The Functional-Notional Approach: What's the Buzz About?
Jodie Shell • June 22, 2021

For multiple reasons, the 2020-2021 school year has left many of us with our heads spinning AND with our hearts and souls ready for a bit of rest and rejuvenation! And while the challenges educators faced were certainly nothing that any of us would’ve ever asked for, we sure did learn a lot. We learned a lot about thinking creatively, about technology, and about grit & stamina. We also learned about our students’ areas of strength and where they may need even more support. Many EL teachers across the country were beyond impressed with their students’ insatiable desire to learn, yet keenly aware of the need for more effective, worthwhile strategies and frameworks for worthwhile EL instruction. This is where the Functional-Notional Approach comes in, and there’s lots of positive buzz around the topic! 

Like all quality educators, your desire is to meet the needs of your English Language Learners in a way that makes acquiring English not only attainable, but also inspiring— dare I say FUN— for your students! But here’s the issue: When it comes to propelling your students forward as they acquire language  (such as phonemic and phonological awareness, phonics, proper syntax, situational dialogue, correct use of tenses, proper use of irregular verbs—the list seems endless!),  it can sometimes feel as though meeting these scholarly goals in an environment that is also engaging for our youngest learners is simply impossible to balance. But with the Functional-Notional Approach, which is one of GrapeSEED’s seamlessly integrated Five Platforms, all of this is, in fact, very achievable! We value this joy-filled, natural, high impact method to English language instruction and have woven it into each of our lessons.

GrapeSEED’s Functional-Notional Approach not only assures a newfound communicative ability for your girls and boys, but does so in a way that fosters an environment where multiple objectives are learned. You see, language acquisition through the Functional-Notional Approach is a simple process that utilizes the very same methods by which infants acquire their first language. Children begin by listening to the expressions of language and associate a sound or a series of sounds with its function (that is, what it accomplishes). They then begin to actively participate as their confidence builds, trying out those new words and expressions themselves until they learn to reproduce the most basic of necessary functions. They add new notions (meanings/ideas) as they understand them and find opportunities to use them and apply them in a personal way. 

Check out this example: 

Example of a language function for expressing feelings of fondness: 
I like…  

Example of a language function combined with general notions: 
I like  my family and friends.  

Example of a language function with  specific notions:  
I like  pineapple  and  chocolate  on my  ice cream .  

It’s difficult for children to become proficient in English oral language by memorizing lists of words and grammatically structured sentences. Instead, with GrapeSEED, students can learn language function “templates,” hear them used repeatedly in various and proper ways and develop the confidence to personally interchange notions within those templates to express different thoughts. How is all of this introduced to your students? Dull drills? NO! Worksheets? NEVER! All of this worthwhile language is introduced to your students in GrapeSEED Units, using catchy, age-appropriate, intentionally designed songs, chants, poems, big books, action activities, stories and more. 

As your students progress through our carefully designed GrapeSEED Units  (which can be successfully taught face-to-face as well as through distance learning)  they’ll be introduced to topics, language expressions, functions and notions that provide a powerful progression of language acquisition. Your students will be empowered to communicate well by asking and answering questions, expressing facts and feelings and so much more in a personally relevant, natural manner. 

Want more information about The Functional-Notional Method and GrapeSEED?  Click the contact us button below!

Navigating the Multi-Language-Learner Landscape: The Nuances of Being an Instructional Coach

By Jodie Shell • April 11, 2025
The role of an instructional coach in the multilingual language learner world is challenging and rewarding, requiring a unique set of skills and a deep commitment to fostering language acquisition among diverse learners. Often serving as the bridge between teachers and students, instructional coaches in this realm play a pivotal role in shaping how language education is delivered and experienced. Here's a closer look at the nuances of this impactful role: Supporting Diverse Learners One of the most rewarding aspects of being an ESL instructional coach is the opportunity to support a wide range of learners from various cultural and linguistic backgrounds. This diversity enriches the learning environment but also presents unique challenges. Coaches must be adept at understanding the specific needs and strengths of each student, tailoring strategies to enhance engagement and comprehension. Adapting Teaching Strategies Cultural context plays a critical role in how language is taught and learned. ESL instructional coaches must continuously adapt teaching strategies to align with the cultural nuances of their students. This involves integrating culturally relevant materials, respecting different learning styles, and being sensitive to the cultural references that may affect language comprehension and usage. Fostering Collaboration Collaboration is at the heart of an ESL instructional coach's work. Coaches collaborate with teachers to develop effective lesson plans, provide feedback on teaching practices, and introduce innovative instructional methods. By fostering a collaborative environment, coaches help create a supportive network that enhances professional growth and improves student outcomes. Continuous Professional Development  To stay effective, ESL instructional coaches must engage in continuous professional development. This includes attending workshops, participating in webinars, and staying abreast of the latest research in language acquisition and teaching methodologies. Professional development is crucial for coaches to refine their skills and introduce new teaching techniques that can benefit both teachers and students. Leveraging Technology The integration of technology in ESL instruction is a game-changer, and instructional coaches are at the forefront of this transformation. By leveraging tools such as language learning apps, virtual classrooms, and digital assessments, coaches can enhance the learning experience and provide more personalized support. Technology also allows for greater accessibility, enabling students to practice language skills outside the traditional classroom setting. Making a Lasting Impact Ultimately, the role of an ESL instructional coach is about making a lasting impact on the lives of students and educators. Coaches help unlock the potential of students by equipping them with the language skills needed to succeed in a globalized world. They also empower teachers with the tools and confidence to deliver effective ESL instruction. In conclusion, being an instructional coach in the ESL world is a dynamic and fulfilling career that requires a blend of empathy, adaptability, and expertise. By embracing these nuances, instructional coaches can contribute significantly to the field of language education, paving the way for a more inclusive and effective learning environment. Are you an instructional coach who is interested in learning about the impact that GrapeSEED could make on your teachers and students? Come partner with us! Just click here to get started.

What Is Language Acquisition? Stages and Theories

By Jodie Shell • April 7, 2025
Doing more research on Language Acquisition? The stages of Language Acquisition and theories / best practices? GrapeSEED provides insights and tips on the topic.

Unlock Potential with Data Driven Instruction

March 27, 2025
In the dynamic environment of multilingual learner classrooms, data-driven instruction paired with formative assessments plays a pivotal role in creating effective and engaging learning experiences. Let's explore how these strategies can benefit both teachers and students. The Power of Formative Assessments Formative assessments are essential tools that offer real-time insights into student progress, enabling educators to refine their teaching methods. Here's why they're indispensable: Immediate Feedback : By providing instant insights, formative assessments help teachers adjust their instructional strategies to better meet student needs. Customized Learning : These assessments allow lessons to be tailored to individual student needs, moving away from generic approaches to more personalized instruction. Increased Engagement : When lessons are precisely aligned with a student's current understanding, engagement and participation naturally increase. Effective Formative Assessment Techniques Incorporating a variety of assessment techniques keeps the classroom lively and informative: Quizzes : These quick assessments help identify which language concepts students have mastered and which need more attention. Peer Reviews : Students work together to provide feedback, fostering a collaborative and supportive learning environment. Self-Assessments : Encouraging students to evaluate their own progress promotes self-awareness and active participation in their learning journey. Benefits of Data-Driven Instruction Utilizing data from formative assessments allows for a more strategic approach to teaching: Targeted Instruction : Teachers can develop activities that address specific areas of difficulty, such as pronunciation exercises or vocabulary games. Supportive Learning Environment : Continuous feedback nurtures a growth mindset, encouraging students to view learning as an ongoing process. Enhanced Language Acquisition : Focusing on individual language skills helps students build a robust foundation for more rapid and confident language learning. In summary, integrating data-driven instruction with formative assessments transforms the ESL classroom into an engaging and effective learning space. By using these strategies, educators can better support student growth and development, ultimately leading to more successful language acquisition. If you would love to learn about the GrapeSEED Curriculum and our formative assessments, known as ‘Quick Checks’, just head to our website by clicking here .

Sparking Stars and Stamina: Boosting Initiation and Perseverance in Your Classroom

March 17, 2025
Welcome to the world of dynamic learning, where initiation and perseverance are the secret superhero skills every elementary school student needs! These executive function skills are the power-ups that help students start tasks with enthusiasm and stick with them until the very end. Let's dive into some creative ways to nurture these skills and make your classroom a hub of engaged learners! Why Initiation and Perseverance Matter: Cultivating initiation and perseverance in students is like giving them the keys to academic success. These skills not only help students tackle homework and projects but also prepare them for real-world challenges. By fostering these abilities, you're equipping your students with resilience and self-motivation that will serve them beyond the classroom. Strategies to Encourage Initiation: Start with a Bang : Kick off lessons with intriguing questions or exciting stories to capture students' curiosity. For example, "What if you woke up one day as a superhero? What would your first mission be?" Break It Down: Teach students to divide tasks into smaller, manageable steps. This makes starting less daunting and gives them a clear path forward. Choice Boards: Offer a variety of activities related to the lesson topic and let students pick their starting point. This autonomy boosts their interest and willingness to begin. Classroom Challenges: Set up light-hearted competitions where students can earn points or badges for starting tasks promptly. Who doesn’t love a little friendly rivalry? Building Perseverance: Praise the Process: Focus on effort and strategy rather than just results. Celebrate when students try different approaches and persist through difficulties. Goal Setting: Encourage students to set personal learning goals and track their progress. Seeing small wins adds up to big motivation! Reflection Time: Allow time for students to reflect on what they’ve learned from their challenges. This helps them understand that every hurdle is a learning opportunity. Perseverance Stories: Share stories of famous figures who overcame obstacles. Discuss how perseverance played a role in their success and relate it back to students' own experiences. Fun Activities to Reinforce These Skills: Initiation Stations: Create activity stations around the classroom that students can choose to start with. Each station could have a unique, fun challenge that aligns with the lesson. Perseverance Puzzles: Use puzzles or brain teasers that require patience and strategy. Working through these together can be a rewarding class exercise. Story Time Heroes: Have students write short stories featuring characters who overcome obstacles through perseverance. This can be a creative writing exercise that doubles as a life lesson. Empowering students with the skills of initiation and perseverance transforms your classroom into a vibrant learning environment. By implementing these strategies, you'll help your students become proactive, determined, and ready to tackle any challenge with a smile. Here’s to a classroom full of unstoppable learners! If you would love to learn how GrapeSEED can positively impact your students, just click here!
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