Guide to Writing Content and Language Objectives

Write Content Objectives that will be read by students, for students will be easy for students to understand are given orally and in writing are tied to a specific grade-level content standard (NC SCS/Content Area) Frequently standards in texts and state standard courses of study tend to be written so they are complex and comprehensive. Standards need to be presented to students so that they can understand what they are expected to learn. Also, it may be necessary to limit the number of objectives in a lesson to reduce the complexity of the task.

What is a Language Objective? A language objective states how students will be able to express what they have learned in English. Makes explicit for students the target language functions Makes explicit for students the target content-specific academic language Makes explicit the ways listening, speaking, reading, and writing will be part of the lesson

What is the format of a Language Objective? Language function Content stem Support.

What are examples of language functions? List Hypothesize Label Paraphrase Repeat Explain Restate Make a connection Form a question Compare/Contrast State Narrate Retell Compose Define Summarize Describe Defend Give an example Justify

What is a content stem? This is the content you are working on in class according to the North Carolina Standard Course of Study. Examples from Fourth Grade: English 3.01: Examine reasons for characters’ actions Math 3.01: Identify symmetry in two-dimensional shapes Science 3.01: Investigate the pull of magnets Social Studies. 3.01: Assess changes in ways of living in North Carolina over time.

What are examples of language supports? Real life objects Charts Manipulatives Graphic organizers Pictures & Photos Timelines Illustrations Number lines Diagrams In pairs or with a partner Color coding In triads or a small group Dictating to a partner Using the internet Audio books With a mentor Magazines and newspapers Role play Video clips Acting it out Models and figures

How do I put it all together? Choose a content stem you are working on, then add a language function and a support. Examples from Fourth Grade: List reasons for characters’ actions using a graphic organizer. Give examples of symmetry in two-dimensional shapes from magazines. Describe the pull of magnets on classroom objects. Summarize the changes in ways of living in North Carolina

Now you try! Choose a NCSCOS topic you are currently studying in class. Add a language function Add a support