1

CLASSROOM
LANGUAGE
2
Rationale

Classroom language is that collection of phrases used
for communication among teacher and students, from
"Open your books to page fifteen" to "May I go to the
bathroom?" While emphasis is usually placed primarily
on the target language, classroom language, too, can
be an invaluable way of promoting English as real
communication, student involvement in the lesson, and
active language learning skills
3
Understanding the theory

The more that classroom language is used during an
English lesson, the less the students will need you to
use L1 (the studentsfirst language). Teaching and
using classroom language during English lessons will
make the lessons more authentic

4
Understanding the theory

Classroom language often occurs in an English class.
Language such as Repeat that, please and Open
your books, please is very natural. When students are
exposed to this language frequently, they will
eventually be able to produce it themselves. If
classroom language is often used, it is quickly
absorbed by the students and becomes part of their
natural vocabulary.
Students, and teachers, can use classroom language.
If, for example, the students are working in pairs, it is
useful to teach them expressions like, Its my / your
turn and Whose turn is it? It is important to teach
both the classroom language the students have to
understand as well as language they need to produce.

5
Understanding the theory

Classroom language needs to be a regular feature of
the English lesson. This language needs to be
introduced over a number of lessons so that by the end
of the term / academic year, the students have learned
a significant amount. Always try to use gestures to
explain the meaning rather than using L1. Introduce
classroom language regularly and use gestures to
show what this language means.

6
Practical ideas for introducing
classroom language

When you teach the students new classroom
language, get them to practise it
7
Examples of classroom language

Language for teacher-to-student communication for
the teacher to use when he/she talks to the students
Language for student-to-student communication
for the students when they communicate with each
other
Language for student-to-teacher communication
for the students to use when they speak to the
teacher

8
steps in encouraging classroom
language use


1. Students can be encouraged to use classroom
language independently under two conditions: it
helps them to express themselves or have their
needs and wishes met, and the lesson structure
enables them to make decisions and requests.
9
Reinforcement: Non-verbal Prompts
Non-verbal prompts can help remind students what
expression the situation calls for or recall the language,
while also building student confidence and the spirit of
helping each other. Below are some forms of non-
verbal prompts
10
. Questions
1A. Visual Prompts
Pictures illustrating situations such as "I'm sorry" can
be reviewed regularly and posted. When needed, the
teacher can point to them or hold them up.
B. Reading Prompts
Students comfortable with reading can have a list of
useful phrases which can be posted and/or glued to
the inside cover of their textbooks. I've posted
numbered lists with large letters, and have sometimes
held up fingers to indicate the number of the
expression they should be using.

11
. Questions
C. Gesture Prompts
Shrugging can indicate "I don't know," and outstretched
hand "please," a hand cupping the ear "Can you repeat
that?", and so on. (Gesture prompts are used in Part
2.)
D. Pronunciation Prompts
Especially in classes paying close attention to
pronunciation and phonics, such as those using the
"Finding Out" series, I've sometimes mouthed the
expression, and let students deduce the sounds.

12
E. Clue Prompts
Rather than the entire phrase, just the first word or first
sound can be given, or blanks can be written on the
board with the first letter of each word. This takes a
little time, so I've usually used it in situations where the
phrase will be used several times, such as reminding
students of "What's next?" during a game
13
Why use classroom language?
The language answers the immediate needs
of the learners in that it is used for the
setting up and carrying out of activities in
the classroom and so is of instrumental
value.
The language used is functional in that it
can be used in everyday contexts.
The language is very highly contextualised
and often easily demonstrated physically
making comprehension easier.
14
. Questions
1. Why is classroom language so important? What can
it achieve in your English lessons?
2. What can you do to help students learn classroom
language?
3. How should classroom language be taught? Have
you ever done this? Give examples.