Practical Work Needs Talk
Build talk into practical work so learners clarify instructions, record observations and explain decisions.
Worked model: Practical Work Needs Talk
View the illustrated activity card
- 1Build talk into practical work so learners clarify instructions, record observations and explain decisions
- 2Identify each action and preserve quantities or safety conditions
- 3Order the actions and demonstrate the first move
- 4Ask a learner to restate or perform the next action before proceeding
Measure 20 mL; record the starting temperature; add the solid; stir; record the highest temperature. Recording the start after adding the solid changes the method.
Teach the move
Prepare · 5 minutes
Separate an authentic instruction into actions, conditions and sequence.
- 1
Build talk into practical work so learners clarify instructions, record observations and explain decisions.
- 2
Identify each action and preserve quantities or safety conditions.
- 3
Order the actions and demonstrate the first move.
- 4
Ask a learner to restate or perform the next action before proceeding.
EAL upgrade
Remove step cards when learners can reconstruct the sequence accurately.
Keep the subject challenge. Offer one model, visual or language prompt where needed, then check a fresh independent response.
Try it tomorrow
Separate an authentic instruction into actions, conditions and sequence.
Build talk into practical work so learners clarify instructions, record observations and explain decisions. Identify each action and preserve quantities or safety conditions.
Ask learners to show the next required action and explain a condition or ordering decision before proceeding.
Remove step cards when learners can reconstruct the sequence accurately.
What to look for
Ask learners to show the next required action and explain a condition or ordering decision before proceeding.
Teacher language
Adapt these prompts to the task and your learners.
Our purpose is: Build talk into practical work so learners clarify instructions, record observations and explain decisions.
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: order plotting and calculation steps. Humanities: separate source reading, evidence selection and interpretation.
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.