Building Academic Language

Essential Practices for Content Classrooms, Grades 5–12

Jeff Zwiers

After the primary grades, students’ academic success depends more and more on their ability to use academic language. Both native English speakers and English learners often need extra support in understanding and using the language of school.

Building Academic Language shows how to help students develop the language they need to reach high levels of academic achievement. Drawing from current theory and research, this book provides practical guidance about

Modeling and scaffolding language used by content experts in language arts, science, math, and history

Fostering academic listening, speaking, and discussion skills

Supporting reading and writing through language development

Planning lessons and assessments with language in mind

Developing an approach that takes into account home and cultural influences on students’ language use

To help you integrate language development into everyday content instruction, the book also offers many practical activities and classroom examples as well tips, tools, templates, and rubrics.

© 2008 | 320 pp.
IRA stock no. 9223
Copublished with Jossey-Bass, an Imprint of Wiley