Unlock Student Potential: The Simple Way to Write Effective 'Can-Do' Statements!

As language teachers, we constantly strive to help our students grow in their proficiency. But how do we make that growth visible—not just to ourselves, but to the students too? The answer lies in "Can-Do" statements. These simple, student-centered goals help clarify what learners can achieve at each stage of their journey, offering a tangible way to track and celebrate progress.

This guide will walk you through crafting effective "Can-Do" statements that reflect your students’ abilities, foster motivation, and align with language proficiency standards. Along the way, you’ll find practical, easy-to-implement strategies designed to give you quick wins in your classroom.

Why "Can-Do" Statements Matter

Before diving into the strategies, let’s quickly unpack why "Can-Do" statements are a game-changer. Unlike traditional assessment methods that focus on what students can’t do, "Can-Do" statements flip the script. They highlight what learners can achieve, boosting confidence and providing a clear roadmap for growth. Moreover, these statements:

• Encourage student ownership: Students see their goals in concrete terms and work toward them.
• Promote measurable growth: They help track proficiency in observable ways.
• Bridge classroom learning to real-world skills: They ensure that what students learn can be applied outside the classroom.

Now, let’s explore how you can create and implement these powerful tools with ease.

1. Align "Can-Do" Statements with Proficiency Levels

For "Can-Do" statements to be effective, they need to align with established proficiency standards such as the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines or the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). This ensures that the statements accurately reflect what students are capable of at each level.

Strategies:

1. Use proficiency guidelines as your foundation.
   Familiarize yourself with the ACTFL or CEFR descriptors. For instance, at the Novice level, learners should be able to perform simple tasks like introducing themselves or answering basic questions. Use these as a starting point for your statements.
2. Focus on key language skills.
   Write statements that cover all four domains: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. For example:
   • Speaking: "I can introduce my family members using short sentences."
   • Listening: "I can understand someone talking about their daily routine if they speak slowly."
3. Make it culturally relevant.
   Incorporate real-life contexts that resonate with students. For example, instead of "I can describe food," try "I can order my favorite meal at a Spanish-speaking restaurant."

2. Write "Can-Do" Statements in Student-Friendly Language

Your students should instantly understand what the statements mean and feel empowered to achieve them. Avoiding jargon and keeping the language approachable is key.

Strategies:

1. Keep it simple and relatable.
   Use straightforward phrases like “I can ask for directions” or “I can write a short email to a friend.” Avoid technical terms that might confuse students.
2. Write in the first person.
   Frame statements from the student’s perspective to make them feel personal and actionable. For instance, "I can describe my hobbies" feels more empowering than "The student will describe hobbies."
3. Use concrete verbs.
   Focus on observable actions like "ask," "describe," "respond," or "write." For example, "I can respond to questions about my weekend plans" is clear and measurable.

3. Make "Can-Do" Statements Measurable and Observable

The best "Can-Do" statements are tied to specific, observable outcomes. This ensures both you and your students can easily assess progress.

Strategies:

1. Include a clear context.
   Provide real-world scenarios where the skill applies. For instance:
   • Weak: "I can talk about myself."
   • Strong: "I can introduce myself to a new classmate in 2-3 sentences."
2. Set performance standards.
   Define success criteria. For example, "I can name at least five items in a room without pausing for more than five seconds."
3. Break complex skills into smaller steps.
   If a skill feels overwhelming, break it down. For example, instead of "I can tell a story in the past tense," start with "I can describe one event that happened yesterday."

4. Integrate "Can-Do" Statements into Daily Instruction

To make "Can-Do" statements impactful, they must be a regular part of your teaching routine. Integrate them into lessons so that they guide both instruction and learning.

Strategies:

1. Display the day's "Can-Do" statement.
   Write it on the board or include it in your presentation slides. For example: “Today’s goal: I can describe my morning routine in three steps.” Revisit it throughout the class.
2. Plan activities that target the statement.
   Align your activities with the "Can-Do" statement. For instance, if your goal is “I can give directions to a place,” you might:
   • Use a map to practice giving directions.
   • Pair students for a role-play activity where one asks and the other gives directions.
3. End class with reflection.
   Ask students to reflect: "Can you do what we set out to do today?" Use quick self-assessments like thumbs up/down or short exit slips.

5. Use "Can-Do" Statements to Track and Celebrate Growth

Tracking progress with "Can-Do" statements helps students see how far they’ve come and keeps them motivated.

Strategies:

1. Create a checklist.
   Provide students with a "Can-Do" checklist they can update regularly. For example:
   • Novice learners might check off, "I can ask someone’s name and tell them mine."
2. Revisit and expand mastered statements.
   Encourage students to build on what they’ve achieved. For instance, if they’ve mastered "I can introduce myself," challenge them with "I can describe my background and hobbies in detail."
3. Celebrate milestones.
   Recognize accomplishments with certificates, badges, or shout-outs. Even a quick "Great job on reaching today’s goal!" can go a long way in boosting confidence.

Conclusion

Creating effective "Can-Do" statements doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By aligning them with proficiency levels, using clear language, making them measurable, integrating them into daily lessons, and tracking growth, you’ll unlock your students’ potential and foster a classroom culture of success.

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Key Takeaways

1. Align your "Can-Do" statements with proficiency standards to reflect realistic student abilities.
2. Write statements in simple, student-friendly language that’s easy to understand and action-oriented.
3. Make them measurable and observable by defining clear, specific tasks.
4. Incorporate them into daily lessons to keep students focused on achieving tangible goals.
5. Track and celebrate progress to motivate students and showcase their growth.

Let your "Can-Do" statements unlock what your students truly can do!