Examples of talks and workshops
This session explores ways of creating conditions for positive learning through integrating foreign language development with all other aspects of children’s general development. After consideration of children's diversity and individual uniqueness, the talk will focus on creating classroom conditions which build success and confidence and allow for quality teaching and learning to take place. Through discussion of eight key areas, which combine educational issues with child development concerns, a visual picture of essential conditions for positive learning will be established. Factors which influence learning conditions in different contexts, and the variety of ways in which these may be realised in different classrooms, will also be considered.
Click to see the C-Wheel and the C-Wheel song (sung to the tune of ‘What shall we do with a drunken sailor').
This workshop aims to explore the metaphor of scaffolding in relation to children learning a foreign language at school. Through examining classroom talk and social interaction arising from stories, songs, games and real content, we will consider multiple ways to support – or scaffold – children’s learning from initial, spontaneous responses (often in L1) to increasing competence, autonomy and creativity in L2.
Click here to see the handout for this talk.
This session explores how the integration of content and culture can provide wonderful opportunities for developing multiple intelligences and enhancing young children’s language skills in a range of diverse and appealing ways. Through the use of real content, which builds on children’s knowledge of the world, and elements adopted from traditions of children’s culture, such as storytelling, songs, action rhymes and games, young children are motivated to use language in ways which are purposeful and creative and which develop their confidence and self-esteem. The main focus will be on establishing learning frameworks, which combine the inclusion of content and culture and develop the unique, learning potential of every child, allowing them to blossom both as language learners and as people.
Click here to see the handout for this talk.
One of the hardest things in primary language teaching is to give lively, enjoyable lessons and at the same time ensure that children behave in an acceptable way. In this session, we will explore a range of practical strategies and techniques for managing classes of primary children in a positive and effective way.
Click here for an abridged powerpoint of this talk.
Action and drama games appeal to children’s natural playfulness and provide wonderful opportunities for developing listening and speaking skills, as well as building up confidence and self-esteem. This session will explore the relationship between games and drama and suggest a wide range of ideas for practical activities which lead to concrete learning outcomes, and which can be used as a prelude to more elaborate classroom drama. Special emphasis will be given to suggesting strategies for setting up and managing action and drama games with classes of children in a positive and effective way.
Click here to see the handout for this talk.
This session explores the ingredients for making the introduction of English to very young children an enjoyable, successful and worthwhile experience. The main focus will be on ideas for establishing an effective and manageable teaching framework which stimulates children to be actively constructive in their own learning through such things as global perception, fantasy, imitation, discovery, experimentation and play. The session will be illustrated with a wide range of practical examples including stories, songs, rhymes, dances, drama and games.
Click here to see an abridged powerpoint of this talk.
Click here to see an example outline of an intensive teacher education course for primary language teachers.