What integrated activity could benefit ELLs learning about animals and counting in a bilingual setting?

The integrated activity that stands out as particularly beneficial for ELLs learning about animals and counting in a bilingual setting involves drawing two cards, one with an animal name and another with a number, and then illustrating the animals. This approach supports several key learning objectives.

Firstly, it combines language skills with visual arts, allowing students to draw on their creativity while reinforcing vocabulary related to animals. The bilingual aspect is crucial, as students can approach the activity using both their native language and English, facilitating a deeper understanding of the terms involved.

Secondly, the act of counting is directly tied to the activity; students are required to engage with numbers actively as they draw the corresponding number of animals. This hands-on experience solidifies their understanding of counting in a fun and engaging manner.

Moreover, the dual elements of reading (recognizing and understanding the animal names) and math (counting the animals) enhance cognitive connections, aiding memory retention. By visually representing the animals, students are not only practicing their language skills but also reinforcing their counting abilities in a contextualized and meaningful way.

This method, therefore, effectively supports language acquisition, numeracy skills, and engagement, making it an ideal integrated activity for ELLs in a bilingual setting.