Elementary Education Commons^™

Inspiring Multilingual Children To Explore The Natural World Using Nature-Based Literature, Jennifer Hill, Deborah Wheeler

Journal of English Learner Education

Nature-based learning has become more popular in the United States since COVID-19, and incorporating nature-based learning including books about the natural world aligns with children’s natural curiosity, and desire to actively explore through play. Indeed, nature-based learning has many benefits ranging from supporting child development, promoting social-emotional well-being, and creating an inclusive learning environment for multilingual students. Reading nature-based literature and providing access to nature-based literature is a holistic methodology teachers should include in their classroom. This paper highlights the benefits of nature-based learning and provides a variety of topics and resources teacher can utilize.

6th Grade: English Level 3, Learning Packet #5 • Theme: Aztecs, Mayans, & Incas, Amanda Mclaughlin, Lauren Gatti, Alexa Yunes

ICMEE Learning Packets: Level 3 of English Proficiency (K-12)

This week you will travel back in time to the civilizations of the Aztec, Maya, and Inca. These three civilizations built great cities throughout Central America and South America, also known as Mesoamerica. Their inventions and culture can still be found in these regions today!

Day 1 • Ancient Mesoamerica Vocabulary, Mesoamerica: Where Civilizations Flourished, and Crashed, Repeatedly, Map of Mesoamerica Scavenger Hunt, What is PEMDAS?

Day 2 • Aztec Primary Source, Mayan Xocolatl, Order of Operations

Day 3 • Suspension Bridges, Mayan Girls use their language skills to help immigrants from Guatemala, Roll an equation

Day 4 • Math …

7th–8th Grade: English Level 3, Learning Packet #4 • Theme: Disasters #4, Caryn G. Jones, Lauren Gatti, Alexa Yunes

ICMEE Learning Packets: Level 3 of English Proficiency (K-12)

Exploring Survivor Stories, Grades 7-8

We've already explored a few survivor stories, but we're going to look at a few other experiences. This week we are going to take a look at the stories of people, kids in particular, who have experienced disasters and lived to tell about them. We're going to take a look at their encounters with natural disasters to understand how they withstood these dangers.

Lesson 1 • It's going to BLOW!, Mountain of fire, Meetings challenges

Lesson 2 • Too hot to handle, Lost in Death Valley, Meeting challenges

Lesson 3 • Cold enough for you?, …

6th Grade: English Level 3, Learning Packet #3 • Theme: China, Amanda Mclaughlin, Aaron P. Johnson, Alexa Yunes

ICMEE Learning Packets: Level 3 of English Proficiency (K-12)

Thinking Skills Glossary

Question Words

Ancient China Vocabulary

A Look at China's Ruling Dynasty's Throughout History

Natural Barriers in Ancient China

Intro to Percentages

Chinese Zodiac

The Ballad of Mulan

Finding Percentages

Tangrams

Ancient Chinese Dynasties

Finding Percentages: Riddle

The Silk Road

Giant Panda vs. Red Panda

Discounts, Tips, and Taxes

Vocabulary Story

Chinese Philosophy: What Would They Do?

Percent Mystery Picture

Weekly Reflection

My Packet Journal

Reference Sheet

Answer Keys

11th–12th Grade: English Level 3, Learning Packet #2 • Theme: Space, Katie Loughrist, Lauren Gatti, Alexa Yunes

ICMEE Learning Packets: Level 3 of English Proficiency (K-12)

Lesson 1 • Space: Outer space and inner space, Vocabulary

Lesson 2 • Get some space! Strengthen your body & clear your mind

Lesson 3 • Measuring distances to galaxies by Jonathan D. Davis

Lesson 4 • X= space: using algebra to study the solar system, Use PEMDAS to simplify the expressions

Lesson 5 • Lonely as a cloud: poetry inspiring art, Reflection: a focus on space

Reference Sheet

Answer Keys

11th–12th Grade: English Level 3, Learning Packet #1 • Theme: Sleep, Katie Loughrist, Lauren Gatti, Alexa Yunes

ICMEE Learning Packets: Level 3 of English Proficiency (K-12)

Lesson 1 • Accessing prior knowledge, Vocabulary preview and game, Sleep: dreams of a dream

Lesson 2 • Why sleep? by Dara S. Manoach & Robert Stickgold

Lesson 3 • X = sleep: using PEMDAS for order of operations, Move to rest: exercises for a good's night's rest

Lesson 4 • Dream big: figurative language through music

Lesson 5 • Express yourself to sleep well: dreams, desires, & the Mandala, Reflection: a focus on sleep

Reference Sheet

Answer Keys

2nd-3rd Grade: English Level 3, Learning Packet #1 • Theme: Space, Samantha Monter, Tricia Gray, Kara Mitchell Viesca, Alexa Yunes

ICMEE Learning Packets: Level 3 of English Proficiency (K-12)

These packets are self-contained. Everything a child will need to be successful with the activities is provided in the packet. Students will only need a writing utensil. Additional tools like crayons or scissors can be used, but do not have to be.

Day 1 • - Solar System Mini Book - Vocabulary Dictionary - Explore the Solar System - Math Word Problems

Day 2 • - Learn about Astronauts - If I were an astronaut writing. - Label the Astronaut - Match the Vocabulary

Day 3 • - Read about Constellations - Draw a constellation - Compare 2 planets - …

4th-5th Grade: English Level 3, Learning Packet #1 • Theme: Space, Nicole M. Ponti, Tricia Gray, Kara Mitchell Viesca, Alexa Yunes

ICMEE Learning Packets: Level 3 of English Proficiency (K-12)

These packets are self-contained. Everything a child will need to be successful with the activities is provided in the packet. Students will only need a writing utensil. Additional tools like crayons or scissors can be used, but do not have to be.

Day 1 • ELA: Read Space Expedition Sections: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Math: Moon Multiplication math facts, Science: Create Space Trading cards (Mercury, Venus, Earth, Art: Make yourself an astronaut

Day 2 • ELA: Read Space Expedition Sections: Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Math: Moon Multiplication math facts, Science: Create Space trading cards (Mars, Jupiter, Saturn)

Day 3 • ELA: Read …

2nd-3rd Grade: English Level 3, Learning Packet #3 • Theme: Taking Care Of Myself, Samantha Monter, Tricia Gray, Kara Mitchell Viesca, Alexa Yunes

ICMEE Learning Packets: Level 3 of English Proficiency (K-12)

My Plan for the Week

Choose activities from the different content areas to complete each day. You can choose one or two activities from different areas to do during the day. Below is a list of the activities in each content area.

Reading - Food Groups - What we eat - Handwashing

Writing/ Grammar - How do you take care of yourself - How To Writing - Exercise Journal - Suffix Organizer - Suffix Matching

Vocabulary - Dictionary - Vocabulary Matching - Vocabulary Sentences

Physical Education - Yoga - Create a Workout - Walk around Your Neighborhood

Math - Crack …

7th–8th Grade: English Level 3, Learning Packet #2 • Theme: Disasters #2, Caryn G. Jones, Lauren Gatti, Alexa Yunes

ICMEE Learning Packets: Level 3 of English Proficiency (K-12)

Survival School, Grades 7-8

We will explore the disasters that impact our world, how they happen, what damage they can cause, and how we can be prepared to survive and overcome them.

Lesson 1 • What do we really need? Safety vs survival? What hazards threaten us? Rule of threes

Lesson 2 • Getting safe, Read all about it, Analyze priorities and classify dangers

Lesson 3 • Situational awareness, Getting shelter, food, and water, Finding help

Lesson 4 • Alone of in a group, what changes? Leadership qualities, Choose a leader

Lesson 5 • Review your work this week, Write …

6th Grade: English Level 3, Learning Packet #4 • Theme: Greece And Rome, Amanda Mclaughlin, Lauren Gatti, Alexa Yunes

ICMEE Learning Packets: Level 3 of English Proficiency (K-12)

This week you will travel back in time to the land of Ancient Greece and Rome! These two empires both ruled over large areas of land in modern day Europe. From mythology to engineering, these empires made a significant impact on civilization.

Question Words

Thinking Skills Glossary - Level 3 English

Day 1 • Ancient Greece and Rome vocabulary, Take a Side: Athens vs. Sparta?, Mapping: Ancient Rome, Converting fractions, decimals, and percentages

Day 2 • Reading comprehension challenge: Gladiators, The destruction of Pompeii, Comparing fractions, decimals, and percentages

Day 3 • Roman numerals, Mythology: "A touch of gold," Roll …

11th–12th Grade: English Level 3, Learning Packet #3 • Theme: Minimalism, Katie Loughrist, Lauren Gatti, Alexa Yunes

ICMEE Learning Packets: Level 3 of English Proficiency (K-12)

Lesson 1 • What is minimalism? Art and lifestyle

Lesson 2 • Meditation styles: choose your favorites

Lesson 3 • How to understand your values by Joshua Fields Millburn, adapted for English language learners by Katie Loughrist

Lesson 4 • Geometric shapes: minimalist art

Lesson 5 • Reflection: a focus on less

Reference Sheet

4th-5th Grade: English Level 3, Learning Packet #4 • Theme: Nutrition, Claudia T. Yunes, Nicole M. Ponti, Tricia Gray, Alexa Yunes

ICMEE Learning Packets: Level 3 of English Proficiency (K-12)

These packets are self-contained. Everything a child will need to be successful with the activities is provided in the packet. Students will only need a writing utensil. Additional tools like crayons or scissors can be used, but do not have to be.

My Buddy, Choose a Buddy

Nutrition Glossary

Vocabulary Practice

Food from Many Cultures

Healthy Notes

How to Create 5 Days of Healthy Dinner

My 5-Day Dinner Menu Planner

My Physical Activity Planner

Cooking My Favorite Healthy Meal Sensory Poem

Family Cook Together

My Recipe

Math Unit Conversions

Kitchen Conversion Math

Food Components

My Informational Text in 3-2-1

Understanding …

2nd-3rd Grade: English Level 3, Learning Packet #4 • Theme: Rainforest, Samantha Monter, Tricia Gray, Alexa Yunes

ICMEE Learning Packets: Level 3 of English Proficiency (K-12)

My Plan for the Week Choose activities from the different content areas to complete each day. You can choose one or two activities from different areas to do during the day. Below is a list of the activities in each content area.

Reading - All about Rainforests - Where are Rainforests - Animals in the Rainforest

Writing/ Grammar - Give a report - If I traveled to a Rainforest story - Interview an Explorer - Compound words Organizer - Compound word matching/sentences

Vocabulary - Dictionary - Vocabulary Matching - Vocabulary Sentences

Math - Crack the Code - Graph the Animals …

4th-5th Grade: English Level 3, Learning Packet #2 • Theme: Careers, Nicole M. Ponti, Tricia Gray, Kara Mitchell Viesca, Claudia Yunes, Alexa Yunes

ICMEE Learning Packets: Level 3 of English Proficiency (K-12)

These packets are self-contained. Everything a child will need to be successful with the activities is provided in the packet. Students will only need a writing utensil. Additional tools like crayons or scissors can be used, but do not have to be.

Instructions Key

My Buddy, Choose a Buddy

Test: What's My Learning Style?

Identify Your Learning Style and Possible Career Choices

Creative Writing

My Dream Career

Labor Day

Interview an Adult about Their Work

Wages Multiplications

Budgets and Wages

Babysitter Wages

Hidden Treasures

Create Your Career Buddy!

Daily Movement Breaks

Career Glossary

My Packet Journal

Reference Sheet

11th–12th Grade: English Level 3, Learning Packet #4 • Theme: Belief And Doubt, Katie Loughrist, Lauren Gatti, Alexa Yunes

ICMEE Learning Packets: Level 3 of English Proficiency (K-12)

Lesson 1 • Belief & justification: why do we believe what we do?

Lesson 2 • They did WHAT? Give it a try, and believe in yourself!

Lesson 3 • Stranger than fiction: a brief history of our weird world

Lesson 4 • Two truths and a lie: a guessing game of belief and doubt

Lesson 5 • Reflection: a focus on belief

My Packet Journal

Reference Sheet

K–1st Grade: English Level 3, Learning Packet #1 • Theme: Space, Vickie Neilly, Tricia Gray, Kara Mitchell Viesca, Alexa Yunes

ICMEE Learning Packets: Level 3 of English Proficiency (K-12)

These packets are self-contained. Everything a child will need to be successful with the activities is provided in the packet. Students will only need a writing utensil. Additional tools like crayons or scissors can be used, but do not have to be.

Day 1 • Vocabulary trace, Label My Buddy, Space shapes, Let's move

Day 2 • Reading passage, Mix it fix it, Space dot-to-dot, Window or walk

Day 3 • Vocabulary matching, Let's compare, Astronaut writing, Move with your Buddy

Day 4 • Space graphing, Space addition, If I lived in space, Let's draw

Day 5 • My journal, …

6th Grade: English Level 3, Learning Packet #1 • Theme: Mesopotamia, Amanda Mclaughlin, Lauren Gatti, Alexa Yunes

ICMEE Learning Packets: Level 3 of English Proficiency (K-12)

You will travel through time learning about ancient civilizations and their impact on our world today. You will begin by discovering Mesopotamia, the first recorded civilization in history.

Day 1 • Mesopotamia vocabulary, Intro reading: Life in Sumerian times Mesopotamia, Comprehension quiz, Map of Mesopotamia scavenger hunt, Intro to Fractions

Day 2 • Vocabulary crossword puzzle, Primary source: Code of Hammurabi, Inventions of Mesopotamia, part 1, Sumerian writing, Comparing fractions

Day 3 • Secondary source: Hanging Gardens of Babylon, Inventions of Mesopotamia, part 2, Creative writing: The Epic of Gilgamesh, part 1, Comprehension quiz, Equivalent fractions

Day 4 • Reading: …

K–1st Grade: English Level 3, Learning Packet #5 • Theme: Cycles, Vickie Neilly, Tricia Gray, Alexa Yunes

ICMEE Learning Packets: Level 3 of English Proficiency (K-12)

Day 1 • Choose a Buddy, Vocabulary, Label My Buddy, Let's move, Life cycle patterns

Day 2 • Life cycles, Animal actions, Mix it fix it, Let's sort

Day 3 • Let's draw, Math word problems, Scavenger hunt

Day 4 • What's inside?, Let's match, Move with your Buddy, Would you rather?

Day 5 • Window or walk, My journal, Let's create, Nouns and verbs

My Packet Journal

Reference Sheet

7th–8th Grade: English Level 3, Learning Packet #3 • Theme: Disasters #3, Caryn G. Jones, Lauren Gatti, Alexa Yunes

ICMEE Learning Packets: Level 3 of English Proficiency (K-12)

Pandemic! Grades 7-8

Understanding the COVID-19 Pandemic

Lesson 1 • Define and classify diseases, Reflections

Lesson 2 • Psssttt...DON'T pass it on, Reflections

Lesson 3 • GROSS...anatomy (It's not really gross!), Systems of the human body, How do you feel?, Reflections

Lesson 4 • Treatment vs cure vs vaccine, Symptoms can be beneficial, Diagnose it, doctor!, Beyond diagnosis, Use your knowledge: Diagnose and treat, Reflections

My Packet Journal

Reference Sheet

Answer Keys

K–1st Grade: English Level 3, Learning Packet #4 • Theme: Taking Care Of Self 2, Vickie Neilly, Tricia Gray, Alexa Yunes

ICMEE Learning Packets: Level 3 of English Proficiency (K-12)

Day 1 • Choose a Buddy, Vocabulary, Label My Buddy, Let's move, Counting by 10s

Day 2 • Taking care of me, Mix it fix it, Make a list, Label My Buddy

Day 3 • Time for bed, Bedtime routine, Let's sort, Let's draw

Day 4 • Window or walk, What's in my lunchbox?, Let's draw, Food addition

Day 5 • Describing words, Make a balanced meal, Would you rather?, My journal, Dictionary

My Packet Journal

Reference Sheet

9th–10th Grade: English Level 2, Learning Packet #4 • Theme: Nature In America, Morgan Spanel, Aaron P. Johnson, Alexa Yunes

ICMEE Learning Packets: Level 2 of English Proficiency (K-12)

Day 1 • Exploring the world around you: The United States, "America the Beautiful," Practicing with adjectives

Day 2 • History of National Parks, Describing National Parks, Comparing National Parks

Day 3 • Biomes in the United States, Biomes of North America: outline map, Calculating the climates of biomes

Day 4 • Exploring the world around you: community walk, Identifying trees, Excerpts from A Sand County Almanac by Aldo Leopold, 1949

Day 5 • Adjective practice, Journal: what would you preserve?

My Packet Journal

Reference Sheet

Answer Keys

9th–10th Grade: English Level 2, Learning Packet #5 • Theme: Full Of Energy, Morgan Spanel, Aaron P. Johnson, Alexa Yunes

ICMEE Learning Packets: Level 2 of English Proficiency (K-12)

Day 1 • Full of energy: what is energy?, Identifying types of energy, Word search

Day 2 • Transfer versus transform, Energy transformation, Draw your own Rube Goldberg machine

Day 3 • History of cars, Calculating gas mileage and speed, Design your own car

Day 4 • Raul's day, Raul's day: identifying energy types, Measuring your energy

Day 5 • Renewable vs. nonrenewable energy, Compare and contrast renewable and nonrenewable energy, Energy is all around us

My Packet Journal

Reference Sheet

Answer Keys

K–1st Grade: English Level 2, Learning Packet #1 • Theme: Shapes, Lacey M. Farmer, Tricia Gray, Kara Mitchell Viesca, Alexa Yunes

ICMEE Learning Packets: Level 2 of English Proficiency (K-12)

Day 1 • Choose a Buddy, Writing new words, Shapes memory, Make a pattern, Building sentences

Day 2 • Writing new words, Matching, Today's number (63)

Day 3 • Showing location, Exercise addition, Sorting shapes

Day 4 • Shapes walk, Journal writing, Today's number (23)

Day 5 • Searching for shapes, Making pictures from shapes, Write about a picture, Dictionary

My Packet Journal

Answer Keys

K–1st Grade: English Level 2, Learning Packet #2 • Theme: In The Garden, Lacey M. Farmer, Tricia Gray, Kara Mitchell Viesca, Alexa Yunes

ICMEE Learning Packets: Level 2 of English Proficiency (K-12)

Day 1 • Choose a Buddy, Writing new words, Garden memory, Make a pattern, Building sentences

Day 2 • Writing new words, More than one, Today's number (18)

Day 3 • Corn counting, Sequence writing, Read the story: The garden, Measuring worms, Draw a picture and write the length

Day 4 • Graphing, Journal writing, Today's number (55), Leaf rubbing

Day 5 • Leaf "painting," Can you find...?, Write about a picture, Dictionary

My Packet Journal

Reference Sheet

Answer Key

K–1st Grade: English Level 2, Learning Packet #3 • Theme: Ocean, Lacey M. Farmer, Tricia Gray, Alexa Yunes

ICMEE Learning Packets: Level 2 of English Proficiency (K-12)

Day 1 • Choose a Buddy, Writing new words, Ocean matching, Make a pattern, Building sentences

Day 2 • Writing new words, Ocean yoga, Read the story: In the ocean, Today's number (42)

Day 3 • Fish matching, Sequence writing, Measuring sharks, Draw a picture and write the length

Day 4 • Addition to 20, Journal writing, Today's number (36)

Day 5 • Origami, Connect the dots, Write about the picture, Dictionary

My Packet Journal

Reference Sheet

Answer Keys

K–1st Grade: English Level 2, Learning Packet #4 • Theme: The Desert, Lacey M. Farmer, Tricia Gray, Alexa Yunes

ICMEE Learning Packets: Level 2 of English Proficiency (K-12)

Day 1 • Choose a Buddy, Writing new words, Desert memory, Make a pattern, Building sentences

Day 2 • Writing new words, Desert yoga, Read the story: In the desert, Today's number (34)

Day 3 • Cactus matching, Sequence writing, Measuring snakes, Draw a picture and write the length

Day 4 • Graphic, Journal writing, Today's number (28)

Day 5 • Addition to 20, Connect the dots, Write about the picture, Dictionary

My Packet Journal

Reference Sheet

Answer Keys

K–1st Grade: English Level 2, Learning Packet #5 • Theme: Hygiene, Lacey M. Farmer, Tricia Gray, Alexa Yunes

ICMEE Learning Packets: Level 2 of English Proficiency (K-12)

Day 1 • Choose a Buddy, Learning new words, Germs are everywhere, Washing our hands

Day 2 • Brush your teeth, Toothbrush subtraction, Toothbrush tracking, Start with today's new words

Day 3 • Start with today's new words, Healthy habits, Time, Today's number (41)

Day 4 • Exercise and sleep, Journal-favorite exercise, Tangrams, Telling time, Start with today's new words!, Exercise and sleep

Day 5 • Write a dream, What did you learn?, Tell others!

May Packet Journal

Reference Sheet

Answer Keys

2nd–3rd Grade: English Level 2, Learning Packet #1 • Theme: Where Do I Live? Part 1, Rachael Ballweg, Tricia Gray, Kara Mitchell Viesca, Alexa Yunes

ICMEE Learning Packets: Level 2 of English Proficiency (K-12)

Day 1 • Choose a Buddy, Vocabulary practice Day 1, Vocabulary trace, Draw your room, Add to 100

Day 2 • Vocabulary practice Day 2, Be a tour guide, Workout time, Meet Theo, Draw Theo's room, Subtract to 100

Day 3 • Practice your vocabulary words, Workout with your buddy, Read a letter from Theo, Subtract to 100

Day 4 • Play Go Fish, Workout with your buddy, Meet Theo, Compare and contrast, Add and subtract with word problems

Day 5 • Match the vocabulary, Draw your Buddy a room, "Here's your new room!," Make a word problem, My dictionary …

2nd–3rd Grade: English Level 2, Learning Packet #2 • Theme: Where Do I Live? Part 2, Rachael Ballweg, Tricia Gray, Kara Mitchell Viesca, Alexa Yunes

ICMEE Learning Packets: Level 2 of English Proficiency (K-12)

Day 1 • Choose a Buddy, Vocabulary practice Day 1, Vocabulary trace, Workout time, Drawn your neighborhood, Repeated addition, Journal writing

Day 2 • Vocabulary practice Day 2, Vocabulary write, Workout time, City dog, country dog, Repeated addition, Journal writing

Day 3 • Vocabulary practice Day 3, Word find, Workout time, City dog, country dog, Write a diary entry, Arrays and repeated addition, Journal writing

Day 4 • Vocabulary practice Day 4, Memory game, Workout time, Rex's neighborhood, Use text features, Repeated addition arrays, Journal writing

Day 5 • Vocabulary practice Day 5, Draw your neighborhood, Pictures to cut out, …