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Fall Conference 2016 Sessions

Click on the link below to find session titles and presenters. Many, many thanks in advance to all the session presenters who are the heart of the conference!

ConferenceataGlance2016.pdf

MCTLC Fall Conference 2016

Friday, October 28


Breakout Session 1: 8:30 – 9:20 am


101. CI and Non-fiction stories presented by Jon Dicus, The Blake School

This presentation will demonstrate how this teacher uses news and current events, history,biography and other non-fiction themes as source material for comprehensible input activities and storytelling. Examples of story development and vocabulary practice will be included, as well as ideas for how textbook CI and stories can be tied directly to textbook themes.

Language(s): Spanish, Any; Level(s): Middle Grades, Secondary


102. NNELL Round table discussions: How are we getting our pre-K to 8th grade students ready for the world? facilitated by Kathy Olson-Studler, St. Paul Academy and Summit School

The National Network of Early Language Learning (NNELL) session is an opportunity for early language educators (Pre-K to grade 8) to meet for an open discussion to swap ideas and professionally connect regarding ways in which we are preparing our students to be "world ready" using the new ACTFL World-Readiness Standards. There will be Round Table discussions on this topic and others of your choice--including the integration of technology to facilitate teaching and learning at the Pre-K to grade 8 levels.

Language(s): Any; Level(s): Pre-K, Elementary, Middle Grades; CEU(s): Technology


103. Inclusivity in the Modern Language Classroom presented by JJ Kahle, The Blake School and Silvana Dessi-Olive, The Blake School

Inclusivity and Intersectionality in the Modern Language Classroom: We recognize that each student brings a unique set of identities and perspectives into the language learning environment. How do we make our language classes safer and more welcoming spaces for all of our students to learn and grow in their understanding of language and culture?

Language(s): Any; Level(s): Middle Grades, Secondary; CEU(s): Diverse Perspectives


104. Measuring What We Value - Using Integrated Performance Assessments presented by Megan Budke, Wayzata Public Schools

The most important aspect of a language classroom is what students can do with the language; do our assessments value that? A popular blogger, Will Richardson, once wrote “if we do not find ways to measure what we value,we shall simply end up valuing what we measure.” Come learn how Integrated Performance Assessments (IPAs) measure what we value in a language classroom, help students acquire diverse perspectives, and engage students in activities that go beyond our classroom walls. We will reference ACTFL’s published book, “Implementing Integrated Performance Assessments”, which has been inspirational in one district’s work with performance assessments. Concrete examples will be shared of how to design, create, and implement IPAs that assess students in their 3 communication modes: interpretive,interpersonal, and presentational. Time will also be given to address unit design with IPAs and the grading implications of these assessments as well.

Language(s): Any; Level(s): Middle Grades, Secondary


105. Circling 101 presented by Melanie Bruyers, Centennial Middle School

High School Circling is the key to providing repetitions of Target Language structures in the Interpersonal Mode without seeming repetitive. Circling is a series of questions around one statement. You can circle details in a TPRS story, statements about a picture, a video, a prop or a student’s reply to a question. Though it seems easy, mastering circling takes some practice and this session will teach you how to teach yourself how to circle.

Language(s): Any; Level(s): Middle Grades, Secondary


106. It's Reading - Not Rocket Science presented by Virginia Hildebrandt, ISD622

See how two instructors teach reading using compelling input to generate community and cultural proficiency. Use fundamental, research based techniques to drive your curriculum with reading and accelerate the learning acquisition process. Launch your own personal style and discover the ease and simplicity that engagement with the right material can bring.Leave with the practical strategies and confidence to power your way to an even better classroom.

Language(s): Spanish, Any; Level(s): Elementary, Middle Grades,Secondary, Higher Education; CEU(s): Diverse Perspectives, Literacy


107. Recruitment and Retention of Students in University Language and Cultures Programs: A Hispanic Studies Case Study presented by Jennifer Brady, University of Minnesota, Duluth and Maureen Tobin-Stanley, University of Minnesota, Duluth

The presenters of this session, both professors of Hispanic Studies at University of Minnesota Duluth, will share tips on how to successfully recruit and retain students in university programs in languages and cultures during the challenging climate of higher education of budgetary cuts. They will discuss key initiatives that faculty members of their Spanish major and minor programs have undertaken to foment community and engagement among faculty, students, potential students, and the university community, such as study abroad opportunities, weekly events on campus,intentional curriculum design, and hands-on advising. Participants will leave with take home tips that they will be able to incorporate in their own programs.

Language(s): Spanish; Level(s): Higher Education


108. Ready for the world: Supporting students’ intercultural literacy through research projects presented by Susanne M. Wagner, University of St. Thomas; Mitchell Sullivan, University of St. Thomas; and Morgan Kaardal, University of St. Thomas

This session features two award winning grants won by Young Scholars at the University of St.Thomas and an overview of the mentoring process. Since linguistic and cultural competence are linked, how is the learner's interculturality related to an understanding of the target culture? Research projects include the memorialization of NS-homosexual victims in post war society and mass-immigration after WW II, touching on the Gastarbeiter program and culminating in the current refugee crisis.Questions of identity and belonging are explored and xenophobia and racism are contrasted with the notion of responsibility from either culture to facilitate successful assimilation.

Language(s): German, Any; Level(s): Middle Grades, Secondary, Higher Education; CEU(s): Diverse Perspectives, Literacy


109. Learning Centers for the Elementary Foreign Language Classroom presented by Erica Ryan, The Blake School

Participants will learn how to create the centers to focus on different language skills and what makes a good learning center. Participants will also go back to their classroom knowing how to get students to use the target language and stay on task during the center. Teachers will leave with many new ideas about IPads, partner activities, reading and writing tasks, both high tech and low tech.

Language(s): Spanish Level(s): Elementary


Breakout Session 2: 11:00 – 11:50 am


201. TPRS for German Teachers Think Tank presented by Elizabeth Zehnpfennig, Richfield High School

Have you started TPRS for your German classes and are wanting to connect with others? Have you had success with TPRS and have all of the answers to share with your colleagues? This session hopes to bring together new and experienced German teachers who use CI and/or TPRS in their classrooms.

Language(s): German; Level(s): Middle Grades, Secondary


202. Worth a Thousand Words: The Power of Visuals in the World Language Classroom presented by Amy Roe, Breck School

We often hear that "a picture is worth a thousand words". This is especially true in the world language classroom, where our students have limited vocabularies. In this session, we will learn how to introduce new vocabulary and grammar structures through Picture Talk; how to "ask" a TPRS story based on an image; how to use visuals to engage students in the lesson;and how to teach culture through works of art,photos of historical events, and snapshots of daily life. We will conclude this session with a tour of several online image databases and a brief discussion about copyright.

Language(s): Spanish; Level(s): Elementary, Middle Grades, Secondary


203. Teach Spanish with interactive lessons emphasizing culture and comprehensible input presented by Jill Fischer, Eden Prairie Schools; Maria Nuño, Eden Prairie Schools; and Brittany Vernier, Eden Prairie Schools

Teaching language and culture with interactive lessons through comprehensible input is a great way to engage your students as they learn about the Spanish-speaking countries around the world. The methods and strategies in this session can be applied to any cultural unit. With blended learning we will include the use of technology (e.g., Nearpod, Kahoot, Quizizz, Quizlet), authentic cultural examples with foods and crafts, and NUA literacy strategies. Bring a device and participate in our interactive activities that you can adapt to your own lessons! Examples are made for elementary level Spanish, but can be modified for any level.

Language(s): Spanish; Level(s): Elementary, Middle Grades, Secondary; CEU(s): Technology, Literacy


204. Navigating the First Three Years: Building Your Teacher Toolbox presented by Sarah Koch, Jackson Middle School

Just started teaching and ready to give up? This session will focus on providing you with ways to save your weekends, as well as your sanity! We will discuss organizational tips for the classroom, sources for finding new lesson ideas,formative assessment strategies that don’t require hours of grading, and activities to fill in those last five minutes to ensure bell-to-bell teaching. Participants will be able to brainstorm and share their own ideas.

Language(s): Spanish; Level(s): Middle Grades, Secondary


205. Where Sitting is the Exception: Moving towards Proficiency presented by Brooke Carlson, Organic World Language and Mahtomedi Public Schools

Movement, creating community and understanding proficiency levels are key elements in creating a 90%+ environment where students are using language. Through purposeful questioning sequences students are naturally pushed to the next level of acquisition. In this interactive and transformational session,participants will experience a sustainable and inspiring way to apply research to practice by individualizing learning and creating a student generated  curriculum.

Language(s): Any; Level(s): All


206. 90% Target Language, 100% Effective! presented by Carol Gaab, TPRS Publishing

Comprehensible Input is the key to facilitating language acquisition, and compelling input is the key to maintaining student engagement. Learn simple techniques for staying in the Target Language and keeping input comprehensible, and discover practical and powerful interpersonal activities that unconsciously inspire Higher Order Thinking and inherently facilitate SLA...from day one!

Language(s): Any; Level(s): All


207. Using Literature to Teach Culture in the Language Classroom presented by Hanna Brandt, Parkway Montessori Middle School, Saint Paul

Language and culture are inseparable. The use of children’s and young adult literature in both the target language and English is a creative way to teach culture in the world language classroom. Beginning language learners can interact with authentic target language texts and gain confidence in approaching a new language. Connections can be made with characters who speak and represent the target culture. Language is put into a real, cultural, and historical perspective. Topics covered in this presentation include how to choose texts, ideas for classroom activities, and how to incorporate literature into the world language syllabus.

Language(s): Japanese, Any; Level(s): Elementary, Middle Grades, Secondary; CEU(s): Diverse Perspectives, Literacy


208. Beyond Sink or Swim: Am I ready to be a co-teacher? presented by Stephanie Owen-Lyons, University of Minnesota and Karla Stone, University of Minnesota

This workshop is for those who would like giveback and/or develop leadership within the field by mentoring an emerging teacher. Participants will walk out with a solid sense of what is expected of the U of MN Co-Teacher and the Teacher Candidate, co-teaching models,evaluation of Minnesota Standards of Effective Practice, and an exciting new dynamic evaluation of dispositions. What does research say about co teaching? Who would be ready to mentor in this capacity? What responsibilities come with being a Mentor teacher? How do I evaluate? What time commitment does it require? If you are ready to give back and wonder if mentor teaching is for you, we welcome you.

Language(s): Any; Level(s): Elementary, Middle Grades, Secondary


209: Guatemala Update presented by Melinda Van Slyke, Heart of the Sky

Heart of the Sky Fair Trade has been involved in Guatemala solidarity work for the past 20 years.This session will focus on the current political situation in Guatemala as well as how Guatemalan community leaders are organizing in defense of their rights.

Language(s): Spanish, Any; Level(s): All



Breakout Session 3: 2:00 – 2:50pm


301. Take a Beginning Swedish Lesson: Start learning another language presented by Barbara Cartford

Get inspired and reignite your enthusiasm for language teaching and learning! Attend an interactive, fun and stress-free Swedish lesson taught by a master teacher. She engages learners with culturally authentic material and demonstrates how to keep the language totally  comprehensible. Even though this demo is in Swedish, hopefully you will be motivated to study the language of your choice! Lean back,become a novice learner and get a taste of what your students experience.

Language(s): Swedish, Any; Level(s): All


302. ¿De dónde vienen los niños inmigrantes? presented by Betty Lotterman

Basado en mis experiencias en Honduras en febrero con Witness for Peace, voy a presentar una lección que podrá enseñarse en varios niveles de clases de español con el objetivo de explicar por qué hay menores de edad que cruzan todo México solos para llegar a la frontera de los EE.UU. ¿Por qué salen de sus países? ¿Cómo llegan? ¿Qué pasa con ellos cuando cruzan la frontera?

Language(s): Spanish; Level(s): Middle, Secondary, Higher Ed


303. AAPPL: Performance Assessment that Leads to Proficiency presented by Mary Thrond, Southwest Minnesota State University and José Losada-Montero, Southwest Minnesota State University

The ACTFL Assessment of Performance toward Proficiency in Languages (AAPPL) is a performance-based assessment of standards based language learning across the three modes of communication (Interpersonal, Interpretive,and Presentational) as defined by the World Readiness Standards for Learning Languages. AAPPL Measure assesses Interpersonal Listening/Speaking (ILS), Interpretive Reading(IR), Interpretive Listening (IL), and Presentational Writing (PW) in an online format. AAPPL Measure assesses performance and leads to a performance-assessment environment. The presenters will report on their pilot of AAPPL in the SMSU College Now program and how this assessment tool is affecting curriculum design and instruction.Plus students actually enjoy it!

Language(s): Spanish, Any; Level(s): Secondary, Higher Education


304. Creating with Tech in the L2 presented by Daryl Boeckers, University of Minnesota

Explore tech options for students to design, compose, and plan while staying in target language. Featured apps and tech tools are contextualized in a variety of L2 learning levels and can be used across platforms (mobile, iPad, laptop, iOS, Android, Chromebook, desktop). Ideal session for WL teachers engaged in 1:1 settings or districts preparing for one. Session website chock-full of learning resources, support, and ideas. Delivered in English with examples in Spanish.

Language(s): Spanish, Any; Level(s): All; CEU(s): Technology


305. More than “please” and “thank you”:Mandarin Chinese beginners’ realization of linguistic politeness in telecollaboration presented by De Zhang, Bethel University

This presentation shares naturally emerged opportunities of teaching Chinese linguistics politeness in telecollaboration between first year U.S. learners of Mandarin Chinese and native speakers who are pre-service teachers of Chinese as second/foreign language. Belz (2007) suggests that telecollaboration is ideal for pragmatic competence development. Investigating the use of telecollaboration in first semester Chinese classes is worthwhile as it may shed light on the effective instruction of pragmatics especially to beginners.

Language(s): Chinese; Level(s): Elementary, Middle, Secondary, Higher Education


306. CI strategies that lead toward a more equitable classroom presented by Nancy Ledesma, Minneapolis Public Schools

Most world language teachers in Minnesota are white. Most of our students, especially in metropolitan areas are not. The presenter will share her strategies, tips and understandings that lead to a more equitable classroom that encourages success for all students. This session is intended to foster sharing among professionals around the topic of cultural competence and how that can lead to actions in our classroom that align with our beliefs. Together, we can re-examine our practices and work towards success that motivates.

Language(s): Any; Level(s): Elementary, Middle, Secondary; CEU(s): Diverse Perspectives


307. Language Immersion School Startup 101:How to Start, Spread, Build, Grow, Sustain and Nurture a Brand New Language Immersion School presented by Richie Kucinski, La ola del lago - Prior Lake -Savage Area Schools

Participants will learn all the programmatic logistics required to successfully launch a new immersion school from a great idea to a reality where students and teachers are learning in the target language. This presentation will share the successful story of La ola del lago Spanish Immersion in Prior Lake, MN.

Language(s): Spanish, Any; Level(s): Pre-K, Elementary


308. CSCTFL Scholarship Presentation:Erlebnisse in Freiburg presented by Kate Falvey, Hutchinson High School

Was bedeutet "Dreiländereck"? Eine Präsentation von einer persönlichen Erfah rung in Freiburg beim Goethe Institut, Sommer 2015. Die Teilnehmerin hat 2 Wochen in Freiburg verbracht und hat sich mit vielen Einwohnern getroffen. Teilnehmer warden auch eine Beschreibung von dem Upper Rhine Valley Project bekommen.

Language(s): German; Level(s): Secondary, Higher Education

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309. ROUND TABLES: Spanish Curriculum and Assessments Join us for our first ever MCTLC Round Tables! This format will give you a chance to hear from and interact with numerous presenters focused on the teaching of Spanish. You may even win a door prize!


21st Century: Foreign Languages in a Virtual Classroom? presented by Martina Talic, St. John’s Preparatory School

In my presentation, I would like to address a few fundamental questions: Is it possible to learn a foreign language in a virtual classroom? What are the advantages and disadvantages of the virtual setting? How does the pedagogy in an online setting differ from the traditional classroom setting? I will explore these questions through my own experience as an Online Spanish/French teacher and the research that I have done in this area. I will engage the 5 C’s to show how these are used in virtual space to help students advance in their language.

Language(s): Spanish; Level(s): Secondary; CEU(s): Technology, Diverse Perspectives, English Learners


Determining Student Proficiency Level presented by Jessie Oelke, Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton High School

Join Language teachers as we discuss the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines using authentic student work. Using unaided (dictionary and translator free)student writing samples, we will discuss how to place student work at an appropriate proficiency level based on ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines. We will discuss what each level “looks” like and attempt to identify benchmarks for each level. While samples will be provided,please feel free to bring unaided student writing samples from your classroom to add to the discussion. Samples will be provided in Spanish.

Language(s): Spanish, Any; Level(s): Elementary, Middle, Secondary, Higher Education


Teaching Immigration: Making a complex topic accessible to learners presented by Caitlin Heinz, Cretin Derham Hall

During this session you will hear how I have put together a unit on the complicated topic of immigration. 21st century learners must be able to sift through biased media outlets and information to come to their own conclusions.I will share what I have learned through the process (my observations on what has worked and what to avoid), resources I drew upon that are available for you to use and options on how to adapt the unit. I used this for a high school Spanish 4 advanced class but it can be adapted to many levels and ACTFL proficiencies.

Language(s): Spanish, Any; Level(s): Middle, Secondary; CEU(s): Technology


Turn your classroom into a simulated job fair! presented by Gina Housman, The Blake School and Eva Mateo, The Blake School

Students find this to be a deeply meaningful,communicative and highly engaging experience. Using IPA (Integrated Performance Assessment) as a framework, this session will explore the many possible steps in the process of finding a job, culminating in a job fair. Students will create materials in each step in the process,which helps them see the value of language in the workforce, gaining real-world insight and critical thinking skills. Working with Level IV students, with Advanced Low as the target, participants will go home with a Thematic Unit in Spanish, a developed IPA, and rubrics in English ready to implement in the classroom the next day.

Language(s): Spanish, Any; Level(s): Secondary


The Spanish Subjunctive Mood: How to Teach It Clearly and Thoroughly presented by Robbie Smalling, Orono High School

The subjunctive mood in Spanish grammar can alienate students from the language as it is often not a verbatim translation from English and can seem too abstract. This session demystifies this tricky concept of Spanish instruction and provides a clear and comprehensive approach for teaching it.

Language(s): Spanish; Level(s): Secondary, Higher Education

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Breakout Session 4: 3:10 – 4:00 pm


401. Creating Culture: Speaking Before They Can presented by Grant Boulanger, Skyview Middle School

Learn to elicit and assess effective interpersonal communication skills in any language, on any topic. Empower students to prepare, interact and engage with intentionality in a CI classroom. Build confidence and self-awareness appropriate to the proficiency level. Create class culture that breeds trust and honors the TL. All with one simple rubric.

Language(s): Any; Level(s): Elementary, Middle Grades,Secondary, Higher Education


402. How to use a computer lab with elementary language learners and learn to dance presented by Zvi Geffen, The Blake School

There are countless opportunities to use your school's computer lab or laptop carts for elementary language learners. I will be discussing how to use programs like Seesaw,Google Street View, Señor Wooly and more to enhance curriculum for 3rd-5th grade students. The lab is ideal for creating and organizing activities to be used in conjunction with ACTFL proficiency targets. Using tools like computers that are relevant to students' daily lives makes learning a language more hands on and exciting. As an added bonus, you will learn a Spanish line dance at the end of the presentation!

Language(s): Spanish, Any; Level(s): Elementary; CEU(s): Technology


403. Engaging and Educational Anticipatory Sets presented by Amanda Stenberg, Mora High School and Lisa Hodena, Mora High School

Hear from two German teachers, including one who teaches with ITV, who use anticipatory sets to engage students with various aspects of language and life. Learn how we use anticipatory sets to engage with videos, music, dates, questioning, vocabulary and pronunciation, as well as how a few simple technologies have helped make these successful in our classrooms.

Language(s): German, Any; Level(s): Middle, Secondary; CEU(s): Technology


404. Engaging Language Learners through Meaningful and Authentic Tasks presented by Sébastien Saunoi-Sandgren, Breck School

The purpose of this session is to discuss how to incorporate authentic tasks into the foreign language curriculum. The presenter will share examples of project-based assessments that not only engage students in solving real-life problems, but also encourage them to learn the language in a meaningful way. Participants will also discuss their best practices by sharing assignment ideas and resources needed to create meaningful and authentic tasks.

Language(s): Any; Level(s): Middle Grades, Secondary


405. Creating a language playground presented by Cheryl Kincaid, Vista Higher Learning

Students learn by taking risks and failing. They are willing to take these risks in a safe environment once they have been engaged through personalized fun activities. You will experience and reflect on approaches to engage students, provide fun personalized opportunities to play and practice, and maintain a safe motivating environment for the learner.Participants will receive a packet of materials and have the opportunity to share examples and ideas that incorporate interpersonal,interpretive, and presentational examples.

Language(s): Any; Level(s): Middle Grades, Secondary, Higher Education


406. Earning Bilingual Seals and Certificates presented by Ursula Lenz, Minnesota Department of Education

Minnesota’s bilingual and multilingual seals and world language proficiency certificates have been in place for more than a year with students earning seals and certificates in a variety of languages. This session provides information about: 1) seals and world language proficiency certificates earned by students since the legislation was passed; 2) the process of obtaining seals; and 3) what the proficiency levels required by the seals look like in practice.

Language(s): Any; Level(s): Middle Grades, Secondary, Higher Education; CEU(s): English Learners


407. How to Establish and Gain Approval for a Cultural Immersion Program presented by Hans Nelson, Xpertias and Lydia Murphy, Xperitas

A cultural immersion program can bring incredible benefits to your students and community, but it may seem like a challenge to get a program off the ground or gain approval from your board or district. This session will walk you through the process of planning a travel abroad or international hosting program for your students and provide you with clear guidelines and recommendations for gaining approval for your program. You’ll leave feeling empowered to establish and recruit for a cultural immersion travel program or to bring the world to your community by hosting international students.

Language(s): Chinese, French, German, Spanish; Level(s): Middle, Secondary


408. CSCTFL Scholarship Presentation: Un Séjour au Canada presented by Miranda Godfread, Apple Valley High School

The 2016 CSCTFL French language teacher scholarship winner will present the process and learnings from 3 weeks in Trois Rivières, Québec. Cultural insights, language observations and useful information for use in the classroom will also be presented. Québec,c'est le fun!

Language(s): French; Level(s): All

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409. ROUND TABLES: Technology

Join us for our first ever MCTLC Round Tables! This format will give you a chance to hear from and interact with numerous presenters focused on the teaching with technology. You may even win a door prize!We recommend you bring a fully-charged device, and download the following apps in advance of this session: Extempore, Padlet, Seesaw, YouTube


Mobile Learning to Improve Speaking:Implementing World-Readiness Standards and Can-Do Statements with the Extempore App presented by Susana Pérez, Deeloh Technologies

Speaking portfolios that students carry on their phone? The Extempore App encourages unscripted speaking practice beyond the classroom, allows for individualized feedback,and is compatible with student-centered pedagogical strategies such as portfolio-based self-reflection and self-assessment. Moreover,75% of students regularly using Extempore feel more confident speaking in the target language with the app than without it. Participants in this session will leave with a number of standards-based Extempore activities to promote speaking. Those with access to Android or iOS (iPhone, iPad) mobile devices will have the opportunity to experiment hands-on with the app.

Language(s): Any; Level(s): Middle Grades, Secondary, Higher Education; CEU(s): Technology


Transport Your Students! Using Virtual Field Trips to Explore the 3 P's presented by Cassandra Glynn, Concordia College and Fanny Roncal Ramirez, Concordia College

In this presentation, the benefits of virtual field trips will be highlighted and overcoming challenges will be discussed. The presenters will demonstrate a variety of Web 2.0 technologies that can be used to create virtual field trips and examples from K-16 Spanish, Japanese, Arabic, Latin, and German teachers will be presented. There will be time for brainstorming and sharing, and all materials will be made available via a Padlet, which will remain active for participants as they collaborate and create virtual field trips for their own students in the future.

Language(s): Any; Level(s): Elementary, Middle Grades, Secondary, Higher Education; CEU(s): Technology


The Best of YouTube for the Spanish Classroom presented by Kay Edberg, Mora High School

YouTube can be a great resource in the classroom. It is a great way to connect students with the Spanish-speaking world and encourage them to speak the language. This session will feature YouTube videos that have been used successfully in class and will provide you with ideas for using YouTube in your classroom. You will leave with engaging activities that take little preparation and can be used next week or anytime in your Spanish classroom.

Language(s): Spanish; Level(s): Secondary, Higher Education; CEU(s): Technology


Seesaw in the Language Classroom presented by Jocelyn Veach, Orono Intermediate School

Come see how I have used a program called Seesaw to transform my classroom. Seesaw is a student friendly, teacher managed program that can be used in a million ways. I will demonstrate some of the ways that I have used it to teach vocabulary, get students speaking to each other and an audience, and assess students without the stress of traditional "tests"or performance assessments.

Language(s): Any; Level(s): Elementary, Middle Grades, Secondary; CEU(s): Technology

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Breakout Session 5: 4:10 – 5:00 pm


501. Tried and True: 5 Community Building Activities for Monday Morning presented by Elizabeth Grawe, Lakeview South High School

The first in a series of tried and true activities!In this first session, you will learn 5 community building activities you can put into practice on Monday morning. Participants will actively try all five activities, which will give conference attendees a chance to meet each other and network as they learn practical activities.Participants will receive detailed plans for these five activities: I Am Mixer, Train Wreck, I Am Unique, Name That Voice, and Speed Dating.The session will be run in English for accessibility, but these activities are designed to keep your students in any target language.

Language(s): Any; Level(s): Elementary, Middle Grades, Secondary


502. Engaging Boys in the World Language Classroom presented by Caroline Little, Saint Thomas Academy

Why aren’t there more boys in upper level foreign language classes? We often hear about the achievement gap with girls in math and science, but why is no one talking about the similar gap with boys and upper level World Language acquisition? In this session you will learn how to engage and excite boys in your classroom to help them become advanced language learners who are active participants that see the value in continued World Language study.

Language(s): Any; Level(s): Middle Grades, Secondary


503. From Speed Dating to Pitching a Screenplay:Meaningful Integrated Performance Assessments in the German Classroom presented by Cassandra Glynn, Concordia College and Jonathan Clark, Concordia College

Are you interested in spicing up your assessments? Create engaging integrated performance assessments, with and without innovative technologies that allow students to show understanding of their own identities,demonstrate intercultural competence, and convey knowledge of academic content,meeting the Communications, Cultures,Connections and Comparisons World-Readiness Standards. The presenters will provide adverse example from their own German classrooms, ranging from novice to intermediate high proficiency levels. In each example, the presenters will emphasize how they crafted each IPA to align with the World Readiness Standards. There will be also be small group and whole group discussion and sharing.

Language(s): German, Any; Level(s): Middle Grades, Secondary


504. A Thanksgiving TPRS Story presented by Jim Tripp, Spring Grove School

Channel some of the excitement associated with this holiday toward the co-creation of a lighthearted story. Attendees will get ideas for establishing meaning of vocabulary and asking personalized questions, as well as witness the story asking process play out from a tried-and true script. Follow-up aural and reading activities will be explored. Presentation will assume a basic familiarity with TPRS, but all are welcome to attend.

Language(s): Any; Level(s): Elementary, Middle Grades, Secondary


505. Students without Borders: The Educational Transition Faced by International Students in America presented by Daniela Maltais, Bemidji State University and Savannah Gatewood, Bemidji State University

The goals of many institutions are to bring new social dynamics to their education system, as well as increasing diversity within and between institutions. One area through which this goal is reached involves International Student Programs across the nation. However,complications arise as professors fail to take into account the mindset and ingrained educational principles of these students,influenced by their respective culture.Therefore, Writing and Reading courses should shift their focus to not only build the area of comprehension, but also to study the Psychology behind writing, looked at through the lens of Multicultural Psychology and Contrastive Rhetoricians.

Language(s): Any; Level(s): Higher Education; CEU(s): English Learners


506. The Use of Visuals and Scaffolding Strategies in the Classroom presented by Pachao Yajcherthao, The Blake School and Lina Jin, The Blake School

Teaching a foreign language involves vocabulary instruction and strategies to engage students into putting them to use in order to achieve rich and meaningful communication skills in the 3 modes, interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational.  materials motivate students to speak, to create a context with which their speech has meaning, and they contribute to students’ long term memory. Well-designed scaffolding strategies play an instrumental role in leading students to reach desired performance.  will demonstrate how to maximize a class through the use of visuals and scaffolding strategies within a specific thematic unit.

Language(s): Any; Level(s): All


507. Using Student Narratives to Transform Language Learning presented by George Stewart, Education First (EF) and Jordan Ashwood, Education First (EF)

Explore a unique approach to immersive language learning that supports students in crafting their own personal narratives.Brainstorm how to help students identify how their narratives change through connections with a new culture in the target language. The result of these connections is a culture that both parties belong to and have power to shape: third culture. Collaborate with fellow educators to construct lesson plans that support students in composing personal narratives and embracing the third culture space they share with other fellow global citizens.

Language(s): Any; Level(s): Middle Grades, Secondary; CEU(s): Diverse Perspectives


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