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Phonology is the study of sound patterns within a language or languages, specifically the English language (University of Sheffied, n.d.).

Phonology is very essential for English language learners as it impacts their ability to produce sounds of the English language. If an English language learner is not able to produce these sounds this can affect their learning in various content areas. Second, phonology is important because it helps them achieve success and able to decode or chunk words.

Classroom Activities:

1. Heggerty Phoneme Segmentation- Change the beginning sounds to the onset and rhyme. Teachers can differentiate by using various levels and longer word parts.

2. Zoo Phonics Alphabet Practice- Teacher and students practice the consonant sounds using zoo phonics animals. Teachers can differentiate by using or not using visuals for different grouping levels.

3. Sound Sorting- Students practice sorting the sounds at various parts of the word (beginning, middle, end). Teachers can differentiate by having students practice by using visuals or challenging them just by using their listening skills.

4. Elkonian Boxes- Students practice sorting sounds and placing them in boxes to help with sound separation. Teachers can differentiate by using words ranging from easy to difficult.

At Home Activity:

https://play.smartyants.com/login

This activity is an interactive game that students can play to help with phoneme segmentation and teach skills beyond that. It will also help them to learn the rules of the English language but help them to learn all the sounds of the English language. The games are fun and interactive and will set your child up for success!

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Morphology is the study and learning of word structure. Morphology in general focuses on the smallest units of meaning and definition (University of Sheffield, n.d.)

Morphology is very important for English language learners because it helps with vocabulary development and comprehension. Second, morphology helps students with learning prefixes, suffixes, and root/base words and their meanings across various content areas (Stowe, 2011).

Classroom Activities:

1. Prefixes/Suffixes Matching: Students match prefixes to their meaning and put them into a sentence. Teachers can differentiate by using English or Latin affixes and use different tiered questions to achieve higher-order thinking.

2. Identify prefixes/suffixes in sentences: Students read sentences or paragraphs identify prefixes and suffixes and define their meaning. Teachers can differentiate by using leveled text depending on their student's reading ability.

3. Affixes Bingo: Students play affixes bingo. Teachers can differentiate by having students use anchor charts or not.

4. Prefixes/Suffixes Word Wheel: Students spin the word wheel and generate words depending on which prefix or suffix it landed on. Teachers can differentiate by using various prefixes and suffixes and use more complex one in different groups.

At- Home Activity:

https://wordwall.net/en-us/community/prefix-and-suffix-games

Through this game, students can practice their prefixes and suffixes and have fun at the same time. It will also help them to comprehend their meaning and generate new words using this game!

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Definition: Syntax is the "structure" and "rules" of the arrangement of words in a given sentence.

Importance for English language learners:

Syntax is very important for English language learners because it helps them with their sentence structure and build fluency within the English language. When English language learners understand and hear correct fluency, they gain more confidence and understand concepts more easily. Another reason that syntax is very important is it helps ELLs structure their sentences correctly and with meaning (Linguistics for Teachers of ELLs, n.d.).

Classroom Activities:

1. Pre-emergent: Students in this activity can use word mapping to identify sounds and word meanings in the beginning, middle, and end. For example, identifying prefixes, root/base words, and suffixes.

2. Basic: Word sorting, students at this level can sort words and match the picture to the word. It could also be used at a follow-up table to have students practice independently.

3. Intermediate: dialogue, students peer review each other to make sure that student's sentences are grammatically correct.

4. Advanced: Students in this proficiency level should focus on daily grammar review with little to no assistance from teacher or peers.

At-home activity:

Vocabulary extension using Frayer Model, Students can identify words at home or through weekly spelling assignments and use them in a Frayer model. This strategy allows English language learners at all proficiency levels to define the word, understand its meaning, and create examples and sentences using it. The Frayer model supports learners by helping them visualize the word and make meaningful connections to their learning.

Website link for families:

https://www.theteachertoolkit.com/index.php/tool/frayer-model

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Definition:

Semantics focuses on vocabulary and word meaning in context (Top Teaching Tasks, 2023).

Importance:

Semantics is very important for English language learners because (1) it helps them develop the vocabulary to understand word meaning and real-world word context. The second example that semantics is important for English language learners is it helps them understand and comprehend text through advanced or higher vocabulary usage.

Classroom Activities:

1. Pre-emergent: Students in this level should have practice in word mapping where they match pictures to words or vocabulary previously taught.

2. Basic: Students at this level should focus on word or vocabulary categorization. For example, students should sort months, weeks, etc.

3. Intermediate: Students at this level should complete activities by the practice of context clues where they decode unfamiliar words using the strategy IDEAS (inference, definition, examples, antonyms, and synonyms).

4. Advanced: Students at this level are proficient in context clues and should focus on creating text using tier II or III vocabulary words.

At-home Activity:

This activity allows families of English language learners to help their child explore vocabulary in different contexts and practice using various sentences. The activity helps students visually, writtenly, and orally practice and see the words.

Website link for families:

https://handsandvoices.org/fl3/fl3-docs/parent-take-aways/parenttake-aways_05-lang-semantics.pdf

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Definition:

Pragmatics, as defined is the grammatical and word meaning used in context in sentences or texts (Teaching Linguistics to ESL Students, n.d.).

Importance:

Pragmatics is crucial for English language learners as it enables them to use appropriate vocabulary in various social contexts, ensuring effective communication. Furthermore, it helps learners develop their ability to decode words using context clues by understanding the underlying ideas, intent, and nuances in conversations or texts. This skill is essential for interpreting meaning beyond the literal words, allowing learners to engage more deeply with both spoken and written language.

Classroom Activities:

1. Pre-emergent: Students at this level can focus on role-playing scenarios and learning to use words through social interaction.

2. Basic: Students at this level can practice activities with partner work but with teacher guidance.

3. Intermediate: Activities at this level should include sentence framing for students to practice developing sentences.

4. Advanced: Students at this level should practice activities by using thinking maps and generating ideas in written format.

At-home activity:

Within this activity, families can assist their students in transforming their ideas into well-structured paragraphs or academic reports. This practice is essential as it not only strengthens writing skills but also helps students to apply pragmatics by understanding how to use vocabulary appropriately in different contexts. By doing so, students enhance their ability to communicate effectively in both academic and real-world settings.

Website link for families:

https://www.thinkingmaps.com/

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1. LETRS. (n.d.). Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling. Lexia LETRS. https://letrs.com/login?returnUrl=%2Fletrs3%2Fcourse%2Foverview

2. Ieva. (n.d.). Welcome to The ESL Teaching Podcast – a podcast for ESL/ELL teachers!. Podcast.

3. Amplify Education. (n.d.). Science of Reading: The Podcast. Spotify. Podcast.

4. McKay, S. (1980). Teaching the Syntactic, Semantic and Pragmatic Dimensions of Verbs. TESOL Quarterly, 14(1), 17–26. https://doi.org/10.2307/3586805

5. Northern Arizona University. (2024). Institute for Native-serving Educators (INE). NAU. https://in.nau.edu/ine/