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There are many structures that support language acquisition.  This visual exemplifies how these structures work together to allow for effective communication, both spoken and written (Linguistics for Teachers of ELLs, n.d.-a).

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Language Structures (Linguistics for Teachers of ELLs, n.d.) 

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Language Structures (Linguistics for Teachers of ELLs, n.d.) 

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Understanding how and why language works will help educators support students and create lessons with ease because they understand the systematic structure behind the "rules" (Reynolds, Dikilitaş, & Close, 2022). Phonology and morphology are two different areas of linguistics, but they are closely related because they both deal with how language is structured (Reynolds, Dikilitaş, & Close, 2022).

Syntax, Semantics, and Pragmatics play a significant role in language development. Although different, these three language structure closely relate to creating sentences with meaning. Syntax builds the structure of the sentence, while semantics gives basic meaning behind the words, and pragmatics supports what the speaker really means in the specific situation (Reynolds, Dikilitaş, & Close, 2022).

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Phonology and Morphology affect communication (Reynolds, Dikilitaş, & Close, 2022). 

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Phonology and Morphology affect communication through word meaning, grammatical accuracy, and clarity of speech. When one is writing or speaking to communicate or convey a message they must be sure they understand the morphology as parts of meaning in conjunction to a root word (Reynolds, Dikilitaş, & Close, 2022). Individuals must also make sure to exhibit proper accents and emphasis on word parts to deliver accurate information.

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"Phonology is the study of the sounds in a language"  (Linguistics for Teachers of ELLs, n.d.-a).

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Phonology- The umbrella that encompasses it all! 

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Phonology- The umbrella that encompasses it all! 

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Phonology is the study of sounds, but more specifically is all about how sounds work—which sounds are used in a language, how they're pronounced, and how they interact with each other (Linguistics for Teachers of ELLs, n.d.-a).

Having phonological awareness is having the overall ability to hear and work with sounds in spoken language (Linguistics for Teachers of ELLs, n.d.-a) . Phonology encompasses other language structures, and hence, is the umbrella that provides the overall big picture for language acquisition (Linguistics for Teachers of ELLs, n.d.-a) .

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Phonology is important for ELLs for many reasons, but one of the most important is its role it plays in reading development and literacy (Linguistics for Teachers of ELLs, n.d.-a).

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Phonology as we know is the study of the sound systems of language. Phonology is crucial for English Language Learners because it helps them distinguish, produce, and understand the sounds of English (Linguistics for Teachers of ELLs, n.d.-a). Mastery of phonological patterns helps with accurate pronunciation, listening comprehension, and spelling, all of which are essential for effective communication and literacy development (Linguistics for Teachers of ELLs, n.d.-a). Without a strong foundation in phonology, ELLs may struggle with decoding words, which can hinder reading fluency and their academic progress (Linguistics for Teachers of ELLs, n.d.-a).

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Although phonology works with sounds in language it encompasses how those sounds function in a language (Reynolds, Dikilitaş, & Close, 2022).

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Morphology changes, modifies, and clarifies meaning!

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Morphology is the study of words and other units of language (Reynolds, Dikilitaş, & Close, 2022). By adding different meaningful parts to words helps when building vocabulary, utilizing proper grammar in writing, and when learning new languages (Reynolds, Dikilitaş, & Close, 2022). Morphology is how we build words by combining small meaning-units called morphemes. Morphology can be visualized as the pieces that, when put together, create a structured word (Reynolds, Dikilitaş, & Close, 2022).

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Morphology: the building blocks of language!

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Morphology: the building blocks of language!

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Morphology teaches how words are built from smaller parts. Understanding the smaller parts of words helps English Language Learners make connections and infer meaning of unfamiliar words (Reynolds, Dikilitaş, & Close, 2022). Morphology helps students recognize patterns in words which results in a vast vocabulary, deeper comprehension, and less memorization (Reynolds, Dikilitaş, & Close, 2022).

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Classroom Activities To Support Phonology

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Classroom Activities To Support Phonology

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1. Sound sorts: Since a phoneme is the basic unit of phonology, being able to hear phonemes accurately and in order is a necessary foundation for phonological development. Students can use their arm to segment the phonemes and sort pictures based on their initial, medium, or final sound. Students will recognize the variations in spelling that create similar sounds, for example: /i/ sky -- /i/ bike-- /i/ light (Cunningham, 2025).

This activity can be differentiated by the complexity of words used such as single-syllable or multisyllabic words. Students in need of more support can also focus on and sort sounds without incorporating visual letters or words. This will strengthen their ability to hear sounds before connecting the sounds to a letter name/visual (Cunningham, 2025).

2. Rhyme Time! Students will be asked to match words that rhyme. Differentiation for ELLs would include visual aids such as pictures. Once mastered, enrichment activities for ELLs may be introduced. Students can match words that rhyme but do not follow the same spelling functions. (example: one--sun) This not only supports phonological development, but also provides an easily accessible explanation onset and rhyme.

3. Sound BINGO Create bingo cards with target phonemes (may include individual sounds or sound-based words). Call out sounds or words, and students cover the correct ones.

This activity encourages discrimination of specific sounds in a fun, low-pressure way (Cunningham, 2025).

Scaffolding for ELLs may include pictures and proper practice of pronunciation for newcomers. More advanced differentiation may include common sound spelling patterns or tricky vowel combinations.

4. Tongue Twisters and Poetry: Students will repeat, practice, and recite short tongue twisters or simple poems in pairs or groups. This activity reinforces pronunciation, rhythm, and stresses patterns. ELLs at the beginning level can recite short and slow repetitive chants or rhymes that include visuals or motions. ELLs can practice with English speaking pairs and mimic tone and rhythm. English Language Learners can also be supported with technology in which they can record themselves and play it back to themselves in order to hear variations in their speech.

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Morphology + Phonology = Successful Language 

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Morphology + Phonology = Successful Language 

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Phonology and morphology interact because the pronunciation of morphemes, like suffixes, can change based on the sounds of the word they are attached to (Atlantis School of Communication, 2023). This is significant when developing a new (L2) language and must be taught with clarity to ELLs (Atlantis School of Communication, 2023).

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Fun Activities that engage all while meeting the needs of our ELLs. 

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1. Word Trains-Lego Language! Students can use different color legos to represent the base, the prefix, and the suffix. This helps students connect meaning from the root word to the morphed word (Reynolds, 2023). This activity reinforces morpheme recognition and word formation. ELLs can access this activity with visual pictures to exemplify the word. Language Learners can also be paired with an English speaking peer for support. ELLs can be supported further by completing this activity in a small group with a teacher or translator.

2. "Morphing Blooms" Students will have the opportunity to create their own new-word garden of flowers (Reynolds, 2023). This encourages creativity and deeper understanding of how word parts carry meaning. Students will be given a list of prefixes, suffixes, and roots. They will be challenged to create new words by combining the parts of the flower (Reynolds, 2023). This activity can be differentiated by complexity level. ELLs may work in pairs or small groups and provided with a limited list of prefixes or suffixes. Once mastered, educators can scaffold by requiring ELLs to use the word in a written or oral sentence.

3. WORD HOSPITAL! Be the doctor! Students can "dissect" words by cutting them apart and categorizing the different parts. ELLs can receive additional support by providing them with color-coded words to help visualize the suffixes and prefixes.

4. Morphology Sort: Students will sort and discuss the change in meaning and/or tense of words with variations in suffixes (i.e. walks, walking, walked). Students should also take notice to the various pronunciations of such suffixes such as -ed and -s, as in talked (/t/), wondered (/d/) and bugs (/z/), tips (/s/). ELLs can receive differentiated support by sorting words with the suffix -s and -ed simply by reading and/or listening to hear differences in the final sound. This activity helps learners distinguish between grammatical endings and meaning-changing morphemes.

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TRY IT OUT!

Sound Hunt Around the House

Part A: Have your child find objects that begin or end with a certain sound. Time them for extra excitement! Each day or week, focus on a new target sound. Have your child say the name of each item out loud, emphasizing the beginning or ending sound. Children can then the sort items by sound.

Part B: Have your child find items around the house that rhyme with 3 given words of your choice. (example: bug, care, two... bug= rug, mug, plug; care= hair, chair, stair; boo= shoe, two (of something), chew) Add in a "mystery bonus rhyme" for extra fun: "There is only one, but I am not the sun.... High in the sky, I am the moon... for breakfast I eat with a silver _____." (moon..... children must find spoon).

Morphology Charades!

Make a list of emotions and/or actions. Fill a bag with prefixes and suffixes. Pick a suffix or prefix and pair it with a root word on the list. Act it out! The first to guess wins! [For example: un + happy = unhappy; un + tied = untied]

Extension- have child explain how the word meaning changed.

Online resource! Check it out!

https://www.readingrockets.org/literacy-home/literacy-tips-activities

Click on the link above for more ideas for at-home support in phonology and morphology.

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Literacy Tips and Activities for Parents

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Explore reading basics as well as the key role of background knowledge and motivation in becoming a lifelong reader and learner. Watch our PBS Launching Young Readers series and try our self-paced Reading 101 course to deepen your understanding.

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Syntax is the set of rules that govern how words are arranged to form meaningful sentences in a language. (Reynolds, Dikilitaş, & Close, 2022). Syntax supports grammar rules and word order (Reynolds, Dikilitaş, & Close, 2022). Simply put, syntax helps us make sentences that “sound right” (Linguistics for Teachers of ELLs, n.d.-c).

Understanding syntax is essential for English Language Learners because it helps them create grammatically correct sentences and effectively communicate their ideas (Linguistics for Teachers of ELLs, n.d.-c). Mastery of syntax supports reading comprehension, writing clarity, and overall language development. In academic settings, proper use of syntax enables ELLs to access complex texts and express their understanding in a clear, structured manner (Reynolds, Dikilitaş, & Close, 2022).

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Semantics is the study of meaning in language (Reynolds, Dikilitaş, & Close, 2022). It focuses on how words, phrases, and sentences convey meaning (Reynolds, Dikilitaş, & Close, 2022). Unlike syntax, in which words can be arranged in grammatically correct order yet not agree or make sense, semantically correct sentences have a logical progression and are not only grammatically correct but are also meaningful (Reynolds, Dikilitaş, & Close, 2022).

Semantics is crucial for English Language Learners because it helps them understand and use vocabulary accurately in different contexts (Reynolds, Dikilitaş, & Close, 2022). A strong grasp of semantics allows ELLs to interpret figurative language, idioms, and multiple-meaning words (Linguistics for Teachers of ELLs, n.d.-d). This understanding enhances reading comprehension, writing accuracy, and effective communication in both social and academic settings (Linguistics for Teachers of ELLs, n.d.-d).

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Pragmatics is the study of how language is used in social and cultural contexts to convey meaning beyond the literal words spoken (Reynolds, Dikilitaş, & Close, 2022).

When considering pragmatics it is necessary to understand not only what was stated, but when, where, and by whom (Reynolds, Dikilitaş, & Close, 2022).

Pragmatics is the study of how language is used by real people in real contexts and is greatly driven by specific situations and contexts (Linguistics for Teachers of ELLs, n.d.-e)

Pragmatics is essential for English Language Learners because it helps them understand how to speak and use language appropriately in different social situations, such as knowing when to be formal, how to make polite requests, and how to interpret tone and implied meaning (Linguistics for Teachers of ELLs, n.d.-e). Without this knowledge, ELLs may struggle with social interactions, classroom discussions, or understanding the intent behind certain expressions. Developing pragmatic skills enables them to communicate more naturally and effectively in both academic and real-world settings (Reynolds, Dikilitaş, & Close, 2022).

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Classroom Activities that Support Semantics 

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Classroom Activities that Support Semantics 

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1. Draw the Idiom! Students pick an Idiom and illustrate the literal image. They present their drawing with a true explanation behind the meaning. ELL students must be provided with "front-loading" lessons in idioms, prior to whole group learning (Linguistics for Teachers of ELLs, n.d.-e). ELLs must receive explanation for unknown idioms. ELLs may work with a partner or small group during the first round. An extension and enrichment activity may include students acting out the idiom in a charades-like fashion. Whoever accurately guesses must also provide the meaning behind the phrase.

2. Semantic Mapping: Students create a visual “web” that connects a central word (i.e. weather) to related words and concepts (Linguistics for Teachers of ELLs, n.d.-e). This activity can be differentiated for various levels of ELLs. Beginning ELLs may be provided with a map with images or clues. Developing and more advanced ELLs may add short phrases and related terms to describe connections.

3. Context Clues Challenge! Students use context clues and make inferences to form meaning. Teacher may support ELLs with funny and familiar texts such as Amelia Bedelia as a way to scaffold the activity. English Language learners can also be partnered with more advanced ELLs or English speaking classmates. Using highlighters and pictures will help narrow the focus when solving the context clues.

4. Synonym or Antonym Memory! (Linguistics for Teachers of ELLs, n.d.-e). Students will be given words that have synonyms and antonyms that are clearly understandable (i.e. mad=angry [same] mad=happy [opposite]). Students must "battle" to collect as many "pairs" as possible depending on their assigned role: antonym or synonym. ELLs can play the same game but with pictures. Intermediate ELLs may use a picture-word combination, and advanced ELLs may use only words.

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Many stores, including Amazon and Target, sell games that promote syntax development through colorful and interactive games (already made and ready to play).

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1. Sentence Scramble: Provide students with scrambled words from a sentence and have them rearrange the words to form a grammatically correct sentence. This activity can be easily differentiated by the complexity of the sentences. ELLs can start with simple subject-verb-object sentences and grow into more complex sentences.

2. Sentence Frames and Starters: Provide students with sentence frames (e.g., “I like to ___ because ___.”) to practice producing complete and structured sentences. You can use a word bank to help support ELLs. Complexity will increase as the length and detail in the sentences increase.

3. A my name is ___ and I like ____.-game: Students will go through the alphabet stating a correlating name with letter and a silly or realistic noun that also matched the letter. Although the answers may be silly, they will support syntax development and speaking in complete sentences. English Language Learners may be given a list or picture to choose from when completing their turn. If a student is a newcomer or needs more intense support the teacher may model the sentence and allow the ELL to repeat it.

4. Silly Syntax: Be the teacher. Students will be given words and phrases that have a few errors. They will have 10 seconds to restate the sentence correctly to their partner. ELLs can be supported in this activity by utilizing ESOL teachers and translators to demonstrate proper spoken order in English while calling to attention the syntax used in other languages especially students' home languages.

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1. Role Play: Students will role different social situations. They will have to impromptu respond to their classmate using correct pragmatics. Round 2 students will be asked to purposely respond incorrectly while classmates will have to determine the proper response. ELLs can be coached and even rehearsed prior to the activity. ELLs can mimic or repeat appropriate phrases during the exercise. ELLs can also observe the "actors and actresses" until he/she feels comfortable to participate on their own.