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When concepts first move from concrete ideas to abstract ways of thinking, some students start to struggle for the first time. This can happen because they have weaknesses in higher order language skills. Higher order language skills, also called higher level language or metalinguistic skills, refers to advanced language processing.  It  requires abstract and deductive verbal reasoning skills and t he understanding of advanced vocabulary and word relationships.  But what are the common signs? Free Handouts and Activities You Might Have Higher Order Language Problems if: You have problems predicting outcomes. You have difficulties with implied meaning or inferences. You have problems with pragmatic or social language skills. You have difficulties expressing your ideas in words. You struggle with writing skills. You have problems with main ideas and details. You have difficulties understanding jokes, riddles, and humor. You struggle with writing summaries and paraphrasing. ...

Inferences or an implied hidden meaning is an abstract higher-order language skill that is challenging to teach and tricky for students to master.  For many concrete learners, taking the leap into hidden meanings is both confusing and frustrating.  Most students first come across inferences when reading books, but I like to prepare and teach my students how to make sense of implied meaning through images, metaphors, product names, games, and more.   7 Fun Strategies that Teach Students How to Uncover Inferences:               1) Review magazine advertisements and search for hidden images and messages that lure buyers to purchase products.  Look at the pictures, words, colors, backgrounds, expressions, layouts, and more.               2) Encourage your students to find their own magazine advertisements.  Ask them to cut out their five favorites ...