version (high language demand):
"The farmer had 15 apples. He sold 8 apples at the market. How many apples does he have remaining?" Vocabulary load: farmer, sold, market, remaining (4 potentially unfamiliar words)
Picture-supported version (lower language demand):
[Picture: Farmer with 15 apple icons] Start: 15 apples [Picture: 8 apples crossed out] Sold: 8 apples [Picture: Empty box] Left: ____ apples 15 - 8 = ____ Vocabulary simplified: "Start," "Sold," "Left" (basic words) Picture support: Visual shows action (comprehension aid)
Science Vocabulary with Images
Topic: Plant parts
⚠️ Text-only worksheet (challenging for ELL):
Match the word to its definition: Roots: The part of the plant that absorbs water and nutrients from soil Stem: The part that transports water and provides support Leaves: The part where photosynthesis occurs Flower: The reproductive part that produces seeds
✅ Picture-supported alternative:
[Large labeled plant diagram with clear images of each part] Match the word to the picture: ☐ Roots [Picture: underground roots] ☐ Stem [Picture: tall green stem] ☐ Leaves [Picture: green leaves] ☐ Flower [Picture: colorful flower] Function (simplified language): Roots: Get water from dirt Stem: Holds up plant Leaves: Make food for plant Flower: Makes seeds Visual learning: ELL sees concept (picture + simple words = understanding)
Vocabulary Scaffolding
Build language systematically
Word Banks with Pictures
Worksheet design:
Topic: Weather Word Bank (with tiny icons next to each): ☀️ sunny ☁️ cloudy 🌧️ rainy ❄️ snowy 💨 windy Sentences (fill in blank with word from bank): 1. Today is ________. [Picture: Sun shining] 2. Yesterday was ________. [Picture: Rain falling] 3. Tomorrow will be ________. [Picture: Clouds] Support: Picture cues + word bank (scaffold for success) No support: Expecting ELL to generate weather vocabulary independently (too hard)
Tiered Vocabulary Instruction
Three-level approach:
Tier 1: Basic conversational words (most important for ELL)
Worksheet focus: High-frequency words Examples: "big," "small," "hot," "cold," "happy," "sad" Activity: Picture matching [Picture of elephant] ← big [Picture of mouse] ← small Benefit: Builds foundational vocabulary (essential for daily communication)
Tier 2: Academic vocabulary (cross-curricular)
Words: "compare," "describe," "explain," "analyze" Worksheet: Sentence frames - I can compare ____ and ____ (visual: Venn diagram) - I can describe ____ (visual: adjective web) - I can explain ____ (visual: cause-effect arrows) Benefit: Academic language needed across subjects (transfer to multiple contexts)
Tier 3: Content-specific terms (domain vocabulary)
Science words: "photosynthesis," "metamorphosis," "evaporation" Worksheet: Visual definitions Photosynthesis [Picture: Plant + sun + arrow to oxygen] = Plant uses sun to make food Benefit: Content vocabulary with visual support (access to grade-level concepts)
Sentence Frames and Starters
Provide language structure
Math Sentence Frames
⚠️ Without frame (challenging):
Question: "Explain how you solved 24 ÷ 6" ELL response: Struggles to form coherent explanation (language barrier)
✅ With frame (accessible):
Question: "Explain how you solved 24 ÷ 6" Sentence frames provided: First, I __________. Then, I __________. The answer is ____ because __________. ELL response: Uses frame to organize thinking "First, I drew 24 circles. Then, I divided them into 6 groups. The answer is 4 because each group has 4 circles." Benefit: Frame provides language structure (ELL focuses on content, not grammar)
Science Sentence Starters
Observation worksheet:
Experiment: Observing ice melting Sentence starters: I see... I notice... I predict... I wonder... Student responses: "I see the ice getting smaller." "I notice water forming." "I predict the ice will disappear." "I wonder where the water comes from." Support: Starter gives first word (reduces language load), student completes thought
Graphic Organizers
Visual thinking frameworks
Venn Diagram (Compare/Contrast)
ELL-friendly format:
Topic: Comparing frogs and toads [Visual Venn diagram with pictures] FROGS BOTH TOADS [Frog picture] [Shared box] [Toad picture] Word bank: smooth skin, bumpy skin, water, land, hop, lay eggs Student: Drags words to correct section (or draws pictures + labels) Benefit: - Visual structure (shows relationships spatially) - Word bank (no need to generate vocabulary independently) - Pictures (reinforce categories)
Sequence Chart
Story retelling (beginning ELL):
[Four boxes numbered 1-4, each with space for picture + sentence] Story: "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" Box 1: [Student draws caterpillar] "First, there was a caterpillar." Box 2: [Student draws caterpillar eating] "Then, he ate food." Box 3: [Student draws cocoon] "Next, he made a cocoon." Box 4: [Student draws butterfly] "Finally, he became a butterfly." Scaffold: - Sentence starters (First, Then, Next, Finally) - Drawing + writing (dual coding) - Simple past tense (language structure model)
Modified Worksheets for Language Levels
Differentiate by ELL proficiency
Same Content, Three Levels
Topic: Addition word problems
Beginning ELL (emerging English):
[Picture: 3 red apples + 2 green apples] 3 + 2 = ____ Language demand: Minimal (numbers + operation) Support: Visual shows entire problem
Intermediate ELL (developing English):
[Picture: Red and green apples] Sarah has 3 red apples. She has 2 green apples. How many apples in all? 3 + 2 = ____ Language demand: Simple sentences (present tense, basic vocabulary) Support: Picture + clear question
Advanced ELL (expanding/bridging English):
Sarah went to the orchard. She picked 3 red apples in the morning and 2 green apples in the afternoon. How many apples did she pick altogether? 3 + 2 = ____ Language demand: Complex sentences (past tense, multiple clauses) Support: Approaching grade-level language
💡 Key Insight
Same math content, differentiated language complexity
Color-Coding for Clarity
Visual organization aids comprehension
Parts of Speech Color System
Grammar worksheet: Color code: - Nouns = BLUE - Verbs = RED - Adjectives = GREEN Sentence: "The big dog ran quickly." Student colors: - The (blue) big (green) dog (blue) ran (red) quickly (red - adverb, but simplified for early ELL) Benefit: Visual system (easier than abstract grammar rules for language learners)
Math Operation Colors
Multi-operation worksheet: Color code: - Addition problems: GREEN box - Subtraction problems: RED box - Multiplication problems: BLUE box - Division problems: YELLOW box Student sees: "Oh, GREEN box means addition!" (visual cue reduces language processing)
Total Physical Response (TPR) Worksheets
Connect movement to vocabulary
Action Verb Worksheet
Learning activity:
Vocabulary: jump, run, walk, hop, skip, crawl Worksheet: 1. Teacher says "jump" → Students jump → Draw yourself jumping 2. Teacher says "crawl" → Students crawl → Draw yourself crawling ... Worksheet: 6 boxes with action verbs [Box 1: "jump" - student draws stick figure jumping] [Box 2: "crawl" - student draws stick figure crawling] Benefit: Body movement (kinesthetic learning) reinforces vocabulary (language + action = memory)
Cognates for Spanish Speakers
Leverage first language knowledge
Cognate Recognition Worksheet
Science vocabulary: English Word | Spanish Cognate | Meaning Animal | Animal | Living creature Plant | Planta | Living thing that grows Observe | Observar | To watch carefully Activity: Circle the cognates (words that look/sound similar) Benefit: Spanish-speaking ELLs recognize connection (build on existing knowledge, not starting from zero)
Simplified Directions
Clear, concise instructions
Before and After
⚠️ Complex directions (confusing):
"Using the following word bank, fill in the blanks in the sentences below, ensuring that the correct vocabulary word is placed in each blank based on context clues from the sentence." Language load: 28 words, complex syntax
✅ Simplified directions (clear):
"Use the word bank. Fill in the blanks." [Word Bank: cat, dog, fish, bird] 1. The ____ swims. (fish) 2. The ____ flies. (bird) Language load: 7 words, simple syntax Benefit: ELL understands task immediately (can focus on content, not decoding directions)
Bilingual Worksheets (When Appropriate)
Strategic use of home language
Dual-Language Math
Example (for Spanish-speaking ELL):
Addition / Suma 3 + 4 = ____ Word problem / Problema: María tiene 3 manzanas. / Maria has 3 apples. Juan tiene 4 manzanas. / Juan has 4 apples. ¿Cuántas manzanas en total? / How many apples total? Benefit: - Comprehension in L1 (ensures understanding) - English exposure (language development) - Content access (doesn't wait until English proficient to learn math)
Assessment Accommodations
Fair testing for ELL students
Modified Test Format
⚠️ Standard test (high language barrier):
Multiple choice with wordy options: "Which of the following statements accurately describes the process by which plants convert sunlight into energy?" a) Plants use chlorophyll to absorb solar radiation... b) Plants undergo a chemical reaction known as... Language barrier: ELL can't demonstrate science knowledge due to complex English
✅ Accommodated version:
Simplified question: "How do plants make food?" [Picture: Sun + plant + arrow] Fill in: Plants use ____ to make food. Word bank: sunlight, water, dirt Language load: Reduced (tests science, not English proficiency) Assessment: More accurate measure of content knowledge
💰 Pricing for ELL Materials
$144/year
Core Bundle includes:
- ✅ Picture-supported worksheets (visual vocabulary support)
- ✅ Sentence frames (language structure scaffolds)
- ✅ Graphic organizers (visual thinking tools)
- ✅ Simplified directions (accessible instructions)
ELL-adapted materials: Modify any worksheet (add images, simplify language, provide frames)
Typical ELL resource costs:
- Specialized ELL workbooks: $30 per student
- Visual dictionary: $20 per student
- Class of 8 ELL students: $400
Generator alternative: Create customized visual worksheets on-demand ($144/year for unlimited)
Research: Visual support = 27-34% comprehension increase for ELL (Marzano, 2004)
Start Supporting Your ELL Students Today
Language learners need visual bridges - worksheets with pictures unlock content access.
Conclusion
Visual representation increases comprehension 27-34% for ELL students (Marzano, 2004) - pictures reduce language barriers.
✅ Key Takeaways
- Picture support: Math word problems with visuals (cookies, friends), science diagrams (labeled plant parts), reduces language load
- Vocabulary scaffolding: Word banks with icons (weather vocabulary), tiered instruction (Tier 1/2/3), picture definitions
- Sentence frames: Math explanations ("First I... Then I..."), science starters ("I see... I notice..."), provides language structure
- Graphic organizers: Venn diagrams (visual compare/contrast), sequence charts (story retelling with pictures + frames)
- Modified worksheets: Three levels (beginning/intermediate/advanced), same content, different language complexity
- Color-coding: Parts of speech (blue nouns, red verbs), math operations (green addition, red subtraction), visual organization
- TPR activities: Action verb worksheets (draw yourself jumping/crawling), movement reinforces vocabulary
- Cognates: Spanish-English connections (animal/animal, plant/planta), leverage first language knowledge
- Simplified directions: "Use word bank. Fill in blanks." (7 words vs 28), reduces cognitive load
- Assessment accommodations: Simplified language, word banks, pictures, tests content not English proficiency
💡 Final Insight
Pricing: Core Bundle $144/year (vs $400 for ELL-specific materials, unlimited customized visual worksheets)
Language learners need visual bridges - worksheets with pictures unlock content access.
Research Citations
1. Marzano, R. J. (2004). Building Background Knowledge for Academic Achievement: Research on What Works in Schools. ASCD. [Visual representation = 27-34% comprehension increase for ELL]
2. Hill, J. D., & Flynn, K. M. (2006). Classroom Instruction That Works with English Language Learners. ASCD. [Scaffolding strategies for ELL success]
