Teacher Language: In all aspects of the school setting teachers and other adults of influence need to be mindful of the language they use with students in conversation, instruction, and behavior management. Teacher language ought to be purposeful and clear, free of sarcasm and derogatory humor. To support the development of pragmatism teachers need to be mindful of the idioms and figurative language that they use and explain their meanings. While reading and discussing text, point out and clarify plays-on-words, double meanings, and other non-literal language.Teachers need to discuss with their students how the meaning of a word or phrase changes based on the speaker, the listener, and the audience. Teachers need to know the oral language skill level of their students, especially English language learners in order to plan the necessary scaffold to support meaning.
Students’ Oral Language: Students need many opportunities to speak with adults and peers in multiple social situations to learn about and practice the pragmatics of language. Students would benefit from numerous opportunities to experiment with language for various combinations of speakers, listeners and contexts.