Writing Language Objectives - Part II

When I was asked to write language objectives on my lesson plans, I realized that it was not an easy task. I was already familiarized with the ELPS ( English Language Proficiency Standards) , but I had to become en expert in identifying the correct ELP for my lesson, based on the content objectives. 


Once I learned how to identify the type of language that my students needed to learn and use in order to accomplish the goals of the lesson, I was ready to teach effectively!


It is important to remember that language objectives involve the four language skills (speaking, listening, reading, and writing), but they can also include:

•  the language functions related to the topic of the lesson (e.g., justify, hypothesize)

•  vocabulary essential to a student being able to fully participate in the lesson (e.g., axis, locate, graph)

•  language learning strategies to aid in comprehension (e.g, questioning, making predictions).

Here is an example of language objectives for different content areas and grade levels.

4th grade Math, Two-Dimensional Figures
Content Area Standard	Content Objective	Language Objective
Common Core: Draw and identify lines and angles, and classify shapes by properties of their lines and angles.	Students will be able to classify triangles based on their angles.	Students will be able to read descriptions of triangles and their angles.

How do I create effective language objectives?

•  Decide what key vocabulary, concept words, and other academic words students will need to know in order to talk, read, and write about the topic of the lesson (include technical terms).

•  Consider the language functions related to the topic of the lesson (e.g, will the students describe, explain, compare, or chart information)..

•  Think about the language skills necessary for students to accomplish the lesson's activities. 

•  Identify grammar or language structures common to the content area. 

•  Consider the tasks that the students will complete and the language that will be embedded in those assignments.

Explore language learning strategies that lend themselves to the topic of the lesson (e.g, previewing text)

 Here is helpful video:

Coming soon - Planning and Language Objectives