GeoJag for multilingual learners
GeoJag is aligned to the WIDA English Language Development Standards Framework (2020 Edition) for social studies in grades 9–12. This page shows which language each mission practices, which supports to start with at each proficiency level, and sentence frames for turning each mission into speaking and writing practice.
The four layers, in GeoJag
The WIDA framework nests four layers. Here is where each one shows up in GeoJag.
Mission alignment
Every map has the same five missions, so this alignment holds for all 11 maps.
| Mission | WIDA language expectations | What students do with language | Language features to teach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Country ReconIdentify countries from clues | ELD-SI.4-12.InformELD-SS.9-12.Explain.Interpretive Interpretive |
Read clues about a place's land, climate, and people, sort facts from inferences, and connect them to a country. | Descriptive noun phrases (a landlocked country with high mountains); comparatives (larger than, the driest) |
| Coordinate HunterFind places by latitude and longitude | ELD-SI.4-12.Inform Interpretive |
Interpret coordinates and place descriptions, and describe a location as part of a system (the global grid). | Prepositional phrases of location (north of, along the coast, near the Equator); numbers with directions (17 degrees north) |
| Migration RoutesSort the pushes and pulls behind real migrations | ELD-SS.9-12.Explain.InterpretiveELD-SS.9-12.Explain.Expressive InterpretiveExpressive (frames) |
Analyze why people moved by sorting causes into push and pull factors, then explain intended and unintended outcomes. | Cause connectors (because, due to, so that); push/pull vocabulary; past-tense verbs (fled, settled, moved) |
| Shaping the LandDepend, modify, or adapt? | ELD-SS.9-12.Argue.InterpretiveELD-SS.9-12.Argue.Expressive InterpretiveExpressive (frames) |
Use evidence from an example to decide whether people depend on, modify, or adapt to their environment, and defend the claim. | Claim and evidence (This is an example of ___ because ___); the verbs depend, modify, adapt; hedging (mostly, partly) |
| Ripple EffectsTrace how events spread across places | ELD-SS.9-12.Explain.InterpretiveELD-SS.9-12.Explain.Expressive InterpretiveExpressive (frames) |
Analyze chains of causes and effects, including effects that spread to faraway places, and explain consequences in sequence. | Sequence and result connectors (first, as a result, which led to, consequently); nominalization (the drought → crop failure) |
| Lessons and mini-gamesShort lessons, flags, traditions, foods, greetings | ELD-SI.4-12.InformELD-SI.4-12.Explain Interpretive |
Learn from visual lesson cards, act on feedback to revise understanding, and connect to students' own languages and cultures through Say Hello. | Academic vocabulary with glossary support; greetings and phrases in world languages, including students' home languages |
Interpretive and expressive. GeoJag's games practice interpretive language: reading, listening with read-aloud, and viewing maps and diagrams. For the expressive side, have students say or write their answer with a sentence frame after a mission, or use the frames as a quick exit ticket.
Proficiency levels and starting supports
On your dashboard, open a student and choose their WIDA level under Learning supports. GeoJag turns on the supports below, and you can adjust any of them. GeoJag stores only which supports are on, not the student's level or the reason.
| Level | What students can do (summary) | GeoJag starting supports |
|---|
Sentence frames by mission
Use these after a mission for partner talk, a quick write, or an exit ticket. Choose the column that matches each student's level. Students fill the blanks with places and facts from their mission.
WIDA and the WIDA ELD Standards Framework are the work of the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System. Standard codes are from the WIDA ELD Standards Framework, 2020 Edition. Descriptions on this page are GeoJag's own summaries, not WIDA's text. GeoJag is not affiliated with or endorsed by WIDA. See also: state standards alignment · for teachers.