In a Dual Language Immersion setting, Language Supports are essential tools and strategies that facilitate language development and help students effectively engage with the content. These supports are designed to accommodate various proficiency levels and enhance understanding.
Observable Features of Language Supports
Click on the arrow to the left for examples of ‘Look Fors’ related to Language Supports in the Classroom.
- Sentence Frames: Structured templates guide students in constructing sentences, helping them articulate their thoughts confidently and accurately based on their proficiency levels.
- Pre-Writing Activities enhance accessibility to concepts before writing tasks, preparing students for meaningful production.
- Explicit Vocabulary Instruction: Teaching vocabulary in context, such as through gallery walks, encourages engagement and reinforces learning by making vocabulary relevant to the subjects being studied.
- Thematic and Function Walls: Visual aids display important vocabulary and concepts related to specific subjects, such as science or math, serving as constant references for students.
- Diverse Vocabulary Repertoire: Teachers build students’ vocabulary by using a variety of resources and strategies, including texts, prior knowledge, and word formation. A wide selection of authentic reading and reference materials is made accessible to students, enriching their language experience.
- Classroom Environment: A variety of words, sentence starters, and texts related to the unit are displayed in the classroom and hallways, promoting continuous language exposure.
- Optimizing Wait Time: Effective use of wait time during classroom interactions encourages students to think critically and respond thoughtfully, further enhancing their language skills.
Video Examples
Example of using the classroom environment as a language support in a 1st Year French DLI morning routine. Click here to view the full sequence.
Example of using a structured template to guide 2nd Grade French DLI students in constructing sentences prior to their assessment. Click here to view the full sequence.
Examples of sentence starter scaffolds to support oral language development and vocabulary acquisition in a 5th Grade Science class. Click here to view the entire lesson.
Engaging 6th Grade French DLI students in co-creating a word bank to enhance their written and oral skills using the passé composé in Social Studies.
Developing a table outline as part of a pre-writing activity, using engaging strategies in a 9th Grade French DLI/AP French class. Click here to view the full lesson.
Click on the arrow to the left for additional examples of Language Supports
By integrating these language supports, teachers create an environment where students feel empowered to use the target language effectively, fostering both their language proficiency and content knowledge in a dual language immersion setting.
English 
French