Word Banks

This video discusses the benefits of using word banks for ELLs, particularly for those at lower WIDA levels, and includes examples of how they can be adapted for different contents and levels.

This activity was conducted with Newcomers that were more of a WIDA 2.5 writing level. It would not work for a recent Newcomer. Students were participating in a postcard exchange across the US. Using example postcards they had received, students talked about the kinds of information and questions they found. Using the students conversation as a guideline, a word bank organizer was made for students to think about what they wanted to write on their postcards about the state of Utah. The words they requested and possible prompts can be seen in the document below. Students worked together to create their own sentences.