Teaching the L in ELA

An actionable framework on how to infuse language and linguistics knowledge into existing ELA curricula in fun and inviting waysEnglish Language Arts (ELA) teachers are under pressure to improve students' reading and writing skills, but in most classrooms, the standard ELA curricula overlook a key element—the L in ELA. In this book, Michelle D. Devereaux and Chris C. Palmer explore the importance of purposeful language instruction and provide tools that educators can use to help students improve their writing, analyze a variety of texts, and apply critical thinking skills to all aspects of language in the ELA classroom.Teaching the L in ELA examines how a foundational knowledge of language builds social understanding, engagement, and collaboration. By pulling from multiple research studies as well as over fifteen years of experience teaching linguistics and education courses, the authors deliver road-tested ideas and recommendations on how to integrate linguistics into ELA instruction. Directly tying core linguistics concepts like phonology, grammar, and sociolinguistics to fun and classroom-ready activities, the book demonstrates how hidden language tools unlock students' understanding of texts and engage them as motivated readers and writers. They acknowledge the constraints ELA teachers are currently working with, such as standardization and high-stakes testing, and give practical guidance for busy educators with no prior linguistics knowledge who wish to transform their ELA instruction and inspire their students.Presenting an integrative, rather than additive, approach, Teaching the L in ELA shares a wealth of authentic examples and features two full unit plans aligned with common ELA topics. These strategies will empower students not only to understand how their own language use is valuable but also how the English language shapes our world.