
ELL Content Picture Packs Tips
ELL Content Picture Packs are designed to effectively and efficiently help your K-5 English language learners develop vocabulary, language, and critical thinking skills. The research-based lessons incorporate strategies for differentiating language development in the areas of writing, speaking, and grammar. These comprehensive resources have been developed and organized by grade range and content area to correlate to WIDA, TESOL, and Common Core State Standards.
The accompanying digital resources for grades 1-5, called Interactivities, have been developed to offer flexibility of use. Integrate them into your instruction for a blended learning experience by creating an assignment, or have students explore them independently in the Kids A-Z Reading Room.
Why Use ELL Content Picture Packs
ELL Content Picture Packs provide content and research-based materials designed for teachers of K-5 English language learners.
Each lesson focuses on five skills (vocabulary, writing, speaking, grammar, and critical thinking) and a topic within one of the content areas of language arts, math, science, social studies, and basic social and instructional language.
The packs' lessons enable differentiation of instruction for ELLs of all language proficiency levels.
How to Use ELL Content Picture Packs
Each pack features a two-page lesson plan that is accompanied by four projectable images as well as vocabulary and comparison charts. The Interactivities accompanying the Content Picture Packs are designed to support a blended learning experience and can be assigned to students or made available in the Reading Room so students can explore at their own pace. Together, these materials provide a foundation for scaffolding language development and critical thinking activities.
The two-page lesson plan serves as four lessons in one package. It provides an instructional model that can be used repeatedly with each of the four included images. To support classroom and time management, each lesson is organized into a series of thoughtfully timed steps, which are clearly illustrated by clock icons. The ELL Content Picture Pack Interactivity Guide offers suggestions and tips for incorporating the Interactivities into the existing structure of the lesson plan.
The Interactivity that accompanies each grade 1-5 Content Picture Pack comes in two versions to facilitate differentiation for students at different language proficiency levels. Within each language level’s Interactivity, students learn about the topic, practice grammar skills, and complete activities associated with the vocabulary in each of the four images. Each Interactivity follows and complements the structure of the lesson plan. Animations, engaging images, and audio offer scaffolding for English language learners as they learn vocabulary and grammar and practice reading, listening, and writing skills.
Resources that accompany each ELL Content Picture Pack
- Teacher Lesson Plan
- Main Picture and Vocabulary Chart
- Additional Pictures and Vocabulary Charts
- Comparison Chart
- Interactivity on Kids A-Z (for grades 1-5)
Lesson Plan Sequence
(to use with first image projectable) and Interactivity (to use with grades 1-5)Lesson Plan | Interactivity |
---|---|
Step 1: Building Background |
Part 1: Learn About the Topic (2 activities)
Part 2: Learn About the Grammar (4 activities)
Part 3: Learn About Each Image/Identify and Label Vocabulary (6-9 activities) |
Step 2: Classify Vocabulary |
Part 3: Learn About Each Image/Classify the Vocabulary (1 activity) |
Step 3: Shared Writing and Grammar
Step 4: Independent Writing
Step 5: Critical Thinking Discussion |
Part 3: Learn About Each Image/Write Using the Grammar and Vocabulary (1-3 activities) |
Repeat the lesson with the other three images with the additional three image projectables. |
Parts 4-6: Students complete the same activities found in Part 3 for the additional three images. |
Culminating Assessment: Use the Comparison Chart to help students synthesize their learning and to check for student understanding. |
Part 7: Make Comparisons (3 activities) |
Tools for Differentiating Instruction in ELL Content Picture Packs
ELL Content Picture Packs lessons include strategies for differentiating instruction for students at varying language proficiency levels. These strategies are included for speaking and writing activities in many steps of the lesson plan. Within the Interactivity accompanying each Content Picture Pack for grade 1-5, specific activities are differentiated for students at varying language proficiency levels.
Building Background/Label the Vocabulary
Type | Grades | Language Levels | Differentiation |
---|---|---|---|
Interactivity | 1-2 | 1-3 | Uses single words |
4-5 | Uses sentences | ||
3-5 | 1-2 | Uses single words | |
3-5 | Uses sentences |
Classify Vocabulary
Type | Grades | Language Levels | Differentiation |
---|---|---|---|
Interactivity | 1-2 | 1-3 | One example provided in each category |
4-5 | No example provided | ||
3-5 | 1-2 | One example provided in each category | |
3-5 | No example provided | ||
Lesson Plan | All | All | Level-appropriate dialogue frames |
Independent Writing
Type | Grades | Language Levels | Differentiation |
---|---|---|---|
Interactivity | 1-2 | 1-3 | Fill-in-the-blank activity |
4-5 | Sentence scramble activity | ||
3-5 | 1-2 | Sentence scramble activity | |
3-5 | Writing prompt | ||
Lesson Plan | All | 1-2 | Write and illustrate vocabulary words. Identify parts of speech related to the grammar from the lesson. |
3-4 | Write original sentences using vocabulary words and grammar from the lesson. | ||
5 | Write a paragraph using vocabulary words and grammar from the lesson. |
Critical Thinking Discussion
Type | Grades | Language Levels | Differentiation |
---|---|---|---|
Lesson Plan | All | All | Level-appropriate dialogue frames |
Culminating Assessment
Type | Grades | Language Levels | Differentiation |
---|---|---|---|
Lesson Plan | All | All | Level-appropriate sentence starters |
Language Arts

Fairy Tales
Goldilocks and the Three Bears, The Three Little Pigs, Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella Grammar Focus: Singular and Plural NounsAdditional Resources

Nursery Rhymes
Little Miss Muffet, Little Jack Horner, Mary Had a Little Lamb, Baa Baa Black Sheep Grammar Focus: PronounsMath

Measurement
weight and quantity, volume and quantity, height and weight, length and quantity Grammar Focus: AdjectivesAdditional Resources

Money
coins, bills, the bank, the store Grammar Focus: Demonstrative PronounsAdditional Resources

Shapes
birthday party shapes, shapes at home, city shapes, shapes at school Grammar Focus: Demonstrative AdjectivesAdditional Resources
Science

Animal Habitats
savanna, ocean, forest, polar Grammar Focus: AdverbsAdditional Resources

Being Healthy
going to the doctor, eating healthy, exercising, washing hands Grammar Focus: Simple Past Tense VerbsAdditional Resources

Plants
parts of a plant, planting a garden, flowers, fruit Grammar Focus: Comparative AdjectivesAdditional Resources
Social & Instructional Language

Daily Routines
brushing teeth, going to school, doing homework, getting ready for bed Grammar Focus: Simple Future Verb TenseAdditional Resources

Places at School
main classroom, art room, music room, library Grammar Focus: Present Progressive Verb TenseAdditional Resources

Sports and Games
soccer, recess,T-ball, classroom games Grammar Focus: Past Tense VerbsAdditional Resources
Social Studies

Careers
firefighter, police officer, mail carrier, doctor Grammar Focus: Simple Present TenseAdditional Resources

Food & Meals
breakfast, lunch, snack, dinner Grammar Focus: Present Progressive Verb TenseAdditional Resources

Seasons & Weather
fall, winter, spring, summer Grammar Focus: AdjectivesAdditional Resources

U.S. Symbols
the White House, the Statue of Liberty, the United States flag, the bald eagle Grammar Focus: Prepositions of LocationAdditional Resources
Common Resources
-
Content Picture Pack Interactivity Guide
Language Arts

Adventures
The Wizard of Oz, Peter Pan, Jack and the Beanstalk, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland Grammar Focus: PrepositionsInteractivities
Language Proficiency Levels 1-3
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
Language Proficiency Levels 4-5
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video

Fables
The Hare and the Tortoise, The Lion and the Mouse, The Wolf in Sheep's Clothing, The Ant and the Grasshopper Grammar Focus: Simple Future Verb TenseInteractivities
Language Proficiency Levels 1-3
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
Language Proficiency Levels 4-5
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
Math

Geometric Shapes
shapes along the road, outside shapes, shapes in my world, shapes in school Grammar Focus: Demonstrative AdjectivesInteractivities
Language Proficiency Levels 1-3
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
Language Proficiency Levels 4-5
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video

Measurement
width, height, weight, volume Grammar Focus: Comparative AdjectivesInteractivities
Language Proficiency Levels 1-3
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
Language Proficiency Levels 4-5
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video

Money
earning money, saving money, paying bills, spending money Grammar Focus: Adjectives of QuantityInteractivities
Language Proficiency Levels 1-3
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
Language Proficiency Levels 4-5
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
Science

Animal Habitats
savanna, ocean, forest, polar Grammar Focus: AdverbsInteractivities
Language Proficiency Levels 1-3
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
Language Proficiency Levels 4-5
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video

Being Healthy
going to the doctor, making healthy choices, exercising, washing hands Grammar Focus: Simple Past Tense VerbsInteractivities
Language Proficiency Levels 1-3
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
Language Proficiency Levels 4-5
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video

Plants
parts of a plant, planting a garden, flowers, forest plants Grammar Focus: Comparative AdjectivesInteractivities
Language Proficiency Levels 1-3
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
Language Proficiency Levels 4-5
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
Social & Instructional Language

Daily Routines
brushing teeth, going to school, doing homework, getting ready for bed Grammar Focus: Simple Future Verb TenseInteractivities
Language Proficiency Levels 1-3
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
Language Proficiency Levels 4-5
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video

Places at School
main classroom, art room, music room, library Grammar Focus: Present Progressive Verb TenseInteractivities
Language Proficiency Levels 1-3
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
Language Proficiency Levels 4-5
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video

Sports and Games
soccer, martial arts, basketball, board games Grammar Focus: Past Tense VerbsInteractivities
Language Proficiency Levels 1-3
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
Language Proficiency Levels 4-5
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
Social Studies

Careers
firefighter, police officer, coach, artist Grammar Focus: Simple Present TenseInteractivities
Language Proficiency Levels 1-3
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
Language Proficiency Levels 4-5
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video

Food & Meals
breakfast, lunch, snack, dinner Grammar Focus: Present Progressive Verb TenseInteractivities
Language Proficiency Levels 1-3
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
Language Proficiency Levels 4-5
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video

Seasons & Weather
fall, winter, spring, summer Grammar Focus: AdjectivesInteractivities
Language Proficiency Levels 1-3
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
Language Proficiency Levels 4-5
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video

U.S. Symbols
the White House, the Fourth of July, the Statue of Liberty, the Liberty Bell Grammar Focus: Prepositions of LocationInteractivities
Language Proficiency Levels 1-3
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
Language Proficiency Levels 4-5
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
Common Resources
-
Content Picture Pack Interactivity Guide
Language Arts

Adventures
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Treasure Island, Gulliver's Travels, The Wind in the Willows Grammar Focus: PrepositionsInteractivities
Language Proficiency Levels 1-2
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
Language Proficiency Levels 3-5
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video

Fables
The Hare and the Tortoise, The Lion and the Mouse, The Wolf in Sheep's Clothing, The Ant and the Grasshopper Grammar Focus: Simple Future Verb TenseInteractivities
Language Proficiency Levels 1-2
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
Language Proficiency Levels 3-5
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
Math

Geometric Shapes
shapes in buildings, shapes in the world, shapes along the road, shapes in art Grammar Focus: Demonstrative AdjectivesInteractivities
Language Proficiency Levels 1-2
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
Language Proficiency Levels 3-5
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video

Measurement
length, measurement tools, weight, volume Grammar Focus: Comparative AdjectivesInteractivities
Language Proficiency Levels 1-2
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
Language Proficiency Levels 3-5
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video

Money
earning money, saving money, paying bills, spending money Grammar Focus: Adjectives of QuantityInteractivities
Language Proficiency Levels 1-2
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
Language Proficiency Levels 3-5
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
Science

Animal Adaptations
savanna, ocean, forest, desert Grammar Focus: AdverbsInteractivities
Language Proficiency Levels 1-2
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
Language Proficiency Levels 3-5
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video

Being Healthy
getting a checkup, exercising, making healthy choices, resting Grammar Focus: Simple Past Tense VerbsInteractivities
Language Proficiency Levels 1-2
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
Language Proficiency Levels 3-5
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video

Helping the Environment
cleaning up, recycling, reusing and reducing, planting trees Grammar Focus: Complex Sentences Using Subordinating Conjunction, becauseInteractivities
Language Proficiency Levels 1-2
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
Language Proficiency Levels 3-5
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
Social & Instructional Language

Daily Routines
making the bed, working together at school, caring for a pet, setting the table Grammar Focus: Simple Future Verb TenseInteractivities
Language Proficiency Levels 1-2
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
Language Proficiency Levels 3-5
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video

Places at School
gym, auditorium, cafeteria, library Grammar Focus: Simple Future Verb TenseInteractivities
Language Proficiency Levels 1-2
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
Language Proficiency Levels 3-5
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video

Sports and Games
soccer, basketball, chess, computer games Grammar Focus: Past Tense VerbsInteractivities
Language Proficiency Levels 1-2
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
Language Proficiency Levels 3-5
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
Social Studies

Careers
zoologist, architect, pilot, computer game designer Grammar Focus: Interrogative Sentences in the Simple Present TenseInteractivities
Language Proficiency Levels 1-2
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
Language Proficiency Levels 3-5
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video

Foods Around the World
Mexican food, Chinese food, Indian food, Iraqi food Grammar Focus: Present Progressive Verb TenseInteractivities
Language Proficiency Levels 1-2
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
Language Proficiency Levels 3-5
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video

Seasons & Weather
fall, winter, spring, summer Grammar Focus: AdjectivesInteractivities
Language Proficiency Levels 1-2
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video
-
Play Video Play Video