Building Student Agency through Functional Language and Micro-Progressions in the Primary Languages Classroom

In this practical, evidence-informed workshop, participants will explore how to use functional language and structured micro-progressions to empower young learners in the primary languages classroom. Drawing on real classroom examples from a Year 3–4 French program, this session will show how functional language - language students use to complete purposeful classroom tasks - can be scaffolded using a progression model based on Marzano’s 4-point scale.

Participants will examine how this approach supports oral language development, curriculum alignment, and student agency through structured choice, clear goals, and student-led tasks. The use of cue cards, visual aids, self-assessment tools, and examples of functional language by skill type will be explored to support authentic communication.