Why Listening and Speaking Instruction Can’t Wait — and How to Begin This May
By Treetop Polyglot, Ed.D. | May 5
Happy Cinco de Mayo! As the school year rapidly concludes and SOL season begins, educators everywhere are balancing celebration, reflection, and the relentless demands of spring testing. Amid the whirlwind of data review, classroom wrap-up, and staff meetings, now is a pivotal time to refocus on our core purpose: supporting language learners with intentional, research-based instruction.
While we assess our WIDA and SOL performance, it’s critical to evaluate the effectiveness of our language development programs—not just what’s being taught, but how and why it works. Reflective educators know that deep improvement comes from analyzing both instruction and outcomes. What instructional methods foster language growth? Where are we falling short? And most importantly—what are we leaving out?
One overlooked area is listening and speaking instruction. Often sidelined in favor of reading and writing, oral language development remains the cornerstone of communicative competence. Yet, in many classrooms, ELLs are still expected to learn primarily through translation or silent reception. This contradicts what intensive language programs worldwide—including the Department of Defense, Peace Corps, and leading university immersion programs—have proven: direct, structured listening and speaking instruction accelerates language acquisition.
Why does it matter?
- It builds oral fluency quickly through repeated, low-pressure practice.
- It reduces anxiety and increases confidence in both academic and social settings.
- It strengthens comprehension in content areas, raising overall achievement.
- It supports literacy development, providing a vital foundation for reading and writing.
- It empowers students to negotiate meaning, a key step in internalizing new language.
To support schools in implementing this essential approach, Treetop Polyglot is offering a six-week Listening and Speaking Implementation Workshop, beginning the last week of May. This course equips educators and instructional leaders with everything they need to launch or enhance a listening and speaking program in their schools by fall.
? Workshop Outcomes:
Participants will:
- Develop effective strategies to increase ELL oral intelligibility and communication.
- Leverage students’ first language as a scaffold for faster second-language acquisition.
- Understand the instructional and theoretical frameworks behind oral language growth.
- Make content standards into comprehensible input optimizing language development while building content knowledge.
- Access curated materials to enhance communicative competence.
- Use formative assessments to monitor progress and tailor instruction.
- Create interactive, low-stress classrooms where students are encouraged to speak.
Educators can register HERE or contact Treetoppolyglot@gmail.com to request more details, schedule a consultation, or inquire about group discounts. The benefits of this investment are lasting—oral language isn’t just a skill, it’s the key to unlocking full academic potential.
Quick Notes on ELL Testing Accommodations in Virginia
While traveling to conferences across the state, I’ve observed confusion regarding ELL accommodations during state assessments. Below are a few critical clarifications from the Virginia Department of Education:
- Bilingual and English dictionaries may be used on science, history, math, and EOC tests.
- ESOL opt-outs are still eligible for accommodations.
- Newcomers not yet receiving services may access accommodations for up to 12 months.
- A bilingual dictionary is permitted on the EOC writing test (both parts).
- An English dictionary is only allowed for EOC reading and short paper, not multiple-choice.
- There are no proficiency-level restrictions on audio accommodations.
Let’s continue advocating for equitable support and effective instruction. At Treetop Polyglot, we remain committed to building language programs that truly serve multilingual learners.
“Language learning is a treasure that follows its owner everywhere.”