Using Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) to Build Meaning, Precision, and Power in Student Writing

93 Minute Recorded Workshop with Dr. Ruslana Westerlund, co-author of the WIDA 2020 ELD Standards

Strong writing is built on strong noun groups.

In this workshop, discover how Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) reveals the role noun groups play in meaning-making—helping students add detail, precision, and clarity to their writing across content areas.

You’ll learn how to bring noun group instruction straight into your classroom by:

• Identifying and analyzing noun groups in mentor texts

• Teaching students how to expand noun groups with purpose

• Supporting comprehension and writing through explicit language instruction

• Giving feedback that helps students strengthen ideas—not just sentences

👉 Walk away with practical tools you can use immediately and a deeper understanding of how noun groups support reading, writing, and academic language development.

✔ Replay included
✔ Downloadable handouts
✔ Classroom-ready strategies

This workshop is ideal for classroom teachers, ELD/ESL educators, and instructional coaches supporting multilingual learners and academic writing.