Listen for the Relationship

Worked classroom example

Mathematics

Worked example

For Listen for the Relationship, use a short oral explanation about geometric patterns in Mathematics. Ask learners to note the signal word and the two ideas it connects; explain whether the speaker gives a cause, contrast or condition. They compare notes after the second listen, replay only the section that resolves uncertainty and finish with an individual response supported by a spoken clue.

Use this example to make the language move visible. Select subject content appropriate to the class’s age and prior knowledge.

Teaching sequence

1. Prepare a description of a graph and identify exactly what learners need to hear for Listen for the Relationship. State the listening purpose and model how to capture one useful clue without transcribing everything.
2. Learners listen for the target: Note the signal word and the two ideas it connects; explain whether the speaker gives a cause, contrast or condition Use purposeful sections, a second listen for the detail and a brief comparison of notes.
3. Use this check: “Which words or detail did you hear that helped you decide?” Ask for one individual response against the audio and invite learners to identify the spoken clue that supports it.

Try it in your next lesson

Prepare

Use a description of a graph. Choose a second example that checks the same language move without repeating the original answer.

Classroom task

Before hearing a description of a graph, give learners a small table or sketch box. They listen, record key points and compare notes with a partner.

Check independent transfer

Check understanding with a short retelling or response supported by something the speaker said.

Collect a response on fresh content. Note what was achieved without the model, partner or teacher prompt, then choose one next teaching step.

Teacher language

Teacher language

Which words or detail did you hear that helped you decide?

Respond to the learner

Identify one successful meaning or language choice. Ask about one gap, allow thinking time, then invite a revision. Check the revised move again on a fresh example.

Adjust support and challenge

Offer a brief model, useful vocabulary and partner rehearsal where needed. Keep the subject goal; reduce one prompt on fresh content and record what was independent.

Teaching this skill → · Age and language support →

More support

Use shorter chunks, purposeful replay and keyword notes. Retain captions, transcripts or other required access arrangements. Allow familiar-language notes or another response mode when checking subject understanding.

Greater independence

Change the content, evidence or audience. Remove the completed model and ask learners to explain a choice. Increase subject complexity only when it fits the curriculum and prior knowledge.

Choose the next step

If subject meaning is insecure, reteach the concept. If the concept is understood but the English is unclear, model one useful language relationship and invite a fresh response.