Teaching a Language: Using Environmental Print
Target Language Signs, Posters, and Readings
Students need to see and read the target language constantly, and this posted target language is called environmental print. It is not the text that is intentionally read in books and other materials. Environmental print is the incidental language that is seen and read in daily life. The environmental print of signs, flyers, websites, and labels is everywhere.
The teacher-designer needs to use environmental print in effective ways that teach, reinforce, and support students. Environmental print should be used for vocabulary, survival phrases, current content, and reading material.
A designer-teacher considers the following questions before using environmental print:
- What is the level and purpose of the foreign language course?
- Who, or what type of student, will be in the class?
- What does the student understand in the target language?
- What are the possibilities of the classroom space?
- What are its limitations?
- What are the materials available?
The answers determine the types of environmental print to be used, the target language that will go into the signs and labels, and the possibilities for environmental print display. Students must be able to understand, or learn the environmental print language. The words should be understood, or comprehensible.
Judicious use of environmental print will prevent cluttered walls and bulletin boards that can put the students on sensory overload.
Creating Environmental Print Vocabulary
Creating environmental print is as easy as labeling most classroom objects in the target language with signs or cards: door, window, board, pencil sharpener, clock, etc. Teacher-created vocabulary cards or posters with pictures are also necessary.
Vocabulary Word Wall
- Create an alphabetized word wall for vocabulary and phrases on a large wall or bulletin board.
- Post the target language alphabet
- Post vocabulary words below the letter they start with.
The target language word wall presents vocabulary clearly and logically.
Survival Phrases as Environmental Print
Everyday phrases, or survival phrases, required in conversation and in the classroom must be posted. A sequential list of survival phrases should be displayed in a central location.
- Can I go to the bathroom?
- Can I get a drink of water?
- How do you say . . in . . . . Spanish, French, German?
- I don't understand.
- I'm confused.
- Can I use a pencil/piece of paper/book?
Displaying Course Content for Reading
The more students read in the target language, the more they learn. Course content like geography, social studies, culture, or literature shouldn't be restricted to books, handouts, and teacher-guided reading of websites and power-point presentations. There are several independent reading opportunities that can be provided on display in the classroom:
- Posters with facts and figures
- Chart paper with a cumulative list of fun facts, summaries, or descriptions
- Website displayed on a big screen
- Powerpoint or movie program displayed on a big screen.
Language learners need to be surrounded in the target language to acquire it best. Posting environmental print methodically with appropriate target language for students provides effective reading opportunities. Reading comprehensible, clear environmental print in turn teaches and reinforces vocabulary, survival phrases, and current content.
