Tool Kit for Practical Use
By Scott Morton
CLD Instructional Approaches
Approach Communicative:
"The communicative approach focuses on learning language through and for
communication" (Herrera & Murry. 2011. pg. 199). This approach makes the most sense to me
and I have used this strategy to help the CLD student that I had in my class. It seems to be most
effective because it has a more real world approach and the students can instantly apply the
skills they learn. If I were to use this strategy with a CLD student I would provide examples of
content specific vocabulary and share the English word and the students primary language.
Then we would use the vocabulary words in sentences out loud to practice using the word in
English.
Sheltered Instructional Method:
“Today, the majority of ELLs study alongside their English-speaking peers, are held
accountable to the same curriculum standards, and take the same high-stakes tests. Sheltered
English instruction has come to mean a set of practices valuable to all teachers in helping ELLs
learn English and, at the same time, learn content material in English” (Brown University. 2015).
I feel this strategy would be most successful because it requires the educator to use clear,
direct, simple English with varying scaffolding techniques. This method would truly benefit all
students in the class. Too many times teachers get bogged down in elaborate vocabulary and
students tend to get lost in the process; sheltered instructional method would help prevent
that.
Instructional Conversations Strategy:
“Before and after reading, students respond to prompts that help them link their
experiences to those of the main character or main theme. The instructional conversations that
follow these prompts provide oral language practice for ELLs, and help deepen students'
conceptual frameworks for comprehension” (Wallace, S. 2004). This strategy will help extend
the communicative approach by providing prompts that will initiate communication with all
learners and help CLD students extend their understanding of English and content specific
vocabulary.
Think Out Loud Technique:
This technique allows the teacher to build on the communicative approach by “briefly
reviewing the story again building on student responses” (Wallace, S. 2004). As students review
their responses for each prompt they are practicing their communication skills. This continued
practice would be supported by the safe teaching environment that has been created
throughout the class. Students will be encouraged throughout the process of sharing their
thoughts out loud and will continue to master concepts and increase their understanding of
English.