Content-based language teaching with functional grammar in the elementary school

• Published in: Language teaching Vol. 49; no. 1; pp. 116 - 128
• Main Author: Schleppegrell, Mary J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge, UK Cambridge University Press 01.01.2016
• Subjects: Academic Language; Applied Linguistics; Classroom Environment; Community Relations; Course Content; Educational Change; Educational Experience; Elementary education; Elementary School Students; Elementary School Teachers; Elementary Schools; English; English (Second Language); English Language Learners; Functional linguistics; Grade 2; Grammar; Hands on Science; Language Acquisition; Language instruction; Language of Instruction; Language Proficiency; Learning; Linguistic Theory; Linguistics; Metalanguage; Metalinguistics; Migrant Children; Opportunities; Plenary Speeches; Program Descriptions; School Districts; Science Experiments; Science Instruction; Second Language Instruction; Second Language Learning; Semitic Languages; Systemic functional linguistics; Teachers; Teaching Methods; United States > US
• ISSN: 0261-4448; 1475-3049
• DOI: 10.1017/S0261444814000093

Today many second language (L2) teachers work with school-aged learners who need to be supported in their language development at the same time they learn school subjects. Applied linguists and researchers in second language acquisition (SLA) have much to contribute to those teachers, but to do so in more powerful ways calls for an orientation toward the goals of the content classroom. This plenary describes a project in which the theory of systemic functional linguistics is providing useful metalanguage for exploring language and meaning in curricular activities that also support disciplinary learning. It illustrates how language-based content teaching can provide the support children need.