Knowledge about receptive and expressive language is valuable when working with children who have language delays as well as English language learners. Receptive language is what a child is able to understand when you are talking to him. Expressive language is what a child is able to say or tell you.
A child may have different communication skill levels depending on the specific skill being observed. For example, a child who is an English language learner may understand much of what you say (good receptive language) but may not be able to use words to express those same ideas (weaker in expressive language).
Some children may be able to understand what you are telling them to do, like “put this book on the shelf in the library corner.” An English language learner might be able to do what you have asked even though she/he may not understand all the words. The child knows that you have a book in your hand, and if you gestured towards the library corner she/he could have understood your request to take the book and put it over there. However, that same child may not be able to express or say to you that they would like to go to the library to read a book.
In the following clip, Dr. Argüelles talks to us about receptive and expressive language in more detail. In her conversation, she refers to the “silent period.” Sometimes children who are acquiring a second language may go through a time when they are understanding more than they can express or feel uncomfortable speaking in a new language. Keep in mind, not all children will experience this silent period, because the acquisition of language happens differently for each individual child.
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KEY POINT: It is important to
remember that you do not need to wait for an English language learner
to know English to begin instruction.
