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Advanced Language and Language modeling

  • 1.  Advanced Language and Language modeling

    Posted 12-02-2019 12:53
    Good morning
    Can anyone please clarify Advanced Language modeling for me. I was under the understanding that Advanced Language is when you speak a new word i.e "spectacular", and then you follow up with the definition. I have been told that it could also be just using a variety of words, without having to give the explanation.

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    Katherine Thomas
    Ventura CA
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  • 2.  RE: Advanced Language and Language modeling

    Posted 12-02-2019 16:52
    My understanding is that it is both...using a variety of words while also introducing more difficult words, and even a second language such as Spanish, although according to the manual, page 75, it is not counted High because of teacher using 2 languages. Language Modeling is when there are frequent conversations in the classroom, many open-ended questions, repeating and extending the student's responses, and descriptions. I count higher when the teacher uses a lot of descriptive words during the conversations and teaching moments.

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    Sandra Marcum
    Richmond IN
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  • 3.  RE: Advanced Language and Language modeling

    Posted 02-21-2026 20:46

    Great answer Sandra Marcum. I totally agree with you, you had given a very clear explanation of what it's Language modeling, it is very important to constantly clarify and explain new vocabulary words and the meanings of words to the students, so they can be familiar with them and to start using them while they have conversations with others, also open ended questions are always important and helpful to extend their knowledge and communication.



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    Lilian Kimmel
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  • 4.  RE: Advanced Language and Language modeling

    Posted 12-03-2019 10:41
    Good question, @Katherine Thomas. Sandra's right; it's both! You should hear the teacher using a variety of vocabulary to expose the children to new words. Sometimes, that will require connecting the word to a familiar word, but sometimes it may just sound like using a complex sentence. For example, "Let's put on our boots and zip up our coats. It's absolutely freezing out, and there's a lot of fluffy snow to play in!" rather than "Get your coats on." uses advanced language but doesn't define any words. On the other hand, you may also hear a teacher clarify specific vocabulary, like "You're playing with a train, bus, and car. Those are all vehicles." The goal of both is to model more complex vocabulary and ways of communicating. ​​

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    Liz Savage
    Community Manager
    Teachstone
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  • 5.  RE: Advanced Language and Language modeling

    Posted 12-03-2019 11:25
      |   view attached
    ​The attached teacher tip page is something I have shared with coaches and can be found on eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov, is this helpful to you?

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    Ayesha Morin
    San Antonio TX
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    Attachment(s)



  • 6.  RE: Advanced Language and Language modeling

    Posted 12-03-2019 13:53
    Thank you, that hand out is perfect.

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    Katherine Thomas
    Ventura CA
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  • 7.  RE: Advanced Language and Language modeling

    Posted 12-16-2019 18:14
    The Novel Words Teacher Tips is a great resource. I've attached some other CLASS resources that further explains Advanced Language. When introducing children to Tier 2 or 3 words, teachers should transform these abstract concepts onto more concrete, applicable and meaningful terms for the children. This process simply requires teachers to use the newly introduced words in various different scenarios so that the children understand the meaning and how and when to use the word(s). Success is demonstrated when children are able to use these words in the right context. Advanced language doesn't necessarily mean difficult words, it may simply mean using adjectives, verbs, nouns, pronouns etc.

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    Maria Ferrette
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    Attachment(s)



  • 8.  RE: Advanced Language and Language modeling

    Posted 06-24-2021 17:40
    Thank you also for the hand out.

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    Pamela Peoples
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  • 9.  RE: Advanced Language and Language modeling

    Posted 07-13-2021 10:24
    Thank you for the article Ayesha! You post very helpful resources!

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    Rissa Scott
    Child Action, Inc.
    Childcare Coordinator
    Sacramento, CA
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  • 10.  RE: Advanced Language and Language modeling

    Posted 12-03-2019 13:49
    Thank you everyone for clarification on this. But it looks like in the examples that there was a variety of words but I could also see some definitions given even though they weren't stated as definitions. i.e. the teacher says to a child, that rock is enormous and then says " that means hugh".
    So Im assuming it doesnt always have to be that clear cut.






  • 11.  RE: Advanced Language and Language modeling

    Posted 12-04-2019 11:01
    This is a good question and conversation. To be in the high range within this indicator,  I typically look for definitions even when the teacher is using a variety of words and vocabulary. But sometimes a teacher is mapping the language on to known concepts.  For example,  a teacher may gesture when referring to a "vertical" line.  Or the word, "delicious" is used in the context of pretending to eat food in the dramatic play area.   Do these examples constitute being in the high range of "advanced vocabulary"?

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    Gretchen Greenberg
    Portland ME
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  • 12.  RE: Advanced Language and Language modeling

    Posted 05-20-2021 11:36
    I would build language by going one step further. Instead of saying - "enormous means huge" - I would ask "the rock is enormous...hmmm, enormous is a new word. what do you think enormous could mean?"

    happy conversating!

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    Christina Roseli
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  • 13.  RE: Advanced Language and Language modeling

    Posted 12-06-2019 10:14

    You must have an explanation.

     

    Vivian Dexter, MEd

    Center Supervisor

    Head Start / Early Head Start Department

     

    P: (813) 276 85 39

    F: (813) 276 3539

    E: Dexterv@hillsboroughcounty.org

    W: HillsboroughCounty.org

     






  • 14.  RE: Advanced Language and Language modeling

    Posted 12-09-2019 09:30
      |   view attached
    When I think of advanced language I usually think of questioning methods.  Since some of my coahees are wanting to understand more strategies encouraging science support this has spurred me to look into different venues for this.  Attached is a tip sheet sponsored by Talk, Read and sing as well as Zero to three.  What are your thoughts?  How does this make you curious?​

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    Ayesha Morin
    San Antonio TX
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    Attachment(s)



  • 15.  RE: Advanced Language and Language modeling

    Posted 05-14-2021 12:15
    I am putting together a resource for my teachers for advanced language.  Many of my classrooms already have open-ended question prompts for the different centers in the classroom.  During more planned activities teachers are more likely to think about/plan for advanced language.  What I'm looking to create are some advanced words that they can use in the different centers during work time.  For example in the block area using the term blueprint.  What words might you use in the different centers to help increase preschoolers vocabulary?  I'm thinking specifically for blocks, art, house, manipulatives, sand/water, library, and science area.  I want to make something they can post in each area as inspiration.  Because they are thinking about so many different aspects of instructional support as they are partners in play with the children I think having those word prompts just like they use open-ended question prompts could be useful.  Let me know what you all think.

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    Gillian
    NY
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  • 16.  RE: Advanced Language and Language modeling

    Posted 05-17-2021 11:10
    Sounds like a great idea! An additional strategy might be to suggest words that educators could use throughout the day, across activities and settings. Word repetition is so important, and if a child hears the word in several contexts, the meaning and generalizability is reinforced. Words like this might include: prediction, solution, persist, creative, investigate, patience, unexpected, teamwork, collaboration, etc. 

    Ann Dillenbeck, Ed.S.

    STARS Assessor

    Mary Johnson Children's Center






  • 17.  RE: Advanced Language and Language modeling

    Posted 05-18-2021 11:49

    That is a great idea. Some of the words I could think of would be BLOCK AREA- architect, construction, surveyor, engineer; SCIENCE/DISCOVERY AREA - scientific, astronomer, astrology, geologist, seismologist . DRAMATIC PLAY AREA- hygienist, household technician, physician, veterinarian, cosmetologist.

    I like you idea, I remember years ago we had a list of  words that we considered, "high-power", that we would use with the children in the classroom all day, these words were more like humongous, disgusting, fascinating, joyful.  More like adjectives. But to find words that go in the different areas, would be so much more advantageous, to assist with Advanced language.  Good luck with your plan.

     

    Sent from Mail for Windows 10

     






  • 18.  RE: Advanced Language and Language modeling

    Posted 05-19-2021 10:18
    I think this is a FANTASTIC idea! Our teachers also use open ended prompts around the room, and prompts to encourage advanced language would also be advantageous.

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    Tyra Brown
    Hudson Falls NY
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  • 19.  RE: Advanced Language and Language modeling

    Posted 05-19-2021 10:31
      |   view attached
    This is what I have so far.  We use the HighScope curriculum so I used the HighScope area signs for the different areas.  Let me know if you all think of any other words.  Feel free to download and tweak for your program.

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    Gillian
    NY
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    Attachment(s)



  • 20.  RE: Advanced Language and Language modeling

    Posted 05-19-2021 14:30
    Gillian,
    This is a great resource.  As an independent assessor, I am often asked to identify strengths in my written report and always try to use the same language that CLASS uses in the  assessment (proximity, responsiveness, facilitates, analysis).  The other part of my report is "opportunities" and I will be using some of these words for Advanced Vocabulary suggestions.
    Thanks for sharing.
    Chris

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    Christine King
    Andover MA
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  • 21.  RE: Advanced Language and Language modeling

    Posted 05-25-2021 11:48
    The Children Literacy Initiative has some pretty cool supports for language and vocabulary.  They are not specific to CLASS, but I think they have some connections to this focus.  Anyone can become a member with this site for free, all you have to do is give your email and create a password.  Some of the materials are geared at older grades and they have a whole section to support coaching, the questions can be helpful to those new to coaching.  Hope you find this helpful with the vocabulary focus.  I learned some things on this site so found it beneficial.

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    Ayesha Morin
    San Antonio TX
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  • 22.  RE: Advanced Language and Language modeling

    Posted 05-26-2021 09:50
    Thank you for sharing this! 😀

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    Kristi Kirinch
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  • 23.  RE: Advanced Language and Language modeling

    Posted 05-25-2021 11:05
    Thank you so much for this helpful resource!

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    Melissa Monroe
    Rochester MN
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  • 24.  RE: Advanced Language and Language modeling

    Posted 06-25-2021 10:51
      |   view attached
    This was shared at a PBC Community of Practice meeting.

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    Susan Hinman Waldman
    Practice Based Coach
    Communities United Inc.
    Lexington, MA
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    Attachment(s)

    docx
    Classy_10.docx   9 KB 1 version


  • 25.  RE: Advanced Language and Language modeling

    Posted 02-28-2023 12:39

    Advanced Language I believe is using bigger words and a lot of words to communicate.



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    TrishaMilam
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  • 26.  RE: Advanced Language and Language modeling

    Posted 02-28-2023 14:21

    Advanced Language can show up in many strategies. The adult can facilitate with role play. Typical actions might include:

    Playing a role: "I am feeding the hay to the cow. Do you want to help me?"

    Using a closing procedure: "This bucket is empty, and this bucket is _______ (full)."

    Expanding a child's utterance: "Him big" to "He is a big horse." (This is a model of correct pronoun and expansion of verb form.)

    Contrasting two location terms (focus contrast): "This chicken is on the nest. This chicken is between the nests."

    Identifying rhyming words: "That's right. "Pig and big rhyme."

                                                                                                                                        (Bunce, Betty, Early Literacy In Action, 2008)

     

     

    Ayesha Morin

    Early Learning Inclusive Manager | Avance-San Antonio, Inc.

    934 Flanders | San Antonio, TX |78211

    210-921-7000 ext. 2029 | ayesha.morin@avancesa.org

     

    Our ultimate goal is equitable access for all children and families to the resources and opportunities that allow them to reach their fullest potential.