writing about science

Working with science content to teach writing is proving to be challenging. It takes more time both in my preparation and in teaching the class. I check in with the science teacher to learn the weekly content of the 5th grade science class and then plan the appropriate language structures to match the science lesson. On Monday I front load the weekly science content information to the students, focusing on new vocabulary. On Tuesday I teach language structures using everyday vocabulary to practice the new forms. On Wednesday we write the language structures with the science vocabulary. On Thursday we edit and rework our writing or practice with language games. I find I’m spending more time teaching and reviewing the science than teaching writing.