A content language objective outlines what students will be able to do using the target language as they engage with meaningful subject matter. Setting clear, measurable content language objectives for each lesson is crucial for ensuring language development happens in tandem with content learning. This article will explore best practices for writing effective content language objectives that support English Learners in various grades and proficiency levels.
The first step is to identify the language demands students will encounter when interacting with the core content concepts. Analyze textual and visual materials, keeping in mind the language structures, vocabulary, and discourse functions students will need. Consider linguistic complexity based on Proficiency Level Descriptors. For example, a 3rd grade science lesson on plant cycles may involve labeling parts, describing processes using temporal connectors, or comparing and contrasting species – skills that match an Emerging proficiency level.
When crafting the objective statement, use action verbs that indicate an observable or measurable language function. Avoid vague terms like “understand” and instead say what students will “do” with language. The objective should be student-centered, focusing on their ability rather than your instruction. Write it in the form of “Students will be able to…” followed by the language task. Well-written objectives meet the SMART criteria of being Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound.
A clear content objective conveys the concept being taught, while the language objective targets how students will demonstrate comprehension through language production or interaction. Keep both objectives brief yet detailed enough that any substitute teacher could discern what students are learning. Listening, speaking, reading and writing objectives all have a place depending on lesson demands. You may have multiple language objectives for one content area lesson.
Consider students’ various proficiency levels when determining if objectives are appropriately ambitious yet accessible. Objectives should push learners just beyond their current abilities. For example, a 4th grade science content objective might be to “Explain the water cycle using key vocabulary and visuals,” while the language objective for a Beginning English Learner could be “Label the steps of the water cycle using pictures and words.” A more advanced peer might “Describe orally the processes involved in the water cycle using simple and some complex sentences.” Level of support needed varies per objective.
Objectives aimed at Intermediate or higher proficiency levels can incorporate language structures like comparatives, tense sequencing, conditionals or narrative elements. But avoid overloading objectives with multiple language targets that could dilute focus. Consult the Proficiency Level Descriptors or your district ELD standards documents for guidance on incremental language growth expectations. Ask an ELD teacher for feedback on objective design and rigor match to students.
When teaching, clearly communicate content and language objectives to students using learner-friendly language and visual supports. Refer back to them throughout instruction to reinforce learning targets and check for understanding. Build in checks for language use into lessons, whether informal assessments of students practicing the objective independently or with peers, or teacher observations of discussions, presentations, written responses. Objectives help you gauge growth and proficiency over time through formative and summative assessments.
To conclude, setting meaningful yet attainable content language objectives allows English Learners to simultaneously develop their understanding of core concepts while also making language gains. Objectives focused on the language demands of the content and tailored to students’ levels ensure intentional and scaffolded support. With practice crafting objectives this way, teachers can provide equitable access to rigorous, standards-aligned lessons for ELs to reach academic achievement. Clear objectives also guide impactful design of integrated and designated ELD instruction across the curriculum.