Module 1 Discussion: The Stages of Language Progression

I spent the last two weeks with my 14-month-old granddaughter, and it has been interesting to watch her learn to comprehend commands and form words.  It is surprising how quickly she is learning new words and ways to communicate what she wants. 

It makes sense for second language learners to spend weeks processing words before speaking.  The amount of processing new sounds and words to begin to attempt the language is surprising.

The implications for teaching all students and ELs is to ensure they have had time to process the new information to construct meaning.  Providing multiple times to practice the new information to commit to memory will assist in learning.  Once the student (English-speaking or EL) has had the opportunity to construct meaning, he can build new meaning with additional learning.