Ep.5 On the Road to Learning: Exploring Declarative Language through Case Studies and Classroom Journeys

Hosts:Kristen Smith & Tara Ross, Speech-Language Pathologists, Upper Grand District School BoardSpecial Guest:Linda Murphy, Author of The Declarative Language HandbookEpisode Overview:In this episode of the Upper Grand District School Board Social Learning Road Trip, Kristin Smith and Tara Ross, both speech-language pathologists at Upper Grand, dive deeper into the practical use of declarative language in classrooms. They are joined once again by Linda Murphy, the author of The Declarative Language Handbook, to explore how educators can effectively implement declarative language strategies to support students' social, emotional, and academic growth. The episode includes two insightful case studies, where Linda provides expert advice on how declarative language can help students with different needs engage in learning and navigate challenging situations.Key Takeaways:Declarative Language for Classroom Support:Declarative language is a strategy that helps create a supportive environment by guiding students through transitions and challenges without putting additional pressure on them to come up with immediate answers.Using declarative statements instead of questions helps reduce anxiety and provides clear, non-demanding direction. 2.Engaging Students in Problem-Solving:Declarative language isn't just about giving instructions—it’s also about creating a space for collaborative problem-solving. This involves acknowledging the student’s feelings and experiences, as Linda highlights in her approach to understanding dysregulation in students. 3.Handling Transitions and Non-Preferred Tasks:Helping students transition from preferred to non-preferred tasks requires a curious mindset and a focus on what parts of the task might be challenging for them.Declarative statements like "We're going to do reading next, but I’ll help you through it so you can feel successful," help students anticipate and prepare for the shift, fostering a sense of control and reducing anxiety.Connect With Our Guest, Linda Murphy:  www.declarativelanguage.com