Walk the Talk: Strategies for Developing Language
Walk the Talk: Strategies for Developing Language
Effective Oral Language Instruction – Best Practices
Use knowledge of stages of language development to plan instruction and choose
materials (see Appendix C).
Model good language use:
o Use complete sentences
o Precise language
o Use native language strategically
o Use academic and testing language -integrate target vocabulary into your
daily oral language
Ensure in conversation and in instruction that students are instructed on what to do
rather than what not to do. Example: ―Your essay should have 5 paragraphs‖ vs
―Don‘t just write one paragraph. ―
Provide multiple opportunities for practice in oral language with group, with partner,
and individually
Maximize student engagement ie. If students are passive provide opportunities where
all students must answer (see suggestions in document)
Provide choices for reluctant students
Connect all language to meaning
Teach academic language in the context of content instruction
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