Teach the Language of Thinking
Name the thinking move first, then teach language that makes that move visible in an answer.
Worked model: Teach the Language of Thinking
View the illustrated activity card
- 1Name the thinking move first, then teach language that makes that move visible in an answer
- 2Compare two short answers that perform different thinking moves
- 3Match each answer to the appropriate command and explain the match
- 4Answer a fresh question, then check that the response actually performs the requested move
Describe a graph: state its visible trend. Explain the graph: connect that trend to a mechanism. A fluent description does not become an explanation merely by adding because.
Teach the move
Prepare · 5 minutes
Choose two task verbs attached to the same subject material.
- 1
Name the thinking move first, then teach language that makes that move visible in an answer.
- 2
Compare two short answers that perform different thinking moves.
- 3
Match each answer to the appropriate command and explain the match.
- 4
Answer a fresh question, then check that the response actually performs the requested move.
EAL upgrade
Remove the command glossary once learners can identify the thinking independently.
Keep the subject challenge. Offer one model, visual or language prompt where needed, then check a fresh independent response.
Try it tomorrow
Choose two task verbs attached to the same subject material.
Name the thinking move first, then teach language that makes that move visible in an answer. Compare two short answers that perform different thinking moves.
Change describe to explain or compare. Check that the response changes, not just its first word.
Remove the command glossary once learners can identify the thinking independently.
What to look for
Change describe to explain or compare. Check that the response changes, not just its first word.
Teacher language
Adapt these prompts to the task and your learners.
Our purpose is: Name the thinking move first, then teach language that makes that move visible in an answer.
Show the relationship and explain the choice you made.
Try the new case on your own. Show the detail or reasoning that supports your answer.
Which support do you still need, and which part can you now do independently?
Across subjects
Maths: distinguish calculate and justify. Humanities: distinguish describe and evaluate.
Adjust language support
Use a small word bank, visuals and partner rehearsal when needed. Extend with precise explanations and qualifications. Judge the support from the response to this task.