Lesson Planning with the ELL in Mind: Key points from Unit 1
Note 2: ELL = English language learner. The corresponding acronym used elsewhere on this site is ESL student = English as a second language student. [ More ]
Unit 1: ELL Language and Communication Skills Across the Curriculum
1. The silent period
Many students, particularly those with limited English proficiency, will go through a silent period when they join the school. The silent period may last for six months or more.
Points to note:
- ESL students can experience considerable stress if they are expected or required to speak out in class during their silent period.
- Students going through the silent period are nevertheless learning English and learning subject content - provided that they are getting comprehensible input (see below).
More on the silent period
I have a student in my class who never says a word. Should I make him speak?
This is one of the many FAQs that I answer elsewhere on this website.
Language Acquisition: An Overview
A very useful overview of the stages of language learning (including the silent period), plus strategies for teachers of students at each stage
Principles and Practice in Second Language Acquisition
This is a full-book pdf by S. Krashen, the linguist who developed the theory of the silent period
2. Comprehensible input
This theory states that language (and by extension subject content) can be learned only if learners understand what they are hearing or reading.
Points to note:
- Making what you say or give students to read comprehensible is probably the most important thing you can do as a teacher of ESL students.
- It is important to know what makes spoken and written language incomprehensible.
- Comprehensible input is essential for all students to learn your subject.
More on comprehensible input
This is a page on this website. It is a brief summary of Krashen's theory of comprehensible input.
Helping ESL students understand what you say
Helping ESL students understand written texts
The two links above from this website offer practical advice on how to ensure the comprehensibility of what you say and give students to read.
This is a good video introduction to the importance of comprehensible input and how to provide it.
3. BICS and CALP
These are the terms for two different aspects of language ability. BICS are basic interpersonal communication skills (in essence, speaking and listening) and CALP is cognitive academic language proficiency (reading and writing).
Points to note:
- BICS are essential for social and general classroom interaction.
- CALP is abstract language, hence it generally takes longer to acquire (up to 7 years). But it is essential for academic success.
- Teachers should not assume that a student who has good oral skills has correspondingly good academic language proficiency.
More on BICS and CALP
Second language acquisition - essential information
This page on elsewhere on the site contains a brief summary of Cummins' theory of BICS and CALP.
Understanding ESL Learners: Distinguishing between BICS and CALP
A more comprehensive introduction to Cummins' theory (including helpful graphics) - from the Alberta Teachers' Association (pdf).
A good video on the difference between the two types of language proficiency.