Stages Of Second Language Acquisition

Front 1

Silent/Receptive Stage

Back 1

*Also Known as the “sponge period.”

*May last from 10 hrs to 3 months
* Concentrate completely on trying to figure out meaning of words.

*Receptive Vocab goal - 500 words
* Listen, point, match, move, draw, mime, choose, act out.

Front 2

Early Production Stage

Back 2

*May last up to 6 mos

*Receptive and active vocab - 1000 words

* Listening comprehension is still the main focus; speech starts to emerge naturally; beginning speech with short phrases, 2-6 words, without regard for grammar.
*List categorize, label, repeat, copy, extend patterns, answer with brief response, answer yes/no questions, complete short word strings, volunteer information.

Front 3

Speech Emergence

Back 3

*Vocab of about 3000 words

* Speech prod starts to improve if comprehensible input is provided; sents bcme longer as they bcme more complex with wider vocab range; Studs gradually begin to correct grammar.
*Summarize, recall, explain, define, contrast, dialogue, narrate, compare, use humor retell, complete 3-word strings, produce short phrases, maintain long discourse, use longer phrases, complete sents.

Front 4

Intermediate Fluency

Back 4

*Vocab of about 6000 active words

Exposure to good English language models gives students the opportunity to interact with fluent English speakers, will develop excellent comprehension; speech will reflect fewer grammatical errors, but writing will still have many
*Analyze, give options, create, debate, evaluate, justify, examine, defend, use technical jargon, use idioms, use sarcasm, use figurative language.

Front 5

Advanced Fluency

Back 5

-takes 4-10 years to achieve cognitive academic lang. proficiency in a 2nd language.

-by this point - near native in ability to perform in content area learning

-most have been exited from ESL at this point

-need continued support from teachers esp. with Hist/SS and in writing at the beginning of this stage