ESL and Content-Area Teachers
Designing a Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) lesson plan
Use cases
About
The Module 7 Mindmap is a comprehensive educational framework designed for ESL teachers and content-based instructors to bridge the gap between linguistic structure and academic delivery. This Language Functions and Forms template covers 36 distinct nodes, providing a structured taxonomy for integrating grammar into subject-specific curriculum. It serves as a professional development cheat sheet for educators aiming to move beyond rote memorization toward functional language use. The map specifically details the Academic-Language-Function branch, which identifies 11 core cognitive tasks students must perform, such as 'Analyze', 'Justify and persuade', and 'Synthesize'. By distinguishing between what students do with language and the internal grammatical structures they use, this Xmind mind map helps teachers plan lessons where 'Grammar instruction needs to be woven into the other, meaning-focused activities' rather than taught in isolation.
Terms and ConditionsWhen to use this template
Instructional Designers
Developing academic language rubrics for student assessments
Pedagogical Coaches
Teacher training workshops focused on functional linguistics
How to use this template
Step 1
Download and open the file
Download the .xmind file and open it using Xmind desktop or the web-based editor to view the full 36-node structure.
Step 2
Map functions to your curriculum
Identify which 'Academic-Language-Function' matches your current lesson and expand that node with specific sentence frames for your students.
Step 3
Integrate grammar focus points
Use the 'Subtopic' placeholders to list the specific 'Language forms' or vocabulary words required for your upcoming content-based activities.
Frequently asked questions
In this Xmind template, 'language function' refers to the purpose for which language is used, such as 'Infer' or 'Inform', while 'Language forms' deal with the specific grammatical structures and vocabulary required to carry out those functions effectively.
Teachers can use the 11 listed functions, such as 'Justify and persuade' or 'Solve Problems', to identify the specific linguistic demands of a content lesson and provide targeted scaffolding for students.
Yes, the template is fully editable in Xmind. Educators can expand the 'Subtopic' nodes under the grammar focus section to include specific examples relevant to Science, Math, or Social Studies.
The template follows the 'Big Ideas' principle that grammar is most effectively learned when it is integrated into meaning-focused activities rather than being treated as a separate, disconnected subject.
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