Blogs 
We’re excited to present a six-part video series showcasing an exemplar unit focused on ELA instruction for middle school English Language Learners. These videos were produced in conjunction with Stanford University’s Understanding Language initiative and examine the key shifts found in the Common Core. The videos highlight opportunities to grow students’ disciplinary knowledge and English language skills in heterogeneous classrooms. Watch how two teachers bring this unit to life, then dig deeper into the five key strategies used in the series with this blog from Stanford researcher Rebecca Green.
Videos in this Series:
1. Persuasion Across Time and Space: Unit Overview: Learn how this five-week lesson plan on persuasive language was developed, how it challenges students to interact with increasingly complex texts, and connects those readings to present day ideas.
2. Preparing Learners: Activating Prior Knowledge: In this lesson, Emily Park-Friend takes her students through a three-step interview activity. Watch as Emily’s students gain a deeper understanding of a particular concept as they practice their listening and speaking skills.
3. Interacting with Complex Texts: Scaffolding Reading: Katie Langlois prepares her students for a lesson by building their background knowledge. Notice how Katie uses groups throughout her lesson, which gives all of her students equal opportunities to speak and listen.
4. Extending Understanding: Vocabulary Development: Ms. Langlois uses a fun jigsaw method to teach vocabulary at the END of the unit, providing reinforcement for her students while helping her to assess their understanding.
5. Preparing Learners: Ethos, Pathos & Logos for Persuasion: In this lesson, students interact with complex texts by analyzing rhetorical devices used to persuade a reader or audience.
6. Interacting with Complex Texts: Jigsaw Project: Watch as students analyze speeches and share expertise with their groups.
We hope you enjoy this video series! And please share with us how you would integrate these practices in your classroom.
