Hook, Lines & Sync-er was a great opportunity for Primary and Middle years teachers to get together and re-think some of the ways in which French is delivered and ‘received’ in Victorian schools. Participants appreciated the chance to consider the perspective of the students and what they want and what they enjoy in a French lesson. We also brainstormed ways in which to elevate the status and exposure that Languages get in the school community. Thank you to everyone who attended – the ambiance was wonderfully collegial and positive!
French Primary Programs don’t just ‘happen’! There’s no one-size fits all, no prescribed program… each teacher is in a unique situation. Do you teach: Composite classes? 45 min per week? Three X 30 min. sessions a fortnight? Are you itinerant? Have your own classroom? Share a room? Teach Prep to Year 6? Years 3 to 6? Based on feedback from Kim’s previous workshop at the 2022 AFTV Conference, many teachers expressed a need with ideas in building a French program to fit their students and their situation.
Kim Mullins will introduce you to a three-pronged approach to help you plan a Scope & Sequence and units for your program.
What bait will you use to hook your students into your unit?
Using the right bait means that your students will bite into the unit/topic that you are casting for them. This means telling them what the end product will be – and it needs to be tangible! Whether it be a… role play, incursion, artwork, science experiment, excursion, film, baking, picture book, interview, tech-based cartoon, video or school Assembly song… Essentially, you are making a ‘pinky promise’ to your students that what they are doing is worthwhile and will culminate in an enjoyable experience or a proud ‘product’. You, of course, will then be displaying these moments to your school public audience. It’s a win-win.
What story/play will you use to accompany your unit?
Who isn’t fascinated by a ‘tall tale’ or the story of ‘The One That Got Away’? Students love a good story and it is an excellent way to incorporate loads of verbs into your students’ repertoire and get them creating more spontaneous sentences. See how Kim uses stories and verbs in every lesson.
What online apps will you synchronise with your unit of work?
Let’s face it. Our students love every chance they get to use their ipads. Why not give them what they want? As long as we strategically use apps (not just using them as vocab memoriser tools) to help students create sentences and sequence ideas, then let’s provide them with
Bring your current Scope & Sequence to the session and be prepared to load up your units with fresh ideas! You should never be bored by your own program! Don’t have a Scope & Sequence?? No stress. Kim and your fellow participants will share their suggestions and resources with you! At the end of the day, you will go home with a full tacklebox of ideas.
Registration: 9.00am – 9.30am
9.30am – 10.00am: Session 1A - Back to Basics
Participants examine the BASICS of a Language Scope & Sequence. No matter what year level students begin studying French, there is an inherent progression of topics, content, grammar and skills. Participants will be provided with a template to create their own Scope & Sequence and/or modify their existing program.
10.00am -10.30am : Session 1B - Setting up your language sessions
Split your class time into three sections: Teacher-led; Pair/Groupwork; Independent/Project work. Participants will discuss how to structure their given teaching time (no matter how short or long) and prepare activities that are fun, productive and get the most ‘return on your investment.’
10.30am – 11.00am: Session 1C - Using the Best Bait
Participants will explore the kinds of projects that result in ‘tangible’ products. When students generate work that is ‘displayable’, it is a win-win situation. Students earn a sense of accomplishment and their skills are then visible to the greater school community – demonstrating that languages are a valuable part of the curriculum.
11.00am – 11.20am Morning Tea
11.30am – 1200pm: Session 2A - Writing Lines
How to incorporate a story, play or CLIL into a unit of work. Why is this such a successful method? How can it be done?
12.00pm – 1240pm: Session 2B - Verbify your story
Participants will examine the benefits of a verb-based approach to teaching. How to build up a strong foundation of basic verbs in your students. Getting the most mileage out of those verbs: a multitude of verb learning activities will be presented. Using a program like Promethean or Lumio (SmartNotebook) to make use of visuals.
12.40pm – 1.00pm: Session 2C - The Realities of Language Teaching
Itinerant Teaching versus Own Classroom. Participants split into groups to discuss the practicalities of "set up." Points to consider: trolleys, storage of student work, organisation, posters, lesson resource storage, learning tools, helpful resources, time-saving advice.
1.00pm – 1.45pm: Lunch
1.45pm – 2.30pm: Session 3A - Sync-er: Apps that support verb-based learning
In this session, participants will be introduced to some apps that can do more than just promote vocabulary memorisation. Opportunity provided to try out the apps on the spot – some time to ‘play’ around with these programs.
2.30pm – 2.45pm: Session 3B - Symbaloo: Your Lesson Saviour
Participants will be shown an app that compiles all of their favourite online songs, apps, games, YouTube videos and links into a ‘One-Stop-Shop’. Simplify your life and lessons by having a one-touch link.
245pm – 3.15pm: Session 3C - Chit Chat
A bit of time to chat, ask questions, swap ideas, share resources, network, vent your frustrations or simply catch your breath!
THIS ACTIVITY IS PRESENTED AND SUBSIDISED BY THE AFTV THROUGH DET FUNDING