The California ELD Standards Companion, Grades 3-5. Jim Burke

       In contrast to grade span K–2, ELLs in Grades 3 to 5 are now expected to have extended and more complex conversations, where they support their opinions and present their ideas. Students in this grade span are also expected to interact with each other collaboratively via research and other types of projects (see Snapshot 5.6). Please note that group roles and procedures—such as noise levels, having a clear outcome and enough time, and cognitively appropriate tasks—must be explicitly taught in order for collaboration to be effective and productive.

       Emerging—Students at the emerging level will need specific sentence frames for offering opinions, such as, “I believe ______ because ______”, as well as a word bank to complete their responses. Teachers will want to begin by using topics that students are familiar with, like their favorite sport.

       Expanding—Students at the expanding level can begin to offer their opinions on academic topics, such as their favorite books. A more sophisticated sentence frame such as, “In my opinion, ______ is best because ______”.