In what way can Ms. Houlihan best support her beginning level ELL students in social studies?

Using graphic organizers for note-taking is particularly effective for beginning level ELL students in social studies because these tools visually represent information and help students organize their thoughts. Graphic organizers can break down complex concepts into simpler, more digestible parts, making them easier to understand. They can illustrate relationships between ideas, provide frameworks for comparing and contrasting information, and enhance comprehension of the material being studied.

For ELL students who may struggle with language proficiency, graphic organizers minimize the linguistic demands of the content while focusing on the essential concepts. This visual approach supports their learning process, enabling them to engage with the subject matter in an accessible way. By using this method, Ms. Houlihan can foster a better understanding and increase the students' confidence as they navigate the challenges of learning social studies in a new language.