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Definition:
Oral language is language based on sounds or gestures rather than written words or phrases. It is a language that utilizes sounds that are spoken or hand gestures as in sign language to express ideas, questions, knowledge, and feelings. It is one of the most important aspects of being a human as this is a major form of communication between people.
Application in the classroom:
As students grow and learn, they are born with the ability to communicate with each other, and oral language is the most important aspect of communicating ideas and questions to one another. Along with communication, oral language is the first step in learning how to read. According to the author's Fisher and Frey, "They are hardwired to speak and listen; in other words, we were born to talk (Hulit, Howard, & Fahey, 2010). Reading and writing are optional accessories that are bolted onto a speaking and listening brain". When oral language is used in the classroom, it encourages students to share and communicate ideas and helps to build strong reading and writing abilities. When these abilities are mastered, it improves reading comprehension and prepares these students for higher-level writing. Overall, teaching exceptional oral language skills in the classroom is a great basis for students to become successful in reading, writing, communication, asking questions, and many other crucial skills.
Application in the science classroom:
In a science classroom, oral language is a crucial skill in order to be successful. In science we are always asking questions, coming up with solutions, experimenting, and communicating with one another. One of the most important aspects of a successful science experiment is the ability for the experiment to be replicated, and for it to be replicated, students must express what they got wrong, what could have gone better, what went well, the methods they used, and many other steps. Without the utilization of oral language, nothing would be able to be expanded upon, or changed. Science is always changing and scientists are constantly asking more questions and testing new things to seek out the answers to the world's most difficult questions.
Equity and Justice:
Oral language is mostly considered to be a language that utilizes sound. However, sign language is also oral language. As a teacher, it is important to take into account students who may be hard of hearing or even deaf. It is important that we help these students to be able to communicate with the classroom as well as the teacher and make sure that they always feel included. I was lucky enough to take some ASL classes in college, and I feel that more teachers and students should also learn a little about the ASL community. Another aspect of oral language is cultural inclusion and assisting students who are learning another language. Many students do not speak English as their first language and they may be just learning English for the first time. When teaching students new concepts it is important to slow down when needed, utilize images, encourage them to use their first language when needed, utilize technology to better help them, and help out whenever needed. I am happy that our classrooms are filled with students from all over the world, and some of them just may need a little assistance when learning a new language in order for them to utilize oral language to the best of their ability. In a science-type classroom, we speak a lot to each other and it may be difficult for ESL students to understand. I would rely heavily on imagery in order to convey ideas and materials and if I could I would have a student who is fluent in both their language and English, who could partner up with them throughout the school year and help them to understand the material.
Sources used: https://www.readingrockets.org/article/speaking-and-listening-content-area-learning

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Definition:
According to Reading Rockets, "Phonological awareness is the ability to recognize and manipulate the spoken parts of sentences and words." This includes the ability to identify the parts of a word and what it sounds like. Phonological awareness is the foundation of learning how to read as children learn this and master this ability at a young age.
Application in the classroom:
Phonological awareness is a very important skill that students and teachers work on during the early years of education. Students are encouraged to sound out words when learning new vocabulary, and they are taught how to break up works into smaller pieces in order to better understand them as this is the first step in being able to read. If students struggle with phonological awareness at a young age then they might have troubles or difficulties with reading and reading comprehension in the future. This may also be early signs of a reading disability such as dyslexia or a  type of processing delay. Phonological awareness is very important across all subjects as students will continue to utilize this skill as they progress in their reading, writing, and communication.
Application in the science classroom:
Within the science classroom, there are very big and sometimes confusing words that students may come across. Being able to understand the sounds that letters make, being able to break down large words into smaller ones, and overall phonological awareness are all crucial skills in the science classroom. Proper phonological awareness also plays a part in learning new vocabulary. Students will learn all types of vocabulary in the science classroom that will be very helpful in understanding science concepts and a proficient understanding of phonological awareness is just the first step of this learning process. Teaching and learning phonological awareness is super important across all subjects, but especially science where students are learning new words and vocabulary every day.
Equity and Justice:
When teaching students how to read, phonological awareness is the very first step. Helping students to understand this skill can be difficult at times and this is where you may find out that a student has a learning disability. When working with students with reading disabilities it is so important that we take our time as teachers, and do not stress them out. We want to encourage them to continue to read, and not steer them away from it. It is important that teachers spend one on one time with students that may struggle with phonological awareness as it may take them longer to comprehend what they are reading and they may struggle with learning vocabulary. I personally understand the struggle as I also have battled with my dyslexia and I will forever thank the reading and ELA teachers that took the time to help me one on one and did not make me feel rushed or that I was less than the other students who could read faster than me. In order to maintain an inclusive learning environment, it is important to take the time to understand the struggles that our students may face and be sure to give them the time and extra help they may need in order for them to feel comfortable and successful.
Sources used: https://www.readingrockets.org/teaching/reading101-course/modules/phonological-and-phonemic-awareness-introduction

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Definition:
Phonics is a method of learning to read by correlating the sounds that letters or groups of letters make in order to create a word or sentence. By using the alphabet, students can sound out and eventually read words and letters that are unfamiliar or new. For example, the sound s can be from the letter s or even c. Phonics can be challenging for new readers, however it is the first step in learning how to speak as well as read.
Application in the classroom:
Phonics is an effective method for teaching students to read and pronounce words by connecting the sounds of spoken language with the letters or groups of letters that represent those sounds. Here are some ways phonics can be used and taught in the classroom:

1. Letter-Sound Correspondence: Start by introducing students to individual letter sounds and their corresponding symbols. Teach them the basic phonemes (individual sounds) of the English language, such as /a/, /b/, /c/, and so on.

2. Blending: Teach students to blend individual sounds together to form words. For example, if they know the sounds /c/, /a/, and /t/, they can blend them to form the word "cat."

3. Segmenting: Help students break down words into individual sounds. For instance, ask them to identify the sounds in the word "cat" (/c/, /a/, /t/).

4. Decoding: Teach students to decode words by using their knowledge of letter sounds and blending skills. Encourage them to sound out unfamiliar words using phonics principles.

5. Word Families: Introduce word families, which are groups of words that share a common sound and spelling pattern. For example, the "-at" word family includes words like "cat," "hat," and "bat." Practice reading and generating words from the same word family.

6. Sight Words: While phonics is crucial for decoding words, there are also many words that cannot be easily decoded using phonics rules (e.g., "the," "said," "where"). Teach these words as sight words, which students memorize by sight rather than by phonics rules.

7. Phonics Games and Activities: Engage students in interactive activities to reinforce their phonics skills. Use phonics-based games, puzzles, word-building activities, and phonics apps to make learning fun and engaging.

8. Guided Reading: Incorporate guided reading sessions where students apply their phonics knowledge to read books at their reading level. Provide appropriate texts that include words with the phonics patterns they have learned.

9. Phonics Assessments: Regularly assess students' progress in phonics to identify areas of strength and areas that need improvement. Use assessments like phonics inventories, word reading fluency tests, and spelling tests to monitor their development.

10. Integration with Writing: Encourage students to apply their phonics skills in their writing. Teach them how to spell words using the phonics rules they have learned and guide them in incorporating phonetically regular words into their writing.

Application in the science classroom:
In a science class, there will be all kinds of texts and new words that students will be exposed to, so by utilizing the above techniques in the science classroom, students will be able to work through new words and concepts on their own by utilizing their knowledge of phonics. Phonics will help students to be able to read all kinds of material to themself to get a better understanding of material, but also to read aloud to show others their work and data.
Equity and Justice:
Phonics play a large role in being able to read and write fluently using the alphabet. Some students who are learning English as a second language may struggle with this as it may be difficult to for them to read in this new language. It is important as teachers that we use a variety of techniques to help them to understand the sounds that certain letters make by incorporating photos, taking time to help them one on one, and encouraging them to use their fluent language when insectary. Sometimes it is beneficial to let a student incorporate their fluent language as well as English in their work so they can better understand the material.
Source used:
https://www.reallygreatreading.com/what-is-the-science-of-reading-and-phonics

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Definition:
Fluency refers to the ability to speak, read, write, or comprehend a language smoothly, accurately, and with ease. It encompasses several aspects such as reading, oral language, writing, and comprehension. Fluency is a major part in both oral communication and being able to comprehend what you are reading.
Application in the classroom:
Fluency allows students to express themselves effectively and communicate their thoughts and ideas with clarity. When students are fluent in a language, they can engage in meaningful conversations, participate in discussions, and articulate their understanding of various topics. Fluency is also closely tied to comprehension. When students can read or listen to information fluently, they can better understand and make sense of the content. Fluent readers can focus on understanding the meaning of the text rather than getting caught up in decoding individual words. Also I think that fluency boosts students' confidence in using the language. When they are fluent, they feel more comfortable and self-assured in speaking, reading, writing, and listening. This confidence encourages active participation and engagement in classroom activities. Overall, by utilizing proficient fluency skills in any classroom, students are able to better process the information and just be more successful in all subjects.
Application in the science classroom:
Fluency in speaking and writing enables students to communicate their scientific ideas clearly and effectively. It allows them to express their thoughts, hypotheses, experimental findings, and analysis in a coherent and organized manner, facilitating scientific discussions and collaborations. Fluency is also helpful when using scientific language and research skills and is crucial for conducting scientific investigations and experiments. Fluent students can read and understand research papers, scientific articles, and data sets, enabling them to gather information and make informed decisions during their own research endeavors. Fluency encourages active participation in scientific discourse. It allows students to ask questions, engage in debates, present their findings, and contribute to scientific discussions. Fluent students can articulate their scientific arguments, defend their viewpoints, and critically analyze scientific claims. It aids in interpreting and analyzing scientific data and students who are fluent in reading graphs, tables, charts, and other visual representations of data can extract meaning, identify patterns, and draw valid conclusions. Fluency helps students make sense of scientific data and make evidence-based claims. In science we are always sharing our ideas with others and fluency helps to support effective collaboration and teamwork in scientific investigations. Fluent students can communicate and exchange ideas with their peers, work together on projects, and contribute meaningfully to group discussions. This promotes a collaborative and cooperative learning environment.
Justice and Equity:
Due to fluency being so important in our everyday communication with one another it is so important that we assist students who may struggle with this skill. When helping these students it is important that we are patient and utilize equipment such as visual aids, language learning apps, guided practice opportunities, working with pairs or groups so they do not feel nervous, and other fluency building activities can help these students who may have some learning disabilities or may be learning a new language. It is also important to keep in mind that if a student is struggling with fluency that they may be embarrassed to speak up about it or speak to others in class. They may seem shy or uninterested, but it is only because they struggle with this skill. This is why we need to assist these students with their own confidence and to encourage them to keep trying and to not give up.
Source used:
https://www.readingrockets.org/teaching/reading-basics/fluency

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Definition:
Comprehension refers to the ability to understand or grasp the meaning, significance, or implications of a text. It involves mentally processing information, concepts, or ideas to gain a clear understanding of them. Comprehension goes beyond simple recognition or memorization of facts and involves the capacity to analyze, interpret, and synthesize information to form a coherent and meaningful understanding. It also may apply to previous and background knowledge that allows students to apply it to new information.
Application in the classroom:
In the classroom, the use of comprehension empowers students to engage with learning materials more effectively, understand complex concepts, think critically, and actively participate in academic discussions. It fosters a deeper understanding of subjects and enhances overall learning outcomes. Mastering the skill of comprehending a text is beneficial across all subjects but especially in reading, writing, math problem solving, and science. The ability to understand and read between the lines when reading a text helps students to gain communication skills and is one of the best ways for students to excel in a subject. If a student struggles in this area, then they may have trouble understanding concepts, understanding word problems in a math class, and may not be able to engage in classroom discussions. It is crucial that all teachers take the time to ensure all students master this skill no matter their age.
Application in a science classroom:
Comprehension skills are vital in a science classroom because they facilitate understanding of scientific concepts, interpretation of data, making connections between ideas, critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication. These skills allow students to become scientifically literate individuals who can engage with scientific information, think critically, and contribute to the scientific community. Comprehension in a science classroom is super important for students because we must understand challenging concepts, interpret data and be able to share that data, discuss with others and even evolute problems and solutions. Effective comprehension and communication is super important for students to be able to succeed in science and make the connections that make the subject fun and exciting!
Equity and Justice:
Comprehension may be challenging for students who are learning a new language or who have reading or learning disabilities. As a teacher it is important that we take the time to realize which students struggle with this skill so we can better help them so they do not feel left out or confused. I understand how frustrating it can be not being fully able to understand some things that I read and it can be very upsetting and stressful. Some methods that teachers can utilize are scaffolded support, pre reading activities, modeling and think aloud, and differentiated instruction that help with students individual needs so they do not feel left out or frustrated. Comprehension is something that students will need for the rest of their lives and helping them while they are still in school is so important in order to assist them in their futures.
Source used:
https://www.readingrockets.org/teaching/reading-basics/comprehension

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Reading comprehension skills | Reading comprehension strategies | Free English lessons online

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(I really like this video since it touches on a lot of important vocabulary topics! I would also encourage students to watch part 2 of this video)
Definition:
A vocabulary refers to the collection of words or terms that a person, group, or language possesses and uses to communicate. It encompasses all the words and phrases that an individual understands and can effectively use in speaking, writing, reading, and comprehension. Vocabulary includes words from different domains such as everyday conversation, specialized fields, technical terminology, jargon, and idiomatic expressions. It represents an individual's linguistic knowledge and plays a crucial role in communication, expression, and comprehension.
Application in the classroom:
Vocabulary plays a vital role in the classroom across various subjects and disciplines. Here are some ways in which vocabulary can be effectively used in the classroom:

1. Vocabulary Building: Teachers can introduce new words and their meanings to students regularly. This can be done through word walls, word-of-the-day activities, or vocabulary exercises. Encourage students to use these new words in their spoken and written communication.

2. Contextual Understanding: Teach students how to infer word meanings from context. Provide them with passages or sentences where unfamiliar words are used, and guide them to use the surrounding words and context clues to decipher the meaning.

3. Word Study and Analysis: Teach students word roots, prefixes, and suffixes. Understanding these linguistic components helps students deduce unfamiliar words' meanings and expands their overall vocabulary.

Application in the science classroom:
Science involves reading and understanding complex texts, such as textbooks, scientific articles, and research papers. A strong science vocabulary enables students to comprehend these texts more effectively. They can grasp the meaning of scientific terms and concepts, understand the relationships between ideas, and make connections within the subject matter. Science vocabulary often includes technical terms and specific jargon that are unique to the discipline. When students understand and use these terms correctly, they can grasp scientific concepts more fully. Vocabulary provides the foundation for understanding complex ideas and theories in fields such as biology, chemistry, physics, and geology. Science also involves hands-on experiments and laboratory work. Students need to understand and use vocabulary related to lab equipment, procedures, and scientific measurements. Accurate use of terminology ensures that students can follow instructions, document their observations, and communicate their findings effectively.
Equity and Justice:
Some students may struggle with learning new vocabulary due to certain learning disabilities and it is important to keep in mind that one way of teaching may not work for all students. Some methods that teachers can use to help these students are, before introducing new vocabulary, provide students with a preview of the words and their meanings. This can be done through visual aids, simplified definitions, or real-life examples. Pre-teaching allows students with learning disabilities to familiarize themselves with the words in advance, reducing the cognitive load when encountering them in context. Also, it helps to engage students with learning disabilities in multi-sensory activities to reinforce vocabulary acquisition. Incorporate visual aids, graphic organizers, gestures, and interactive experiences to make the vocabulary more tangible and memorable. Connecting words to sensory experiences helps solidify understanding and retention. By developing and creating a more fluid and unique learning curriculum, teachers can ensure that students of all abilities get the most out of each lesson.
Source: https://www.readingrockets.org/teaching/reading-basics/vocabulary

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Vocabulary in reading (1/2) — importance and linguistic concepts

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Definition:
Writing is the act or process of expressing thoughts, ideas, or information using a system of visually representing language through symbols or characters. It involves composing words, sentences, and paragraphs in a structured and coherent manner to convey meaning and communicate with others.
Application in the classroom:
Writing is used extensively in the classroom across various subjects and grade levels. For example, students are often assigned different writing tasks such as essays, research papers, lab reports, and book reviews to demonstrate their understanding of the subject matter, critical thinking skills, and ability to communicate ideas effectively. Students also engage in writing while taking notes during lectures, presentations, and discussions. This helps them capture important information, summarize key points, and organize their thoughts. Another important use of writing is for creative writing assignments where students are encouraged to explore their imagination and express themselves through creative writing activities such as storytelling, poetry writing, and journaling. This fosters creativity, self-reflection, and language development. Writing prompts or questions are given to students to elicit their thoughts, opinions, and reflections on specific topics, texts, or experiences. This encourages them to think deeply, analyze information, and articulate their ideas. By incorporating writing into the classroom, educators aim to enhance students' critical thinking, communication, and literacy skills while fostering creativity, self-expression, and the ability to organize and present ideas effectively.
Application in the science classroom:
In a science classroom, writing is used in various ways to support learning and comprehension of scientific concepts. One main way is through lab reports. In a science class, students write lab reports to document and communicate their scientific experiments and findings. They describe the purpose, methodology, observations, data analysis, and conclusions of their experiments. Writing lab reports helps students develop skills in scientific inquiry, data analysis, and scientific communication. Another way writing is used is through research papers. Students may be assigned research papers to investigate and report on specific scientific topics or phenomena. This involves conducting research, analyzing data, and presenting their findings in a written format. Writing research papers fosters critical thinking, research skills, and the ability to synthesize information. Students may also utilizing writing when keeping science journals or notebooks to record their observations, hypotheses, experimental designs, data, and reflections. These journals serve as a reference for students to track their progress, document their learning process, and make connections between different scientific concepts. A newer concept that uses writing is scientific argumentation. Writing allows students to engage in scientific argumentation by presenting evidence, constructing arguments, and supporting their claims. They may write argumentative essays, scientific debates, or position papers to communicate their viewpoints on scientific issues. This is becoming more and more popular with new curriculum such as SSI and falsehoods presented in social media. So, scientific writing is crucial in keeping information accurate and being able to express new ideas and information to the world.
Equity and Justice:
As a teacher it is very important that all students are taken care of no matter what their abilities are. Some students may struggle with writing skills due to them having some learning disabilities, visual impairments, are learning English as a second language, or other things. There are a variety of strategies that teachers can utilize to ensure these students are receiving the help they need. Some examples are individualized instruction where the teacher can work one on one with them if they need some help with vocabulary, word structure, etc. Another way to be inclusive is providing multimodal assessment and instruction. Instead of making all students come up with a long written essay or some type of written response, allow students to be creative by incorporating things like podcasts, videos, info graphics, mind maps, and other hands on activities where students are able to demonstrate their understanding of certain concepts and instruction. It is important to remember that each student is unique, and it's important to consider their individual strengths, challenges, and learning styles. By implementing these strategies and fostering a supportive learning environment, we can help struggling students develop their writing skills and feel included in the writing process.

Source: https://www.readingrockets.org/teaching/reading-basics/writing

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The Power of Writing | Priyankha Kamalakannan | TEDxYouth@TFIS