Cross-age learning is a wonderfully effective means for ESL in and beyond the classroom.  Following cross-age learning lessons, the cross-age “Buddies” often continue to constructively interact on the playground and outside of school, continuing to build their language and teamwork skills.  Note: “ESL” can include semaphore, signing for the deaf, etc.

Title of Lesson: Talking it Up

Grade Range: Any
Introduction:
When possible, match buddies with same home language if 2nd language support is needed by big or little buddy.
Materials needed:
Any lesson.

Methodology:

Let buddies know they can use either language to communicate. Buddies will usually use both languages as needed and move toward use of English.

Title of Lesson: VIP

Grade Range: K-12
Introduction: Use this Picture Vocabulary book for basic English, Spanish, or other vocabularies.
Materials needed:
Vocabulary Increases Power (VIP)

Methodology

1. Click on Picture Vocabulary Books on the left-hand side of this web site to obtain the VIP book.
2. Follow these simplified instructions:

a. Select a scene to start with, such as “Family,” and make a photocopy for each big buddy.
b. If a language other than English or Spanish is desired, type or write the words on the page.
c. Prepare big buddies in their own class with role playing and discussion of good ways to:

1) Talk with little buddies about what is happening in the big scene at the top of the page.
2) Have little buddies point to picture parts for the big buddies to name aloud.
3) Have big buddies point to picture parts for the little buddies to name aloud.
4) Big and little buddies color the scene and/or picture parts.

d. Big buddies carry out the instructions with their little buddies while teachers watch and talk.

Title of Lesson: Any Lesson

Grade Range: Any grades

Methodology

Prep

1. Provide background information.
2. Choose 2-6 important words when planning lesson with buddy teacher.
3. List the words on the board in individual classrooms.
4. Discuss word meanings.
5. Tell students you hope they will have the opportunity to use the vocabulary with buddies.

Buddy Time

1. Student activity.
2. Teachers roam and listen for use of vocabulary.
3. Wrap up: Ask about the activity and show of hands if you heard your buddy use the word.

Home - Principal Support - Teacher Support - Teacher Teaming  - Student Startup - Importance of Processing

Lesson Plans:
Teamwork - Language Arts - ESL - Mathematics - Science - Social Studies - The Arts -PE