Learners cannot learn a new language and how to use it appropriately if there are no opportunities to verbally engage with one another. Students can be involved in conversations during writing workshops, Socratic Seminars, small group guided readings, summer learning and learning stations in any discipline. Students should also converse when learning routines, after modeling and when confirming directions or engaging additional techniques with one another, whether it’s in groups or during instances like think, pair and share. Meaningful talk should not be an afterthought; it is one of the most critical factors in student acquisition of their second language.
Incorporating these four concepts into your practice can assist English language learners or emerging bilingual students to not only become proficient in English, but also become a valuable contributor to their classroom and school communities.
If you like the idea of helping other teachers figure out how to integrate principles of cultural awareness with their current teaching practices, you might make a great curriculum coach. Check out the Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction Advanced Program for Continuing Professional Education at Grand Canyon University.