Map Talk

Worked classroom example

Geography

Worked example

Describe a route from a source to a settlement using direction and landmark language.

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

Teaching sequence

1. Give one learner a map and the other a route sheet with a destination.
2. The map holder describes the route without pointing; the partner traces it.
3. Compare routes and refine any ambiguous direction.

Try it in your next lesson

Prepare

Use a map and a blank route sheet. Choose a second example that checks the same language move without repeating the original answer.

Classroom task

Partners describe and trace a route using precise location and direction language, then compare routes.

Check independent transfer

Compare routes and refine any ambiguous direction.

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 instruction could be interpreted in two ways?

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

Offer thinking time, a small phrase bank and a clear listener role. Collect an individual explanation after paired rehearsal. 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.