Expanding Oral and Written Language

Speech-Language PathologistLivonia Public Schools

“You can have language without literacy,

but you CANNOT have literacy without language”

Embedding Language Supports into Academics

• Two strategies that enhance oral and written language:– Expanding Expression Tool, Sara Smith, 2007www.expandingexpression.com

– Visualizing and Verbalizing, Lindamood-Bellwww.lindamoodbell.com

What is the EET?

The Expanding Expression Tool (EET) is a framework designed to assist students in organizing their language and expanding their expressions both within and outside of the classroom.

Smith, 2007

The Expanding Expression Tool

Green = Group Blue = Do What does it look like? What is it made of? (What does it come from) Pink = Parts White = Where ? What else do I know??

What skills will be enhanced?• Word associations and relationships– Similarities and differences– Comparing and contrasting

• Vocabulary comprehension– Defining / rewording definitions

• Concept knowledge– Describing / explaining

• Organization– Storytelling / Re-telling– Summarizing

How Does This Work?

• More comprehensive answers: – students know (7) areas to include when defining

or describing.• Structure/sequence gives them a place to start– Start with “group” and move on from there (built-

in sentence starters)• Visual reminders help them to self-monitor

their work

Example – First Grader

Before EETTreeA tree has leafs.A tree has long branchs.Som trees can be bald.

# of facts = 3

After learning to use EETTreeA tree is a plant.It gives us leafs.It is gren.It coms frum sds (seeds).It has branchs.Trees are in woods.Som are big.

# of facts = 7

Example – 3rd Grader

Before EETValentines Day is fun. I give

valentines to my friends. We have a party in our class with our friends. I like Valentines Day.

# of facts = 2

Using EETValentine’s Day is a holiday. You

celebrate the day by passing out cards and candy. You see red, purple, pink, and white hearts. It is made out of love. Valentine cards, chocolates, teddy bears, and other loving gifts are part of this day. It is in February.

# of facts = 6

Visualizing and Verbalizing

• How does this work?– Students are taught to first identify the “fine”

vocabulary that helps to form a mental image– Then students learn to use this rich vocabulary /

details to create a picture for the reader / listener– “I have a picture in my head and I am going to try

to paint that picture in your head”

What skills will be enhanced?

• Reading comprehension– Getting the “gestalt” of the story

• Oral / written expression– Describing: setting, characters– Re-telling in a logical sequence– Summarizing– Predicting

• Concept knowledge– Explaining