Learning in a second language can be challenging, but you as a language-aware teacher can make a big difference. Here’s a summary of the main ideas:

• Language is more than vocabulary, grammar and spelling. It is shaped by discourses, genre conventions and context.
• Students need control of both the everyday interpersonal register and the more formal academic register to succeed in school.
• Language learners will come from a variety of circumstances with a variety of resources, so don’t make assumptions about their needs.
• Don’t leave it to osmosis – plan for language learning as well as curriculum learning.
• Keep the focus on making meaning, not on correctness.
• Encourage repetition, recycling and redundancy.
• Use visuals and gestures to support language learners.
• In your talk and classroom resources, aim for ‘comprehensibility plus’.
• Welcome your students’ first languages into the classroom.
• Plan different spaces and activities for different types of talk.
• Give language learners a bit more wait time.
• Understand the particular language demands of your curriculum area.
• Build the genre cycle into your lesson planning.
• Let students into the secrets of genre conventions.
• Use feedback on students’ work as an opportunity for language learning.
• Observe how your language learners are progressing, and plan for the next stage.