Language Development in Education

Subject: English Language
Level: Secondary
Age Group: 11 - 14
Order Number: 5151

Language is the key to success in the education system. Special educational needs and poor language skills go hand in hand, because thinking, solving problems, talking oneself through practical tasks, and mastery of all academic subjects comes through the medium of language. It is therefore inevitable that many children arriving in school with limited linguistic competence, will fail, unless educators become aware of how language works, and set out to develop the linguistic skills of their pupils. Vocabulary and structures need to be built up alongside and through curriculum topics, not just in the early years but throughout the primary and secondary stages.

This book helps the reader to understand the mechanics and subtleties of language and to become aware of common misunderstandings that beset linguistically limited children. It outlines activities, reading texts and games to help build language skills. Some of these are best used for small groups, perhaps outside the classroom, others can be incorporated quite easily, in any class or subject teacher's repertoire.

A pack of good photocopiable resources, designed to develop language and literacy skills alongside a variety of topics, is also included.

This is a book designed to help newly qualified teachers, experienced class and subject staff, and teacher assistants who work with all age groups. It equips them to understand, and overcome, the language difficulties suffered by so many children.