Language Building Strategies Template
Title of book:_____________________________ Objective_______________________
Author:_____________________________Illustrator:___________________________
Audience: Whole Group_______
Small Group________
1 on 1___________
Target Vocabulary:
1. __________________________
2. __________________________
Materials Needed:
1. ________________________________________________________________
2. ________________________________________________________________
3. ________________________________________________________________
4. ________________________________________________________________
Use the language building strategies template to plan for an intentional oral language activity
when introducing new objects/concepts. Using these strategies provide children with a deeper
and broader meaning. Fill in the blanks using complete sentences.
Before Picture Walk: (Whole group)
Read the book and introduce new objects/concepts using the language building strategies.
Language Building Strategies
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Label – label/name objects, concepts and actions
Describe – tell how something looks, sounds, smells, tastes, feels
Explain – tell how something works or why we do things
Compare – tell how items are the same or not the same
Link – make connections between new objects, ideas, or concepts and something the
child already knows or has experienced
First Word:
Label-__________________________________________________________________
Describe________________________________________________________________
Explain__________________________________________________________________
Compare_________________________________________________________________
Link____________________________________________________________________
Second Word:
Label-__________________________________________________________________
Describe________________________________________________________________
Explain__________________________________________________________________
Compare_________________________________________________________________
Link____________________________________________________________________
PICTURE WALK (Small Group)
 In a picture walk pictures are discussed, but the book is not read.
 Gather children close enough to be able to see and discuss the details within the pictures.
 Show the children each page of the book as it is discussed.
 Use the language building strategies to discuss the items in the pictures.
Recall Questions for Target Word 1: (What, Who, Why, Can you think? Have you ever?)
 Objective of recall questions is to connect the opportunity for children to use the target
vocabulary during the picture walk activity.
 Label (what)-________________________________________________________
 Describe (tell )______________________________________________________
 Explain (why)________________________________________________________
 Compare(Can you think)_________________________________________________
 Link (Have you ever)___________________________________________________
Recall Questions for Target Word 2: (What, Who, Why, Can you think? Have you ever?)
 Objective of recall questions is to connect the opportunity for children to use the target
vocabulary during the picture walk activity.
 Label (what)-________________________________________________________
 Describe (tell )______________________________________________________
 Explain (why)________________________________________________________
 Compare(Can you think)_________________________________________________
 Link (Have you ever)___________________________________________________
DURING THE WEEK
 Teach new vocabulary through direct instruction
 Interact with letter wall with new letter wall words
 Extend the vocabulary content into centers
ABC Center________________________________________________________
Writing Center_____________________________________________________
Math/Science Center________________________________________________
Library Center_____________________________________________________
Construction Center_________________________________________________
Pretend and Learn__________________________________________________
Creative Station____________________________________________________
Game Extension:
Cognitive Transition: