1. Guide to Writing Content and Language Objectives

2. 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.

3. 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

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

5. 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

6. 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.

7. 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

8. 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

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