No matter the class, we all have students who require additional support, whether they have a formal Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or are Multilingual Language Learners (ELL students).
Regardless of designation, there are always students who need additional explanations or extra time to complete tasks. So when we put our efforts into differentiation by modifying lessons for IEP and ESL students, or those who are ELLs or multi-language learners (MLLs), everyone can benefit.
Modifying Lessons for IEP and ESL Students in Middle School
When it comes to accommodating and modifying your lessons, there are key teaching approaches and strategies that can help all concerned.
Accommodation vs. Modification
When it comes to modifying lessons for IEP and ESL students, note that there is a difference between accommodations and modifications when the curriculum is taken into account.
Making accommodations for students allows them to meet curriculum expectations, so this is where the delivery of lessons and how students complete work might be different. For example, a student might provide an oral response rather than a written response, or a student might have extra time for an evaluation.
Meanwhile, modifying lessons for IEP and ESL students changes the curriculum expectations. So if there are four overall expectations within a specific unit, a teacher, often in consultation with the school team (guidance, special education, administration), will remove or alter any or all of those expectations.
Ultimately, accommodations change how a student learns or demonstrates their learning without altering the curriculum expectations, whereas modifications involve changing what the student is expected to learn by altering or removing curriculum expectations.
Why This Distinction Matters for Teachers
Understanding the difference between accommodations and modifications is essential for teachers to ensure that students receive appropriate support without compromising academic expectations.
Accommodations keep students on track with grade-level outcomes, while modifications adjust the learning goals themselves. This distinction affects assessment and long-term planning.
Knowing this difference helps teachers to communicate more effectively with students, parents, and support staff, ensuring that each student’s needs are met in a way that aligns with their educational plan.
Teaching Strategies for IEP and ESL students
Provide A Strong Structure
For many students, a strong structure is a great way to support their progress through a unit or lesson. When modifying lessons for IEP and ESL students, having a guided inquiry that provides clear step-by-step directions, often with reduced wording, students can make independent and/or supported steps to success.
Explore And Expand Vocabulary
For English Language Learners or multilingual language learners, new vocabulary is often an impediment to learning.
A helpful teaching approach is to preview vocabulary within a lesson. This could be the creation of word walls, even as student-created ones. Another option is to keep a running vocabulary list in a prominent place throughout the lesson. This can be a whiteboard or chart paper that’s visible during the lesson/unit, or students can have individual vocabulary lists in their subject binders.
If using a vocabulary list, multilingual language learners can include words they know that correspond to their first language. Being able to provide opportunities for multi-language learners to use their first language as a way to expand their English vocabulary is a great option.
Lessons With Reduced Reading
When modifying lessons for IEP and ESL students, use shorter, simpler vocabulary and shorter, simpler reading passages, particularly at the start. Then, as students gain familiarity with the repetition of keywords in different formats, you’ll be able to increase their exposure and, thus, familiarity.
Lessons With Reduced Writing
Reducing writing does not mean omitting writing; instead, it’s another way to use structure and a clear purpose with any writing tasks. This means making use of graphic organizers or fill-in-the-blanks so students can focus on demonstrating their learning rather than spending an inordinate amount of time figuring out the initial requirements.
Complement Materials With Audio
Whether it’s reading or writing, comprehension can be helped with audio tools where students might listen to a passage while following along with a printed version.
This teaching approach can apply to all learners since there are often words we only know from reading, but are unsure of their pronunciation. A combination of reading and listening to a text can support vocabulary expansion and student understanding.
Another way that audio can be used is by getting students to practice their oral communication skills. When modifying lessons for IEP and ESL students, provide opportunities for students to speak and practice communication in English in informal ways such as paired work, small groups, or teacher-student conferencing.
Give Students Self-Assessment Opportunities
Self-assessment opportunities, such as Google Forms or Boom Cards, can also support student learning when modifying lessons for IEP and ESL students. These tech tools are often self-marking, so students can check their answers and confirm their progress or review their learning.
Plus, when using an assessment option that is self-marking, teachers can avoid adding to their pile of marking – a win-win situation!
Final Thoughts
Whether you are delivering the curriculum with or without accommodations or modifications, these teaching strategies for modifying lessons for IEP and ESL students are sure to help everyone in your classroom.
For some students, there might be embarrassment and anxiety tied to receiving accommodations since this makes them appear different from some of their classmates. However, when a teacher uses a variety of strategies throughout their teaching practice, it becomes clear that it’s about helping everyone with what they need rather than doing some things differently for one or a few students.
Ready-To-Use Modified Units
Modified Science Lessons
Grade 6 Science Modified Bundle
In this Grade 6 Science Modified Bundle, teachers are equipped with 56 engaging lessons. These lessons will help teachers immerse their modified Grade 6 science students in learning about key concepts from each Grade 6 science unit.
Each of the 56 lessons aligns with a critical concept in the Ontario Grade 6 Science Curriculum but has significantly reduced reading and writing expectations within the lesson.
This bundle contains four modified science units: Biodiversity, Electricity, Flight, and Space.
Resource Includes:
- 56 Detailed Lesson Plans
- Modified Lesson Content
- MP3 Audio Files of Articles
- Answer Keys
- Hands-On Science Labs & Activities
- Lesson Variety
- Self-Marking Google Forms
- Print and Digital Formats
Teacher Feedback:
“This resource is great! Thank you so much for all of your hard work!” – All Things Creative
You can find the Grade 6 Science Modified Bundle on Shopify CAD or Teachers Pay Teachers USD.
Grade 7 Science Modified Bundle
In this Grade 7 Science Modified Bundle, teachers are equipped with 66 engaging lessons. These lessons will help teachers immerse their modified Grade 7 students in learning about key concepts from each Grade 7 science unit. Each of the 66 lessons aligns with a critical concept in the Ontario Grade 7 Science Curriculum but has significantly reduced reading and writing expectations within the lesson.
This bundle contains four modified science units: Interactions in the Environment, Heat in the Environment, Pure Substances and Mixtures, and Understanding Structures and Mechanisms.
Resource Includes:
- 66 Detailed Lesson Plans
- Modified Lesson Content
- MP3 Audio Files of Articles
- Answer Keys
- Hands-On Science Labs & Activities
- Lesson Variety
- Self-Marking Google Forms
- Print and Digital Formats
Teacher Feedback:
“This worked perfectly for my students. With having kids at different levels, this allowed my kids to reach the content I wanted them to be at.” – Justin P.
You can find the Grade 7 Science Modified Bundle on Shopify CAD or Teachers Pay Teachers USD.
Grade 8 Science Modified Bundle
In this Grade 8 Science Modified Bundle for the Ontario Science Curriculum, teachers are equipped with 70 engaging lessons. These lessons will help teachers immerse their modified Grade 8 students in learning about key concepts from each Grade 8 science unit. Each of the 70 lessons aligns with a critical concept in the Grade 8 Ontario Science Curriculum but has significantly reduced reading and writing expectations within the lesson.
This bundle contains four modified science units: Systems in Action, Cells, Water Systems, and Fluids.
Resource Includes:
- 70 Detailed Lesson Plans
- Modified Lesson Content
- MP3 Audio Files of Articles
- Answer Keys
- Hands-On Science Labs & Activities
- Lesson Variety
- Self-Marking Google Forms
- Print and Digital Formats
Teacher Feedback:
“This was perfect for students in my rotary classes.” – Justin P.
You can find the Grade 8 Science Modified Bundle on Shopify CAD or Teachers Pay Teachers USD.
Grade 6/7 Science Modified Bundle
In this Grade 6/7 Science Modified Bundle for the Ontario Science Curriculum, teachers are equipped with 122 engaging lessons. These lessons will help teachers immerse their modified Grade 6/7 students in learning about key concepts from each Grade 6 & 7 science unit. Each of the 122 lessons aligns with a critical concept in the Grades 6 & 7 Ontario Science Curriculum but has significantly reduced reading and writing expectations within the lesson.
This bundle contains eight modified science units: Flight, Biodiversity, Electricity, Space, Interactions in the Environment, Heat in the Environment, Pure Substances and Mixtures, and Understanding Structures and Mechanisms.
Resource Includes:
- 122 Detailed Lesson Plans
- Modified Lesson Content
- MP3 Audio Files of Articles
- Answer Keys
- Hands-On Science Labs & Activities
- Lesson Variety
- Self-Marking Google Forms
- Print and Digital Formats
You can find the Grade 6/7 Science Modified Bundle on Shopify CAD or Teachers Pay Teachers USD.
Grade 7/8 Science Modified Bundle
In this Grade 7/8 Science Modified Bundle for the Ontario Science Curriculum, teachers are equipped with 136 engaging lessons. These lessons will help teachers immerse their modified Grade 7/8 students in learning about key concepts from each Grade 7 & 8 science unit. Each of the 136 lessons aligns with a critical concept in the Grades 7 & 8 Ontario Science Curriculum but has significantly reduced reading and writing expectations within the lesson.
This bundle contains eight modified science units: Interactions in the Environment, Heat in the Environment, Pure Substances and Mixtures, Understanding Structures and Mechanisms, Systems in Action, Cells, Water Systems, and Fluids.
Resource Includes:
- 136 Detailed Lesson Plans
- Modified Lesson Content
- MP3 Audio Files of Articles
- Answer Keys
- Hands-On Science Labs & Activities
- Lesson Variety
- Self-Marking Google Forms
- Print and Digital Formats
You can find the Grade 7/8 Science Modified Bundle on Shopify CAD or Teachers Pay Teachers USD.
Modified Social Studies Lessons
Modified Grade 6 Social Studies Bundle
In this Modified Grade 6 Social Studies Bundle, teachers will receive 34 engaging lessons that will help teach Grade 6 students about Canadian communities and Canada’s interactions with the global community. Each lesson aligns with a critical concept in the Ontario Grade 6 Social Studies Curriculum but significantly reduces reading and writing expectations.
This resource is designed to meet the needs of ELL students and/or students with modified IEPs. It includes an audio file of each student reading.
Resource Includes:
- 34 Detailed Lesson Plans
- Modified Lesson Content
- MP3 Audio Files of Articles
- Answer Keys
- Lesson Variety
- Self-Marking Google Forms
- Print and Digital Formats
Teacher Feedback:
“This is such a helpful resource to assist students who are on IEPs. I love that I can easily select tasks that they can complete and they will feel successful. Having the audio files is a huge help I can easily post this to google classroom so they can read and follow along much more smoothly! Highly recommend this product to any teacher who is balancing modified or heavily accomodated IEPs in their grade 6 classroom.” – Ms C.
You can find the Grade 6 Social Studies Modified Bundle on Shopify CAD or Teachers Pay Teachers USD.
Modified Grade 6/7 Social Studies Bundle
In this Modified Grade 6/7 Social Studies Bundle, teachers will receive 104 engaging modified social studies lessons, each aligning with a critical concept in the Ontario Social Studies Curriculum. Each lesson has been reworked to reduce reading and writing expectations significantly.
These lessons will help teachers to immerse their modified Grade 6/7 students in learning about key concepts in the Grade 6 and 7 Social Studies, History, and Geography curriculums.
Resource Includes:
- 104 Detailed Lesson Plans
- MP3 Audio Files of Student Readings
- Easy-to-Use Lesson Plans
- Self-Marking Google Forms
- Graphic Organizers
- Answer Keys
- Print and Digital Formats
You can find the Grade 6/7 Social Studies Modified Bundle on Shopify CAD or Teachers Pay Teachers USD.
Modified History Lessons
Modified Grade 7 History Bundle
With this Grade 7 Modified History Bundle, teachers are equipped with 43 engaging lessons. These lessons will help teachers to immerse their modified Grade 7 students in the fascinating world of Canadian history. Each of the 43 lessons aligns with a critical concept in the Ontario Grade 7 History Curriculum but has significantly reduced reading and writing expectations within the lesson.
This modified history unit is for classroom teachers who are required to teach the Grade 7 History Ontario Curriculum but have students working significantly below grade level in reading, writing, and comprehension. An MP3 audio file of each student reading has been provided. This resource was designed to meet the needs of ELL students and/or students on a modified IEP.
Resource Includes:
- 43 Engaging Lessons
- MP3 Audio Files
- Easy-to-Use Lesson Plans
- Self-Marking Google Forms
- Graphic Organizers
- Answer Keys
- Print and Digital Formats
Teacher Feedback:
“I loved how the resources connects with the regular unit! This unit has been a huge time saver and helped engaged our struggling learners.” – Resource-a-saurus
You can find the Grade 7 History Modified Bundle on Shopify CAD or Teachers Pay Teachers USD.
Modified Grade 8 History Bundle
With this Grade 8 Modified History Bundle, teachers are equipped with 34 engaging lessons. These lessons will help teachers to immerse their modified Grade 8 students in the fascinating world of Canadian history. Each of the 34 lessons aligns with a critical concept in the Ontario Grade 8 History Curriculum but has significantly reduced reading and writing expectations within the lesson.
This modified history unit is for classroom teachers who are required to teach the Grade 8 History Ontario Curriculum but have students working significantly below grade level in reading, writing, and comprehension. An MP3 audio file of each student reading has been provided. This resource was designed to meet the needs of ELL students and/or students on a modified IEP.
Resource Includes:
- 34 Engaging Lessons
- MP3 Audio Files
- Easy-to-Use Lesson Plans
- Self-Marking Google Forms
- Graphic Organizers
- Answer Keys
- Print and Digital Formats
Teacher Feedback:
“The text is simple enough to provide the information that is needed, and allows them the opportunity to translate the new/ unfamiliar words, as well! It has chunked the material into smaller, more manageable sections focusing on the key information that they need as part of the curriculum!” – Georgia S.
You can find the Grade 8 History Modified Bundle on Shopify CAD or Teachers Pay Teachers USD.
Modified Grade 7/8 History Bundle
With this Grade 7/8 History Modified Bundle, teachers are equipped with 77 engaging lessons. These lessons will help teachers to immerse their modified Grade 7/8 students in learning about key concepts in the Grade 7 and 8 History curriculum. Each of the 77 lessons aligns with a critical concept in the Ontario Curriculum but has significantly reduced reading and writing expectations within the lesson.
This Grade 7/8 History Modified Bundle is for classroom teachers who are required to teach the Grade 7 and 8 Ontario History Curriculums but have students working significantly below grade level in reading, writing, and comprehension. An MP3 audio file of each student reading has been provided. This resource was designed to meet the needs of ELL students and/or students on a modified IEP.
Resource Includes:
- 77 Detailed Lessons
- MP3 Audio Files of Articles
- Answer Keys & Rubrics
- Assessment Variety: Projects, Quizzes & Unit Test
- Inquiry Learning
- Graphic Organizers
- Print and Digital Formats
Teacher Feedback:
“A great resource to accompany the original units that I use and love with my class. Activities look the same and are about the same topics but more accessible to all students.” – Christine K.
You can find the Grade 7/8 History Modified Bundle on Shopify CAD or Teachers Pay Teachers USD.
Modified Geography Lessons
Modified Grade 7 Geography Bundle
This Modified Grade 7 Geography Bundle is for classroom teachers who are required to teach the Grade 7 Geography Ontario Curriculum but have students working significantly below grade level in reading, writing, and comprehension.
Each of the 27 lessons aligns with a key concept in the Ontario Grade 7 Geography Curriculum but has significantly reduced reading and writing expectations within the lesson. An MP3 audio file of each student reading has been provided. This resource was designed to meet the needs of ELL students and/or students on a modified IEP.
Unit Includes:
- 27 Engaging Lessons
- MP3 Audio Files
- Easy-to-Use Lesson Plans
- Self-Marking Google Forms
- Graphic Organizers
- Answer Keys
- Print and Digital Formats
Teacher Feedback:
“I found this resource very helpful for my ELLs. I love how this resource is still age appropriate but the activities use simpler language. It was perfect for my English Language Learners!” – Stephanie L.
You can find the Grade 7 Geography Modified Bundle on Shopify CAD or Teachers Pay Teachers USD.
Modified Grade 8 Geography Bundle
This Grade 8 Geography Modified Bundle is for classroom teachers who are required to teach the Grade 8 Geography Ontario Curriculum but have students who are working significantly below grade level in reading, writing, and comprehension.
Each of the 31 Grade 8 geography lessons aligns with a key concept in the Ontario Grade 8 Geography Curriculum but has significantly reduced reading and writing expectations within the lesson. An MP3 audio file of each student reading has been provided. This resource was designed to meet the needs of ELL students and/or students on a modified IEP.
Unit Includes:
- 31 Engaging Lessons
- MP3 Audio Files
- Easy-to-Use Lesson Plans
- Self-Marking Google Forms
- Graphic Organizers
- Answer Keys
- Print and Digital Formats
Teacher Feedback:
“This is a ready to use resource for students who need modifications. It was great for a teacher who was suddenly teaching Geography part way through the year for the first time.” – Jennifer G.
You can find the Grade 8 Geography Modified Bundle on Shopify CAD or Teachers Pay Teachers USD.
Modified Grade 7/8 Geography Bundle
This Grade 7/8 Geography Modified Bundle provides teachers with 58 engaging lessons. These lessons will help teachers to immerse their modified Grade 7/8 students in learning about key concepts in the Grade 7 and 8 Geography curriculum. Each of the 58 lessons aligns with a critical concept in the Ontario Curriculum but has significantly reduced reading and writing expectations within the lesson.
This Grade 7/8 Geography Modified Bundle is for classroom teachers who are required to teach the Grade 7 and 8 Ontario Geography Curriculums but have students working significantly below grade level in reading, writing, and comprehension. An MP3 audio file of each student reading has been provided. This resource was designed to meet the needs of ELL students and/or students on a modified IEP.
Unit Includes:
- 58 Engaging Lessons
- MP3 Audio Files of Articles
- Answer Keys & Rubrics
- Assessment Variety: Projects, Quizzes & Unit Test
- Inquiry Learning
- Graphic Organizers
- Print and Digital Formats
You can find the Grade 7/8 Geography Modified Bundle on Shopify CAD or Teachers Pay Teachers USD.
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