Language in Abundance

During our first Manaiakalani CoL meeting, we had the privilege to hear from Dr. Jannie van Hees about Language in Abundance. She spent some time giving us a quick overview about what that means for us as educators. I am excited to once again be focusing on optimising the learning conditions of my classroom so that my students are able to flourish in their understanding and usage of vocabulary across the curriculum.

What LANGUAGE offers a person’s LEARNING?

How LANGUAGE offers LANGUAGE CAPABILITY?

Dr. Jannie van Hees

Language in Abundance is NOT a program.  It is simply what it is...when children are
provided language in abundance they will thrive in all areas.

Learning conditions make a difference.

-Learning about ‘something’ with MORE or LESS spoken or written

language available.

-Knowledge DOES make a difference and it is available to us

through language.  Words matter hugely!

                           

Language in Abundance: What does it mean for us?

-providing opportunities to talk

-accepting what is said and adding on in order to gift further understanding

-complete culture where everything is accepted and freedom to be shared

-High expectations

-Being allowed to be aloud.

-Make it normal for students (at any age) to explain in any context

-Being able to explain a word

Always be thinking of the language involved and how you are going to get the children to
access it.

What can we do?

What can you do?

What can learners do?

What can families do?

Language in abundance will not simple provide uptake...it also involves optimising
learning conditions in order to flourish learning.