Yes, language ladders are an awesome way for scaffolding language in French or any other World Language! They are authentic uses of the language because the focal point is a language function. This blog post is part of a series on language ladders and language scaffolding – a great way to increase speaking skills in French, Spanish, or other World Languages. Read on for language ladder examples!
How now brown cow? A language ladder is a memorized chunk of language that students will use for a purpose (express an opinion, clarify a homework question, disagree with someone). There is no need to directly translate the chunk of language because the visual used to represent the function (a surprised face or question marks on a worksheet) aids comprehension thus avoiding direct translation. Also, if using a range of answers, this range (with accompanying visuals) will aid in comprehension and avoid the need to translate into English.
The hardest part is creating our own teaching routine where we set and reinforce the expectation of students using the expressions that are posted on the walls. Too often, it’s quicker to say “yes” or “no” when they ask the question in English than to point to the expression on the wall. Been there, done that.
Here are more categories that expand on the series of Language Ladder blog posts for students to up their language game in class. These 11 categories can be used at all levels for language scaffolding in French, Spanish, or other World Languages. Some are a theme of expressions that are used interchangeably while others are a range of expressions or questions.
To continue a thought or idea
- Furthermore
- And
- Also
- Additionally
- Moreover
To contradict a thought or idea
- However
- But
- On the other hand
- Yet
- Nevertheless
To reference a book
- In chapter __, …
- On page __, …
- At the beginning of the book (chapter), …
- In the middle of the book (chapter), …
- At the end of the book (chapter), …
To sequence events
- To begin with / First
- Secondly
- Then
- Next
- At the end / Finally
To blame someone else
- It’s not my fault.
- I didn’t do it.
- It wasn’t me.
- It was someone else.
- ___ did it. ___ said it.
To request
- Is it possible to ___?
- When you have time, can you please ___?
- If you have a moment, can you please ___?
- Can I ask you to ___, please?
- Would it trouble you to ___, please?
To advise / suggest
- If I were you, I would ___.
- If I were in your shoes, I would ___.
- I advise you to ___.
- It’s in your best interests to ___.
- My recommendation is ___.
To interrupt – informally
- Huh?
- What?
- What did you say?
- But you don’t understand…
- Shut up.
To interrupt – formally
- Pardon me.
- Excuse me, please.
- Excuse me for interrupting, please.
- May I interrupt, please?
- I am sorry to interrupt you right now.
The need for clarification – phrases
- I wonder why …
- I’d like to ask you about …
- I would like more information about ___, please.
- I don’t understand the word ___.
- I’m not clear on what you said.
The need for clarification – questions
- Are you saying that ___?
- Can you explain that again?
- Can you give an example of that?
- What do you mean by ___?
- Can you tell me more about ___?
Language Ladders – Final Thoughts
Oftentimes with these scaffolded of language chunks, I put the most used language ladders on the walls permanently (mostly for my French 1 and 2 students as reminders). When it comes to language ladders that are specific to a unit (how to reference a book), I put those phrases up for that week of class only. This works better than always having lists and lists of expressions or pages of words in their notebooks. When they have to page back and forth or shuffle handouts in the middle of speaking or discussing, it slows down the partner and small group conversations.
Narrowing the expressions down to a maximum of 5 helps students focus and they actually use the language ladders more often than if they were on a full page of notes. These expressions are printed off in big letters and in an area for them to see – even on the other side of the room. I swap out the categories of expressions for French 3 and above while I keep the most basic language ladders and expressions on the walls for repeated use in French 1 and French 2.
The best part is that they take up wall space! Put them on colorful card stock and there is my decorated corner. I personally would rather have 5 or 6 sets of these expressions around the room for students to use than my same old 5 or 6 posters. Find a space in your classroom and swap out the language ladders every quarter or every unit. Students will grow accustomed to looking over there for language help.
How to start language ladders today?
(As an Amazon Associate, I earn commission for qualifying purchases.) Start with the brightly colored high-quality card stock. Or for a softer look on your classroom walls, consider this softer pastel colored card stock — both in 8.5 x 11″ size. Translate the expressions into your target language, print them off, cut and paste them onto the above card stock of your color choice. Laminate or not – the card stock is sturdy all on its own.
For the video version of this blog and other video posts, check out my YouTube channel: L’Essentiel French Resources. My name is Lisa and I love being your new French colleague – how can I help you tomorrow?
