Language
Language is made up of a student’s ability to understand word relationships, sentences and stories (that is, a student’s receptive language skills), and to express thoughts and ideas in logical, grammatically-correct sentences (that is, a student’s expressive language skills).
Receptive Language (Comprehension)
- Understanding questions
- Following instructions
- Understanding concepts (big/little, in/on)
- Understanding inhibitory words (no, stop, wait)
- Understanding indirect requests and sarcastic comments
- Following stories as a whole, drawing conclusions, making predictions
- Understanding that the meaning of a word can change depending on the context
Expressive Language (Expression)
- Using single words spontaneously
- Requesting for objects and actions
- Using Grammar
- Saying long, complex sentences (using words such as 'because', 'so', 'but' and 'although')
- Giving clear instructions
- Telling stories that include all the important details in a logical order
- Using clear, precise language to express him/her self
- Asking questions
Pragmatics (Social Language)
- Using and understanding gesture
- Following the rules of conversation (e.g. taking turns, staying on topic, indicating he/she does not understand)
- Interpreting and using appropriate tone of voice, body language, facial expression and gestures
- Understanding that other people have different points of view
- Using appropriate language to show an interest in others