Making Language Visible in Social Studies: A Guide to Disciplinary Literacy in the Social Studies Classroom

The first book in the Making Disciplinary Language Visible series provides a practical toolkit for teachers to promote disciplinary literacy development for Multilingual learners and their peers in the 5–12 social studies classroom. It uses systemic functional linguistics (SFL) and SFL-informed genre pedagogy to show teachers how to teach content using language as a meaning-making resource.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 210 pages
Publication date: 13 February 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This groundbreaking book, the first in the Making Disciplinary Language Visible series, is a invaluable toolkit for teachers seeking to promote disciplinary literacy development among Multilingual learners and their peers in the 5–12 social studies classroom. Drawing upon systemic functional linguistics (SFL) and the SFL-informed genre pedagogy, the Teaching and Learning Cycle for Disciplinary Genres offers a comprehensive approach to teaching content through language as a meaningful resource. Authored by Besser and Westerlund, the book provides clear guidance on understanding the role of language in the discipline and equips teachers with practical tools to effectively teach language in the context of social studies disciplinary genres.

Chapters in this groundbreaking book are packed with insightful vignettes, annotated social studies texts, practical curriculum design tools, exercises to enhance readers' knowledge of language, and sample scripts for practical application. Each chapter is designed to address real-world problems of practice, making the content relatable and applicable to classroom settings.

By incorporating SFL and genre pedagogy, the Teaching and Learning Cycle for Disciplinary Genres empowers teachers to create engaging and effective learning experiences for their students. It emphasizes the importance of using language as a tool for meaning-making and encourages teachers to approach the teaching of content with a critical eye, recognizing the ways in which language shapes and influences disciplinary discourse.

This book is a must-read for educators who are committed to providing equitable learning opportunities for all students, regardless of their language proficiency. It offers valuable insights and practical strategies that can help teachers build a strong foundation for disciplinary literacy development and foster a culture of inquiry and critical thinking in the social studies classroom.

Weight: 322g
Dimension: 152 x 229 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032288222