To Unscramble Is Not A Gamble
- Mrs.Wood
- Mar 8, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 17, 2024
Have your English learners been on the cusp of speaking in complete sentences? Do they smash together words in hopes that you'll understand what they're trying to say? Perhaps they can read words but have a terrible time when it comes to writing anything down. If so, you're not alone. All of these are common problems ESL teachers encounter daily within their classrooms. There is a simple solution, though, to bridge the language gap these students encounter, and that is to unscramble sentences.
To uncover the power of unscrambling sentences, you might want to read "The Writing Revolution" by Judith C. Hochman and Natalie Wexler. "The Writing Revolution" outlines the importance of understanding sentences by identifying the differences between sentences and fragments, turning fragments into complete sentences, and unscrambling sentences. Unscrambling sentences!
Hochman and Wexler emphasize how unscrambling sentences can briskly enhance a student's understanding of sentence structure naturally. Here's how:
By moving words around to form a sentence, students will be able to identify whether their sentence is missing words, creates a fragment, or stems into a run-on.
Students will learn the rhythm of sentences and their word order.
Once students have written down their unscrambled sentences, they will practice and review correct capitalization, punctuation, and appropriate ending marks.
Students will practice reading common words at grade-level.
Understanding these concepts is especially beneficial for ESL students who often struggle with changing the sentence structure from their native language to English. By repeatedly practicing unscrambling of English sentences, these students will feel much more comfortable with reading, writing, and speaking in English.
For a more in-depth review of "The Writing Revolution" and it's advice on unscrambling, visit KeepReading&Learning's post here.
Still not sure about the power of unscrambling sentences? Just think about everyone's favorite language learning app.
Duolingo engages the power of swapping words around in nearly every lesson, especially for beginners. Although the app sometimes comes up with some strange sentences, the process works! Unscrambling sentences on Duolingo allows for learners to absorb the sentence syntax of another language through exposure. The more the learner practices, the more familiar the word order will become. The same applies to your English learners as they puzzle their way through sentences with your help.
Duolingo, however, provides a way to unscramble sentences that unlike most English learner resources out there. Instead of simply supplying the learner with words in the new language and expecting the student to decipher them, Duolingo's sentence-unscramble-system has two steps.
First, Duolingo shows a sentence in the new language. The learner can click on individual words to learn their meaning. Underneath, the learner then unscrambles the sentence translated into their native language. This step helps build vocabulary and introduces learners to the new language's syntax.
Second, Duolingo does the opposite. It shows a sentence in the learner's native language so that they can grasp the meaning of the translated sentence below, which they will be unscrambling. Once they unscramble the sentence in the new language, they are told whether or not they got it correct and how to fix it.
Duolingo's two-step system, unlike most ESL teaching resources, provides an additional foundation through building vocabulary. As the learner consistently subconsciously compares the two sentences before them, they absorb meanings of words far quicker.
As the learner consistently subconsciously compares the two sentences before them, they absorb meanings of words far quicker.
If you are an ESL teacher and do not have the resources or ability to be on-par with Duolingo, don't fret! English language learner teachers serve an equally, if not more, important presence to students. Here's some reminders on how to be the best ESL teacher you can be:
ESL teachers build positive relationships with English learners, making them feel more welcome and comfortable within their new home and language. Positive relationships and low-stress environments are vital when it comes to language acquisition. Remember to be warm and welcoming to these students who are in a vulnerable place. This can't be replaced with a computer!
By actively monitoring your student's work, you aid them in their understanding. To enhance vocabulary, consider having a dictionary or have access to Google Translate nearby. Remind students that it is okay to ask questions.
If you don't know the student's native language, working together to understand each other can become an incredible bonding and co-learning experience. Remember to be interested and ask questions about the student's culture, background, and language. They'll be happy to teach you too!
Do your research when it comes to language acquisition. Sometimes reading a blog, article, or book can give you that "Aha!" moment to discover what your student needs to blossom on their linguistic journey.
Use a variety of resources, but make sure to maintain day-to-day structure. ESL students learn best through daily repetition and constant reinforcement of correct language usage.
Don't be worried about teaching enough things at once! If your student does not understand a concept, it is best to zero-in on one or two concepts until they get it, and then move on. It may seem slow at first, but students will show much more progress this way.
You don't have to spend a fortune on great ESL resources. There are so many incredible free or low-cost resources on the internet that will make your classroom effective, many of which are right here on the MrsWoodWorks website and TPT store.
Unscrambling sentences has become such a game-changer within my classroom and has been the bridge to fluency for many of my students. Below, you can find my free and low-cost resources available for download right now! Make sure to check in later for any updated or new resources. Remember, your purpose is important and you are making a difference in these students' lives. Stay determined!
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