At a Glance:

Grades:6, 7, 8
Subject:ESL/ELL (English Language Learning); Math
Topic:Expression, Instruction, Math
Lesson Length:15 - 20 mins

Standards / Framework:

What will students learn in this activity?

Students will show a ratio relationship. 

What should students know before this activity?

Students should be familiar with what ratios are and how to express ratios in a group.

How can teachers introduce this lesson?

  • Ask students:
    • “What are some examples of ratios?”
    • “What do ratios tell us about a group?”
    • “Why is it important to be able to communicate about math?”

What will students do?

  • As a class, have students identify ratios in a given group.
  • Have students discuss different ways to express the ratio, e.g., 5 black cats to 3 white cats, 3 white cats to 5 black cats.
  • As a class or in small groups, create a comic using one of the ratios discussed, so students have an example.
  • Using the sample comic as a guide, have students create a comic explaining to illustrate a ratio of their choice.

How can teachers wrap up the lesson?

  • Have students share their comics with the class or in small groups.
  • Have students explain why they chose that ratio and how they found it.
  • Discuss why math vocabulary like the word “ratio” is important.
  • Emphasize that understanding math vocabulary helps for future math lessons and also for understanding math and science in real life.

How can teachers differentiate this activity?

  • Allow students to use the speech-to-text feature.
  • Allow students to work in pairs or groups as needed.
  • Allow students to use the voiceover feature to read their comics aloud.
  • Allow students to choose the ratio they wish to share and how they wish to portray it in the comic.
  • Allow students to use digital dictionaries/translators as appropriate for your class policy.