Classroom Language

Classroom Language 16th June 2011 By Penny Black Lundu Mentor

Children & Language Acquisition When children repeat set phrases it does not necessarily mean language acquisition is taking place. But they are: getting used to saying English sounds practising the intonation pattern gaining confidence, especially if you praise them or show them approval in other ways. (p.43 English for Primary Teachers)

Children & Language Acquisition Remember • When children are learning their first language they hear phrases and understand the general meaning before they understand individual words. • They hear connected sounds before they separate them into individual words. • Only written language is divided into words and sentences • Young learners who cannot read hear a flow of sound. • They hear intonation patterns, and sounds or words that are stressed. These are the sounds they will say first. (p.43 English for Primary Teachers)

Classroom Management Conditions for learning: • Positive student/teacher relationship • Motivating learning materials • Students actively participating • Students productively engaged

Classroom Management Creating a positive learning environment: • Rules & routines • Getting and maintaining attention • Instructions • Reward systems

Functions & Phrases Why might teachers not use English in the classroom? • Lack of confidence • Not knowing the right words • Not having enough time – quicker to speak in L1 • Easier to manage large class in L1 • Fear of giving the wrong pronunciation • Fear of a making a mistake • The learners may not understand

Basic Classroom Language Make ‘classroom Language’ part of the ‘classroom’ by using and displaying simple phrases that the students will say or hear regularly. May I go to the toilet please?

K.I.S.S. • Make instructions short and concise • Don’t give too many instructions at once • Use gestures to reinforce points • Never ask, “Do you understand?” • Instead, CHECK understanding: ask Ss to tell you what they have to do

Role Models How many teachers here have English as their first language? Second? Third? Fourth? As a multilingual speaker of English you are the best role model that your students have of how to use English. Ensure you allow them the opportunity to see what they too can achieve.

Thank you for your time. Please just 2 more minutes to help me fill in the evaluation forms. Have a safe journey home.

Classroom Language