The population of every school represents a range of linguistic backgrounds, with students speaking different dialects or registers of English. This can be attributed to sociolinguistics, the influence of social factors on a language like cultural norms, community practices, and… Continue Reading →
Syntax is the set of rules (either spoken or unspoken) that determines the arrangement of words to create well-formed, sensible sentences in a language. Syntax is grammatical and dictates how different parts of speech, like nouns, verbs, and adjectives, are… Continue Reading →
Semantics is the study of meaning in language. This refers to how words, phrases, sentences, and texts convey meaning, including the relationships between words and how they combine to make sense. Understanding semantics helps teachers explain how language works and… Continue Reading →
A huge dilemma to teaching writing, or adopting a writing program in the classroom is inconsistencies among the spelling of English words. This can be extremely discouraging to both teachers and students alike. But did you know that many of… Continue Reading →
Looking back on what it means to “Know a Language,” I listed the numerous aspects of a language such as morphological and grammatical knowledge. Honing in on teaching reading in particular, these specific features are especially important, as they connect… Continue Reading →
In the classroom, variations in dialect and register may present in the following: Teachers can respond to variations in dialect and registers through: Organizing a meeting with the caregivers of a student struggling due to a linguistic diversity may also… Continue Reading →
A language dive is an instructional practice designed to deepen students’ understanding of how language works within a text. It involves taking a close look at a sentence or a short passage, examining its structure, meaning, and the way it… Continue Reading →
Please see my video that reviews what academic vocabulary is, why it’s important, and 3 practical strategies for teaching it.
There’s no simple answer to what it means to “know a language.” It’s not just about having a large vocabulary; otherwise, memorizing a deck of flashcards would make you fluent. It’s not just about understanding grammar; otherwise, studying all the… Continue Reading →
Here are 3 things about the English language, that you may not have heard explicitly stated, that can help inform your writing instruction: 1 – The English writing system is morphophonemic. The spelling of an English word indicates both phonology… Continue Reading →
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