Words Matter

A comprehensive workshop-style unit for 6th Grade ESL students focused on the linguistic mechanics of paraphrasing and synthesizing information. Students move from identifying core concepts to orally retelling information, transforming individual sentences, and finally weaving multiple sources into a single coherent paragraph without plagiarizing.

A comprehensive 5-lesson sequence designed for 7th-grade ESL students to master the art of synthesizing information. Students progress from organizing raw research notes to writing sophisticated, cohesive academic paragraphs using evidence from multiple sources.

A comprehensive sequence for 8th-grade ESL students to master information literacy. Students progress from identifying bias and evaluating source credibility to performing advanced searches and ethically synthesizing research with proper MLA citations.

An intermediate ESL sequence where students act as 'communication detectives' to analyze tone, idioms, exaggeration, and speaker intent in spoken English. The sequence culminates in a mystery simulation requiring students to synthesize all listening skills to solve a case.

This sequence teaches 5th-grade ESL students how to navigate informational texts efficiently using skimming and scanning strategies. Students will move from understanding the big picture to locating specific keywords and using text features to answer test-style questions under time pressure.

This sequence targets the analytical skills required to dismantle multiple-choice questions for 7th Grade ESL learners. Students move from understanding the anatomy of a question to identifying common logical fallacies and 'trap' answers, utilizing game-based learning and deductive reasoning.

A comprehensive 5-lesson sequence designed for 7th Grade ESL students to master skimming and scanning techniques. Students progress from basic differentiation of reading styles to high-speed information retrieval and synthesis, building the confidence and fluency needed for timed academic assessments.

This sequence teaches 6th-grade ESL students the essential test-taking strategies of skimming and scanning. Through a 'Speed Scout' academy theme, students learn to navigate academic texts efficiently, identifying when to look for the 'gist' versus specific details to save time and improve accuracy on standardized tests.

A sequence for 6th-grade ESL students to master academic test-taking through logic and deduction, using a detective-themed approach to analyze question stems and eliminate distractor answers.

A comprehensive sequence designed to teach 8th-grade students how to move from passive listening to active comprehension using Text-to-Speech (TTS) technology. Students develop skills in immersion reading, strategic chunking, vocabulary acquisition, and digital annotation.