Reading Post # 7

Egbert mentions two important techniques for designing content instruction that support both language and content learning. These are to teach content in a culturally responsive manner and to adapt materials so that they're appropriate for learners, but do not substitute academic content. As a teacher who follows the district policies and curricultum, it's almost impossible to split language and content learning. All the projects that I assign to my students are content-based. With the use of technology, we can make the content come to life, making it more meaningful. For example I'm planning on giving the students an Internet project, perhaps a Webquest, where they find out what school life is like for students their age in Mexico City and compare it to theirs. The unit is about school life, such as schedules, classes, objects, materials, the culture in general, and so forth. I'm sure I'll find some websites from some schools in Mexico for the students to explore. -Rosario