Lesson 1, Topic 1
In Progress

Construction Sentences from substitution tables. sem 2

Welcome to todays lesson.

In this lesson we are going to learn how to use the substitution tables.

What are substitution tables?

A substitution table is when a teacher provides a table giving model sentences with a range of choices for learners to select from, using a set pattern. 

Substitution tables are laid out in a grid and the learner moves from left to right, making a selection in each column in order to construct a sentence. They can be made up of:

  • Single words
  • A mixture of words and phrases
  • Images
  • A mixture of words and images

How substitution tables work

  • Substitution tables can be used to support talk and provide a scaffold which enables learners to speak or write in grammatically correct sentences
  • They are often used to provide an opportunity for independent work for learners who are New to English
  • However, they can also be used by pairs or groups where they can encourage learners to develop and extend speaking and listening skills within the context of a curriculum topic and provide an opportunity for meaningful communication
  • Think carefully about what the language function is that the learners should practise, e.g. describing, explaining, recounting, reporting, comparing
  • If the language function is comparing, for example, the substitution table columns might be:
    • List of singular or plural  nouns
  • Is / are
  • List of comparative adjectives
  • Than
  • List of singular or plural nouns

Top tip: Choose a language structure that is short, not too complex, commonly used in English and appropriate for the curriculum subject being taught. There are lots of examples on this website.

The Power of Substitution Tables – EAL Journal

Frame as many sentences as possible from the substitution table given  below. - Sarthaks eConnect | Largest Online Education Community