"Am I a girl?" This question from a long-ago English class (quoted by Kennedy, 1983) illustrates what was once considered suitable practice for language learners. Over the decades, ideas for the content of a language lesson have reflected developing theories of second language learning and teaching. This essay draws on materials,…

Explains the concept of language function and its importance in classroom instruction. Defines specific language functions--controlling, informing, forecasting/reasoning, and projecting--and suggests how children can practice these functions within the scope of a social studies lesson. Includes sample lessons and lists of activities to elicit…

This paper responds to the complaints of several content area teachers that their students are not reading on grade level, and therefore are not able to engage in classroom activities. The paper is divided into two sections: the first section discusses research, effective instructional strategies, and steps to remedy the problem for working with…