A method of reading instruction which develops the reader’s sight vocabulary, linguistic proficiency, and graphophonic awareness as they read their language. The teacher examines the stories students have written down and uses some of their experiences to help them expand on their words through discussion and questions.

A reading strategy which aims to help students relate their personal experiences to the main events in a story through various stages: discuss experiences (experience step), read the text (text step), and connect the experiences to the story (relationship step).

Apparent variations in the way that a language is spoken in different areas or among different ethnic groups. Dialects are rule-governed, fully developed language systems.

Techniques which present information in a way that assist English language learners with comprehension. For example, the use of graphic organizers, visuals, and physical movement to make content more accessible to English language learners.

Having the skills to use language proficiently in a variety of social contexts.

The ability to effectively engage in and employ the formal style of language used in the school setting.

The act of switching between dialects or language varieties in different settings and based on whom one is conversing with.

The process of mixing vernacular and world dialects with standard English to communicate with a broader audience and reflect the diversity in society.

The aptitude for certain forms of social interaction including conversational language.

A variation of standard English dialect, which has its system of phonological patterns and rules and is spoken by the people of many African American communities.