Kamil Trzebiatowski EAL Coordinator ● NALDIC Publications Committee Member ● EAL Academy Associate Pedagoo Curator ● Teacher Trainer ● Blogger Content and Language Teaching in Mainstream Secondary Schools: How to Do It!

glass_texture_2_by_dragoroth_stock-d41x7hk.jpg “To a competent language user its role is like that of a window, through which we look at the content. It is transparent, and although we may recognize that it is there, its transparency means that it is very hard to see. Focusing on content alone makes language the invisible curriculum in the school. And for children with poor English skills the language becomes a block to learning. To put it another way, their window is made of a frosted glass.” (Gibbons, 1993, p12)

The Prism Model Only if you cater to all the elements of the Prism, can EAL students catch up with their native-speaking peers

The task ahead of EAL learners BASS (2006) Distinguishing the difference – SEN or EAL? EAL Learners have to : Learn English Learn content through the curriculum Socialise with other children in the yet-unlearnt language Learn culturally-embedded social practices of the classroom Catching up is essentially EAL children’s problem – curriculum doesn’t wait. EAL children have a moving target. NALDIC (1999) The Distinctiveness of English as an Additional Language: a cross-curriculum discipline: A Handbook for All Teachers If a child is 3 years behind (linguistically), every year they need to make 1 ½ years of progress (for 6 years) to catch up with native speakers.

What influences EAL pupils’ learning? How school understands their previous experiences and learning The practice of race equality The quality of the provision of non- threatening learning environment Teachers’ understanding of SLA and development Teachers’ ability to combine the teaching of language and content Teachers’ ability to provide ongoing SLA support The level of expectations of EAL learners Adapted from NALDIC (1999) The Distinctiveness of English as an Additional Language

Three kinds of talk DISPUTATIONAL TALKCUMULATIVE TALK Everyone arguesOne person talks Everyone else just says, ‘Yes, yes, okay.’ EXPLORATORY TALK Unchanged Neil Mercer’s terminology! Unchanged Neil Mercer’s terminology!

Why would I ever lower my expectations for EAL learners????? Ever wanted to be a golem? Nah. I am good. Thanks.

GRAPHIC ORGANISERS

Mohan: Knowledge Structures, Graphic Organizers and Associated Language CLASSIFICATIONPRINCIPLESEVALUATION DESCRIPTIONSEQUENCECHOICE To describe something you need to be able to classify, a description of triangles in Maths requires understanding the types of triangles A description of games in PE requires understanding types games, strategies and equipment We create order informed by our understanding of principles behind the order. We create sequences because we know what we’re trying to achieve: Instructions for lab reports (Science) Mathematical solutions (Maths) Baking (Food Technology) In order to make a choice, one has to be able to evaluate available options. We have to understand how these options are justified. In a salt-and-sand mixture (Science) we do not pick salt with tweezers; we use understanding of solubility to wash the salt out. Adapted from: Mohan, Mohan, B. (1986) Language and Content. Addison-Wesley: Reading, Massachusetts. Slater, T. and Gleason, J. (2011) Integrating Language and Content: The Knowledge Framework

There are three kinds of dogs that I like best. I like Pugs because they are companion dogs and have cute faces. Boston Terriers are on my list because they are intelligent and not too big. I also like Golden Labrador Retrievers because they are faithful, loving, and fun to play with. There are three types of triangles: equilateral, isosceles and scalene. Equilateral triangles are made up of three equal sides and three equal angles. Isosceles triangles are made up of two equal sides and two equal angles. Scalene triangles are made up of unequal sides and unequal angles. Scalene triangles look the most unsymmetrical. Adapted from

Because of this… Therefore… That’s why… Hence… Thus…

Other words or phrases for ‘is similar to’ Other words for ‘because’ is likesince is the same asfor is much the same asas is identical toin that

Choose one piece of text from the ones provided for you Create a graphic organiser (key visual) for an EAL learner Choose one piece of text from the ones provided for you Create a graphic organiser (key visual) for an EAL learner Linguistic demands placed on students who will work with this text (e.g. grammar or vocabulary) Which words do not need to be taught in terms of English language Which knowledge structure and corresponding graphic organiser will be appropriate to use

SUBSTITUTION TABLES

Writing/speaking frames Sentence starters: ‘I learnt that …’ ‘One thing I discovered was …’, ‘I found out that …’ Sentence frames: One similarity between _____ and ____ is that …’, ‘A key distinction between ________ and _________ is that __________ Writing frames can be used for pieces of extended writing, in which case learners can be given the first few words of each paragraph. To start with… Then… Next… After that… Finally… Concluding the letter To sum up / To conclude, I would like… An acceptable solution / compromise would / might / could be… Your reasons The main reason is… because… Also… Moreover / additionally… Finally… Your view I think that / My view is…

When he she they reads the letter arrive at the castle arrives at the castle talk together Macbeth thinks welcomes is worried talks to decide to her husband kill Duncan Duncan and his sons his wife she politely. must kill Duncan. Lady Macbeth won't kill Duncan. about what to do. Macbeth and Lady Macbeth must give him courage. that night.

Substitution table: academic language choices / one meaning Stevie Smith creates the persona of a river with enduring physical power. Stevie Smith The author The writer The poet creates forges constructs devises the persona the personality the character of a river with enduring lasting strong unyielding persistent physical power. All the parts are a working circulation system. Allthe parts the elements the components are constitute compose form make up a an working functioning operational circulation system.

What’s the temperature in Kingston in Nottingham in January? in February? in March? in April? in May? in June? in July? in August? in September? in October? in November? in December? What’s the precipitation It is 5 millimetres 10 degrees in January. in February. in March. in April. in May. in June. in July. in August. in September. in October. in November. in December.

Choose one of three tasks for learners Create a substitution table/tables that will allow EAL learners to express themselves Choose one of three tasks for learners Create a substitution table/tables that will allow EAL learners to express themselves The language that is demanded of this task (grammar, vocabulary) Type of substitution table (language-focused or content- focused)?