Cambridge Topics in English Language Language Development
Cambridge topics in English language Series
on Goodreads (6)
What’s inside...
Essential study guides for the future linguist. Language Development is an introduction to how we learn to speak, read and write. It is suitable for advanced level students and beyond. Written with input from the Cambridge English Corpus, it considers the theoretical approaches to language development from early childhood to teenager. Language Development explores the lifelong process of learning a language, as well as the social factors that affect it. Using activities to help explain analysis methods, this book guides students through major modern issues and concepts. It summarises key concerns and modern findings, while providing inspiration for language investigations and non-examined assessments (NEAs) with research suggestions.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
12-18
Length
142 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think motivated the characters to act the way they did?
How do the different settings affect the story and the characters?
Can you think of a time when you felt similar to any of the characters in the book?
What do you think could happen next if the story continued?
How do you think the characters have changed from the beginning to the end of the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use open-ended questions that require more than a yes or no answer to encourage deeper thinking.
Relate discussions to the child’s experiences to personalize the conversation and make it more relevant.
Allow the child to express their opinions and thoughts without interruption, showing genuine interest in their ideas.
Follow up on their responses with further questions or prompts to explore their thoughts in greater depth.
Encourage children to ask their own questions about the book to foster curiosity and engagement.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of clear communication
Explanation: Through various topics and activities, the book emphasizes the need for articulating thoughts clearly in English.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this skill in school presentations, daily conversations, and in writing, helping them express themselves more effectively.
Example Lesson: Understanding diverse perspectives
Explanation: The book covers different aspects of English language development, including cultural influences, which teaches children to understand and respect different viewpoints.
Real-World Application: This lesson is crucial in helping children interact harmoniously with peers from varied backgrounds, fostering inclusivity.
Example Lesson: The value of continuous learning
Explanation: Rachel Rudman encourages ongoing engagement with language through structured yet dynamic lessons that are designed to pique students' interest.
Real-World Application: Children learn to see education as a lifelong journey, which instills a love for learning and self-improvement.
Example Lesson: Development of critical thinking skills
Explanation: The book challenges students with complex topics that require analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
Real-World Application: This prepares children to tackle real-world problems and make thoughtful decisions in their academic and personal lives.
Example Lesson: Boosting confidence through mastery
Explanation: As children improve their English language skills, they build confidence in their ability to communicate effectively.
Real-World Application: This increased confidence can lead to better participation in class, higher self-esteem, and more opportunities in both academic and social settings.