Word Detectives

A comprehensive 5-lesson project-based sequence for 5th Grade ESL students to master the research cycle, from questioning to final publication. Students develop academic English skills through searching, evaluating, and synthesizing information on a chosen topic.

A 5-lesson sequence for 5th-grade ESL students focused on the ethics and mechanics of academic research. Students learn to distinguish between intellectual property and common knowledge, master the art of quoting and paraphrasing, and create simplified citations and bibliographies to maintain academic integrity.

A 5-lesson sequence for 5th Grade ESL students focused on developing academic English skills through paraphrasing and synthesizing information. Students progress from identifying main ideas to drafting complete summary reports using multiple sources and formal attribution.

A 5-lesson sequence for 5th-grade ESL students to develop media literacy and research skills. Students learn to distinguish author purpose, evaluate website credibility using the 5 W's, identify bias, and corroborate information across multiple sources.

A 5-lesson sequence for 5th Grade ESL students focused on the mechanics of finding information. Students move from basic keyword generation to using Boolean operators, navigating text features, utilizing academic databases, and refining failed searches to become efficient digital researchers.

A 5-lesson unit for 6th-grade ESL students focused on transforming search habits from natural language questions to strategic keyword and Boolean operator techniques. Students move from basic vocabulary brainstorming to navigating academic databases and skimming snippets for relevance.

A comprehensive workshop-style sequence for 4th Grade ESL students to master academic research skills. Students progress from navigating text features to note-taking, paraphrasing, summarizing, and ultimately synthesizing information from multiple sources while avoiding plagiarism.

An ESL listening sequence for 5th-grade intermediate students focused on narrative comprehension through oral storytelling, podcasts, and auditory analysis. Students move from identifying basic story elements to evaluating complex themes and character motivations through spoken discourse.