Nonlinguistic Representations Chapter 4 Classroom Instruction that Works with English Language...

Nonlinguistic RepresentationsChapter 4

Classroom Instruction that Works with English Language Learners

By Jane D. Hill and Kathleen M. Flynn

Linguistic vs. Nonlinguistic

Linguistic:

Main way new information is presented in the classroom—listening, reading

Nonlinguistic:

Knowledge that is presented and stored in the form of mental images or physical sensations (sight, sound, smell, touch, taste, movement)

Using Nonlinguistic Methods

Makes instruction more understandable for ELLs (English Language Learners)

A variety of activities helps students formulate nonlinguistic representations

Nonlinguistic representations elaborate on knowledge

Examples of Nonlinguistic Methods of Instruction

Realia (real objects) and visuals (photos, charts, graphs)

Demonstrations (including pointing, gesturing, showing, and explaining)

Videos, audiocassetes with books

Hands-on activities (science experiments, pantomime, drawing pictures, sequencing stories)

Use Graphic Organizers

Ex: Venn diagrams, charts, webs, and timelinesCan be designed to help make complex content more understandable for ELLsHelp ELLs understand knowledge and store it in different wayTeach students how to use graphic organizer (modeling)

From pg. 42 of Classroom Instruction that Works with English Language Learners

Use Symbolic Representations

Pictures, pictographs, maps, and diagrams

Help students visualize information, recognize patterns, and remember new content

Pictures related to ELLs background knowledge in their primary language helps to bridge the language gap

From pg. 40 of Classroom Instruction that Works with English Language Learners

D. Single Replacement

one element replaces another in a compound

metal replaces metal (+)nonmetal replaces nonmetal (-)

A + BC B + AC

Generate Mental Pictures

Help students create a “movie in the mind” while listening or reading

Use all five senses to produce rich mental images

Make Physical Models

Concrete representations of what is learnedThe act of constructing a model establishes an “image” of the knowledgeManipulatives—used frequently for math (shapes, cubes, money)All content areas: use puzzles, maps, word sorts, LegosAny 3-dimensional form can be a physical model

Engage in Kinesthetic Activities

Kinesthetic activities: represent knowledge using physical movementFor ELLs, listening skills often develop first (followed by speaking, reading, and then writing)Gives students an opportunity to develop and practice listening skills before having to verbally produce new language

Modifying for Different Language Levels

Level 1: Pictures should be associated with info on graphic organizers, engage in class by asking “Show me…” or “Point to the…” promptsLevel 2: Use cloze technique for one-word responses (ex: “A reptile breathes with…”)Level 3: Answer questions requiring phrase or short sentence, “Why” and “How” questions (ex: “Tell me about reptiles”)Levels 4-5: More complex questions, like “How are they the same/different?” or “Why do you think…?”

ILPs (Individual Learning Plans)

The ILP classroom accommodations that correlate to these strategies are:Use visuals when speaking to provide contextUse visuals to convey meaning of textDemonstrate meaning through other mediaAllow student to use visually-supported models to demonstrate understandingAllow student to create stories using pictures, words, or phrasesHave students respond to listening tasks by pointing, circling, marking, or highlighting

For more information, please use Classroom Instruction That Works with English Language Learners, available in your school’s professional library.

If you have questions related to this presentation, please contact:

Matt Walsh – Director of Curriculum and Professional Development

MWalsh@brownsburg.k12.in.us

Kelly Sumner – High School ENL teacher

KSumner@brownsburg.k12.in.us

Casey Sutton – Middle School ENL teacher

CSutton@brownsburg.k12.in.us

Adam Guthrie – Elementary School ENL teacher

AGuthrie@brownsburg.k12.in.us

Lauren Davis – Elementary School ENL assistant

laurendavis@brownsburg.k12.in.us