What does Social Studies Teaching has to do with English Language Learners?
Initially, English Language Learners need to learn concepts. In Social Studies there is the extensive use of terms such as communism, democracy, totalitarianism, unions, and many others. Also, teaching Social Studies curriculum involves a considerable amount of reading and writing.
Many English language learners have learned to write according to the convention of their own language and culture. Although there is nothing wrong with that, they need to learn how to make use of the so called Standard English, which is current in our schools. Not only that, they also need to learn how our thoughts are formed and organized, and the different genres utilized in schools and society.
In Social Studies' classrooms, there is plenty of use of non-fiction genres where students are required to master, in order to participate in the activities. For example, students will be asked to provide arguments for a particular point of view, where they will have to provide a statement of opinion, then evidence, and finally a conclusion by restating their thesis.
Furthermore, teachers should consider the intrinsic issues multiculturalism brings into schools, as culture and language are interrelated. Among those issues, we find student’s engagement, vocabulary, inclusiveness, cultural liaison to bridge the cultural and religious divides, the nuances of the language, the need to learn how Canadians frame their thoughts, all that within the context of Social Studies curriculum.
Initially, English Language Learners need to learn concepts. In Social Studies there is the extensive use of terms such as communism, democracy, totalitarianism, unions, and many others. Also, teaching Social Studies curriculum involves a considerable amount of reading and writing.
Many English language learners have learned to write according to the convention of their own language and culture. Although there is nothing wrong with that, they need to learn how to make use of the so called Standard English, which is current in our schools. Not only that, they also need to learn how our thoughts are formed and organized, and the different genres utilized in schools and society.
In Social Studies' classrooms, there is plenty of use of non-fiction genres where students are required to master, in order to participate in the activities. For example, students will be asked to provide arguments for a particular point of view, where they will have to provide a statement of opinion, then evidence, and finally a conclusion by restating their thesis.
Furthermore, teachers should consider the intrinsic issues multiculturalism brings into schools, as culture and language are interrelated. Among those issues, we find student’s engagement, vocabulary, inclusiveness, cultural liaison to bridge the cultural and religious divides, the nuances of the language, the need to learn how Canadians frame their thoughts, all that within the context of Social Studies curriculum.