Language For Learning: Using Direct Instruction to Support Oral Language Development for ELLs
For years, I have incorporated direct instruction into my phonics instruction to great effect. I also see many other teachers embracing a similar approach. But I’ve always wondered: how can direct instruction support my students’ oral language development as well?
This year, I have started using a program called Language For Learning with my kindergarten students who are still learning the English language.
Language For Learning is a scripted program, designed to teach children the academic language needed to succeed in school. It emphasizes vocabulary and sentence structure, helps student develop knowledge of important but abstract words, and introduces them to the logical and idiomatic aspects of the English language. Like other Direct Instruction programs, every step is carefully scripted and broken down into small pieces so it’s simultaneously easy for me to use and easy for my students to learn.
Here’s what it looks like in my class:
So far, I’ve been thrilled with the results. My ELL students are participating more in class than they have in past years, and they’re using sentences structures and vocabulary that they’ve learned from the program. I haven’t done this yet, but I’m contemplating using this program with students who have challenges with expressive language as well.
This experience has got me thinking: where else can I bring aspects of direct instruction into my school day? Where else can I break complex or abstract concepts or instructions down into small pieces?
I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences with this question in the comments below.
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Thank you for sharing the video of you teaching this program. I really appreciate seeing what it looks like when teachers are working with small groups. I got thrown into ESL teaching without any formal training. I learn a lot from what people are willing to share online. As far as your post, I completely agree with the value of using lessons like these with students who need support in developing expressive language. I'm currently working with small groups of students that range from newcomers to beginning English language learners to students whose only language is English. The thing that all of my students have in common is that they struggle with putting words together to make complete sentences. I have just ordered some LFL books and can't wait to try them.
I use this program with my autistic son; it has been great for him and easy for me. I plan to use it as part of my curriculum when I open my microschool next fall.