As a strong complement and extension to our foundational Intro to Differentiation for MLLs/ELLs workshop, this session explores the dual responsibility all teachers of language learners have: teaching academic content and language development simultaneously. The facilitator will model the SWIRL (Speaking, Writing, Interacting, Reading, Listening) framework as a means to promote both content mastery and language acquisition. We’ll explore how SWIRL moves elevate student voice, academic discourse, and access to rigorous tasks without watering down content, while walking through the step-by-step process for planning instruction that addresses both goals concurrently. You’ll analyze sample lessons to identify where language opportunities currently exist and where intentional SWIRL strategies can deepen engagement and language growth.
By the end of this session, you will be able to:
- Apply a clear framework for ensuring language learners have consistent opportunities to develop their speaking, writing, interaction, reading, and listening (SWIRL) skills
- Analyze sample lessons to identify existing language opportunities and gaps where SWIRL strategies can deepen engagement
- Make lesson adjustments to ensure all students can engage in SWIRL with purpose and confidence
Facilitator: Rene Minnocci
