Let Authentic Resources Take the Lead
Lesson Planning & Activities
Create on point lessons completely inspired by authentic resources. First learn some tips to find target language videos, reviews, websites, and social media posts that support daily language objectives. Then discover how to get the most out of these resources using quick-to-set-up activities that promote student choice, target language use and natural communication tasks. In addition to language skills, see how students gain and apply cultural knowledge. A variety of sample lessons from different units are included for novice to intermediate levels. Participants will be given access to the editable activity templates.
Developing Authentic Lessons
Lesson Planning & Activities
As a half-day workshop:
- Looking at lesson examples for novice and intermediate units
- Setting daily objectives (“I can” statements) based on targeted proficiency goal
- Planning student-centered lessons with communicative activities (all modes/skills)
As a full-day workshop:
- Adjusting activities to acquire vocabulary in context from authentic resources (function vs detail vocabulary, embedding grammar)
- Adjusting projects to promote 21st Century skills (creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, communication, career connections, community, etc)
- Assessing their progress with formative assessments and the proficiency rubric
Start by planning communicative lessons for a culture-based unit. Learn to create daily “can-do” goals that challenge all learners. Walk through units (novice and intermediate) day-by day to see how learners use the target language, connect with the target culture, and demonstrate their learning. There will also be suggested lesson ideas for other units.
Spinach in Brownies: Sneaking Grammar in Communicative Lessons
Lesson Planning & Activities
- Looking at lesson examples for novice and intermediate units
- Setting daily objectives (“I can” statements) based on targeted proficiency goal
- Adjusting activities to acquire and use grammar in context from authentic resources
Accuracy is important but how does it fit with communication? Many teachers are unsure of what to do with grammar instruction as they move toward proficiency. Rethink what grammar is necessary based on proficiency guidelines and see lesson examples that teach grammar in context. Give the benefits of grammar without leaving a bad taste.
Independent Learning Stations
Lesson Planning & Activities
Come and experience independent learning in stations! This session lets you explore a variety of stations for both novice and intermediate learners. Then, hear tips to efficiently design stations for your own lessons. See how to set appropriate daily “can-do” statements, find engaging authentic resources, and plan low-prep tasks to maximize learning.
LanguEd Hackathon: Designing Stations
Come and experience independent learning in stations! This LanguEd Hackathon lets you explore a variety of stations for both novice and intermediate learners. Then, hear tips to efficiently design stations for your own lessons. See how to set appropriate daily “can-do” statements, find engaging authentic resources, and plan low-prep tasks to maximize learning. Finally, finish the process with time to collaborate with other teachers and brainstorm specific ideas to take back to your classes.
Snapshots & Selfies: Assessing with Proficiency
Assessments
- Explaining expectations and proficiency levels to students
- Assessing with a proficiency-based rubric
- Providing feedback
- Assigning a grade based on proficiency benchmarks
- Creating performance-based assessments with open-ended scenarios
- Including student self-reflection opportunities
Connecting Learners to the World – Unit Refocus
Unit Planning
- Refocusing a traditional unit to start with engaging cultural content
- Communicating with a purpose
- Connecting to careers and other content areas
- Making connections with the community (both home and abroad)
- Reflecting through comparisons
- “I can” statements with grammar embedded
Traditional units focus on vocabulary and grammar, but often do not address our standards, ACTFL’s 5 C’s (communication, culture, community, comparisons, and connections). See novice and intermediate units that were transformed by incorporating all the 5 C’s: communicating with a purpose, connecting to careers and other content areas, including the local community and abroad, and comparing other cultures and the learners’ culture.
This, not that
- I can evaluate the effectiveness of an activity/formative assessment that supports proficiency-based instruction.
- I can adapt an activity/formative assessment to promote language growth.
- I can plan daily lessons that promote language growth.
Proficiency is a common goal, but how does it impact daily plans? This session covers how every aspect can be modified to best impact performance and provide feedback for growth. Presenters will show examples of activities and formative assessments that were successfully adapted as they transitioned to proficiency-based instruction.
