Supporting Semantics and Pragmatics

Semantics and pragmatics are focused on understanding the meaning and context of language. English language learners may struggle with these concepts because the word meanings may change due to the context of the sentence.

Part 1: Station Rotation Lesson Plan

Using a grade level and content area of your choice, complete the “Station Rotation Lesson Plan” template by designing four linguistic activities for a station rotation lesson differentiated for WIDA or Arizona English language proficiency (ELP) levels. Include the following:

Stations 1 and 2: Two different activities that support semantics on the content topic (e.g., word cloud or semantic map, Bingo game, working with synonyms and antonyms, creating compound words, building academic vocabulary)

Stations 3 and 4: Two different activities that support pragmatics on the content topic (e.g., role plays, group activities, addressing language functions, registers, or oral versus written discourse)

In 100-150 words, ensure each activity includes the following:

Description of the activity, including student grouping strategy if applicable, amount of time required for the activity, and materials and technology required to support the lesson.

Description of differentiation for WIDA ELP levels 1-2, 3, and 4-5 or Arizona ELP levels Pre-Emergent/Emergent, Basic, and Intermediate.

The focus of this lesson is to design linguistic activities to support semantics and pragmatics. Although you will need to complete the entire template, the sections listed above will be explicitly graded for content.

Part 2: Reflection – Rationale and Justification

Include a 250-500 word rationale explaining how the station activities support the area of semantics and pragmatics in the classroom. Include a justification why semantics and pragmatics need to be explicitly taught in the classroom and how it benefits ELLs.

Support your activities with a minimum of three scholarly resources.