Comment by Dan Liang.
Hi Ashlee:
I really enjoyed reading your article, and I think this is a really useful strategy for ELL students learn a new language. I believe many ELL students have a similar experience in their classes, and that many of them are able to manipulate the English language to supply a correct answer, but still not understand the content. I think this strategy can use "a set of focus words from a vocabulary list, and forming them in to a grid." This would help students have a better understanding of vocabulary. Based on this strategy, I think the Classroom Charts & Word Lists, Academic Word List, Signal Words List ect. can be used in the ESL learning environment. When teachers introduce and use this strategy and reinforce academic language learning, like what your activity did. I believe they can see some amazing changes in ELL student learning. Nice strategy, thanks for sharing.