Standard 1.a.

Language as a System
Artifact 1 Analysis

As evidenced by Artifact 1, I have learned that language exists as a system. As native

speakers, our knowledge of this system is implicit; as we acquire our first language, we learn

these patterns without being able to explain that understanding.

Exercises such as this Cloze reading provide students with an opportunity to apply and

expand their knowledge of syntax, semantics, and morphology. Students fill in the blanks with

the word that they think best completes each sentence. Students then share their answers with the

class. The class then decides if each word will actually work to complete, and make meaning of,

the sentence. While students may not be able to identify that they needed a plural noun or a

linking verb, this exercise builds self-efficacy and practice in using language while also opening

the door for discussion about parts of speech, semantics, and using context clues to determine the

meaning of unknown words.

Understanding that language functions as a system has made me a better teacher by not

only increasing my understanding of how students acquire and build mastery of language, but

has also encouraged my use of engaging activities such as this one that students enjoy while

using language to learn language.