Academic conversations in Elementary DLE classrooms

This course is an introduction to Academic Conversations (Jeff Zweir) for teachers of language learners. We will review the different components of Zweir’s academic conversations through video examples in Spanish and English.  We will practice writing language objectives for lessons teaching students the skills necessary to engage in academic conversations.  We will discuss a timeline for implementation and modifications for different elementary grade levels.  Participants will have an opportunity to practice the skills Zweir’s teaches students to use in an academic conversation - paraphrasing/summarizing, elaborating/clarifying, building on/challenging, supporting, and applying/connecting.  Participants will leave with ideas on how to implement the instruction of academic conversation using Zwier’s conversation prompts in their classroom and will write language objectives aligned with this instruction for their classroom setting.

Audience: For elementary teachers and coaches in Dual Language Education programs.  

Guiding Principles for Dual Language Education Principle 2, Instructional strategies support the attainment of the three core goals of dual language education; Key Point G Teachers use a variety of strategies to ensure equitable participation among all students.

National Dual Language Education Teacher Preparation Standards (NDLETPS) Standard 3 Dual Language Instructional Practices and Pedagogy

MA Bilingual Education Endorsement SMK 4 Implementation of strategies for coordinating non-English partner language instruction and English language development for English learners

Contact MABE for further information or to request a service.