Second Language Acquisition for Teachers -

Second Language Acquisition
for Teachers
Professional Staff Development
January 18th
2008
Westside Elementary
Second Language Production
Stages (Proficiency)
Pre-Production (1)
Production (2)
Intermediate (3)
Advanced
Intermediate (4)
Advanced (5)
Other levels
Exited (6)
Native Speaker (7)
Language Acquisition vs.
Language Learning
Krashen (1982)
*Language Acquisition is a natural
process by which children learn
language without any formal teaching.
*Language Learning is a structured
and formalized process by which a
student is taught a foreign language.
Natural Order
Krashen
Language is acquired in a natural order.
Some aspects are ‘picked up’ earlier than
others.
Example: ‘ing’ form comes earlier than auxiliary
forms such as “am” Therefore you will hear “I
going”, before “ I am going”
Monitor Hypothesis
Krashen
It is an ‘editor’ that checks production of a
second language. The monitor checks on
grammar, when we know the rules of a
language. This can slow down production
of the second language.
Silent Period
Krashen & Terrell (1983)
In this language acquisition stage,
English Language Learners listen and
begin to understand messages in the
second language, but do not produce
(or speak) the second language.
Affective Filter
Krashen, Terrell, McLaughlin
In order for a student to learn effectively their
motivation, self-esteem must be supported while
their anxiety must be diminished.
When teachers demand that a student produce
language before they are ready, they create a
stressful situation for the student that affects their
thinking and learning.
Comprehensible Input
Please read the handout quietly.
Answer the following question: How does the
information in this reading apply to my
present classroom situation?
How can I make curriculum more
comprehensive for my students?
Write these answers on a piece of paper and
share with a partner….
BICS (Basic Interpersonal
Communication Skills)(Cummings)

Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills
(BICS) are language skills needed in social
situations. It is the day-to-day language
needed to interact socially with other
people.
CALP (Cognitive Academic
Language Proficiency)
CALP refers to formal academic learning. This
includes listening, speaking, reading, and
writing about subject area content material.
This level of language learning is essential for
students to succeed in school.
Setting Goal #1
On your Goal Sheet:
please set a goal related on how you think
you can increase Comprehensible Input for
your ELL students

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