TARGET AUDIENCE: GR 4-12 FSL TEACHERS ARE ENCOURAGE TO ATTEND.
This series is designed to bring a new lens to the curricular content in the French Second Language (FSL) curriculum. The four general outcomes, which align across the grades from 4-12, will each have their own session allowing for a differentiated approach to the specific outcomes. This division will allow for the time necessary to explore what works in your context, and then build on those strategies by incorporating some new tools and understandings. Speaking, listening, reading, and writing are all necessary and important components of the program, and they will be interwoven into the material as we explore throughout the series.
Session #1:
Language Experiences:
This session will focus on the development of implicit learning of the French language through oral communication games and activities. Through the incorporation of these movement-based games, many competencies are addressed such as risk-taking, resilience and confidence. Participants will be able to effectively express themselves through modeling and repetition of sentence stem starters, ending with authentic situations and choices.
Session #2:
Grammar- Help Please!
Making sense of all the linguistic elements necessary for those learning a new language can be daunting. In this session we’ll delve into the language ‘code’ seeking ways to make sense of it all! We’ll look briefly at the Science of Reading and the importance of phonology, as well as how to create a sound wall in your classroom so that students have the necessary tools to help them write independently. We’ll end with some fun and engaging strategies to build vocabulary.
Session #3:
Cultural Development through Curated Resources:
Interaction is one of the most important elements of FSL studies. Here we’ll look some resources that share a variety of cultures, accents, and model how students can interact with others. We’ll explore a some interactive resources that have multipoint entry (CEFR) and which are also designed for grades 4+. Who knows, some might just find their way into your lesson planning!
Session #4:
The Role of Metacognition in Learning:
Language learning is tough stuff! Learning a bit of the brain science behind it can strengthen our purpose and help us share the many benefits and importance of this endeavor.
After a brief overview of the benefits and second language learning and the brain (the Why), we’ll look at a proven eight-step process to speak, read and write. (The How) We’ll likely explore how to develop the oral component first; developing that internal-implicit grammar. Depending on timing, we’ll then examine the steps in reading, leading to better comprehension, and then eventually writing, with the explicit understanding of grammar structures.
Session #5:
Language Café:
Come and celebrate your success’, frustrations, realisations, and your next steps! This informal session, positioned as a language café, is to share your experiences, reflect upon them in a shared setting, and to connect with others. We hope to see you there!