As you have probably noticed with your ELLs, there is quite a difference in an ELLs’ conversational vocabulary compared to their academic vocabulary.   According to Jim Cummins (1984), BICS (Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills) refers to ELLs’ conversational, or social vocabulary, whereas CALP (Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency) refers to academic, content specific vocabulary.  BICS generally … Continue reading Five Tips for Building ELLs’ Academic Vocabulary