Thematic+Instruction+in+ESL



In my experience of having used many different methods for teaching a second language, I feel that Content Based Instruction (CBI) is the most effective way to teach students learning English as a second language within the United States public school setting. Creating thematic units makes the content that is being taught more meaningful because the content is supported in various ways throughout the entire unit. The students are reinforced through the ability to study different subjects in a comfortable environment. The student can take more time and receive extra support through multiple scaffolding type strategies to learn the difficult vocabulary or concepts associated with the content. Then when the student is in the regular grade level class with other students, they demonstrate more confidence and mastery in the classroom due to the supplementary content based thematic instruction in their ESL classes. Key linguistical, cultural, and grammatical issues are also incorporated within the lesson through a variety of activities based on the unit theme.

Reference: Boyle, O., Peregoy, S.F. (2008). //Reading writing and learning in esl//. Boston, MA: Pearson.

This Research paper is an in depth exposition of the use of Content-Based Instruction  as an effective form of teaching ELLs.



Please check out my example of a **Thematic Unit** for K-1st Grade - On The Farm - here :

Here's a little sample of the fun! For more...see link directly above.

Reference:

ProCon.org. (2011, April 4). //How milk gets from the cow to the store//. milk.procon.org. Retrieved  from []

**More Resources for Creating Thematic Units:** [] [] [] [] [] []

Contact: Erin Cathey ESL Teacher at Harris Middle School catheye@bedfordk12tn.net []