• Seven Steps to Building a Language Rich Interactive Classroom
     
     
     
    **1. Teach students language strategies to use when they don't know what to say.**
     
                   Instead of  'I don't know....'
                   May I please have some more information?
                   May I please have some time to think?
                   Would you please repeat the question?
                   Where could I find more information about that?
                   May I ask a friend for help?          
     
      
    **2. Encourage students to speak in complete sentences.**
     
                   Question:  Why does inertia have a particularly large effect in this
                            situation?
                   Stem:  Inertia has a large effect in this situation because...
                   Question:  What is your opinion?
                   Stem:  My opinion is...
                   Question:  How would you justify your answer?
                   Stem:  I would justify my answer by...          

    3. Randomize and rotate who is called on so all students can participate.

    4. Use response signals for students to monitor their own comprehension.

    5. Use visuals and a focus on vocabulary to build background.

    6. Have students participate in structured reading activities.

    **7. Have students participate in structured conversations and writing activities.**
     
                   Model and practice, model and practice!