People into Boxes?

Upcoming Meeting:

Wednesday November 1st
3:30-4:30 US French room --- Cindy's room US E219
Agenda:
Elba share
intercultural ice breaker
Tricia Trips recap
Cindy share
topics to discuss brainstorm

Intercultural Learning: The textbook is not a Curriculum

The Teachers’ Guide to Global, Collaborative Teaching and Learning is a searchable database of global projects and resources to help educators foster global competence and build connections with their students. This guide brings together opportunities and supports from organizations and institutions in the global education field for educators to find and connect with projects and programs that align with their curricula, goals, and interests.

Whether you are a new or a long time global collaborator, this website offers a comprehensive collection of resources from the global education field.

Guide to Global Collaboration

Pedagogy: Lots on our minds as we organize and plan our classes!

Making the most of a 90 minute BLOCK

Artist and Teacher Create Emojis to Promote Diversity (from Language Magazine)

Mapuche schoolteacher Victor Carilaf has teamed up with Chilean artist Fiestoforo to create Kimeltuwe, a collective that has released sets of emojis to represent indigenous peoples of Latin America. Part of the project promotes the Mapudungun language—an indigenous language spoken by the Mapuche people in Chile and Argentina. Part of the project is depicting local languages, with descriptions of emotions like kümelekan for “I am well,” küpa umawün for “I am tired,” and kutrankülen for “I am sick,” among many others. Right now, the emojis can be used as images or stickers that can be shared in texting, comments, or messaging, and Kimeltuwe is looking toward news ways to integrate the emojis into different messaging platforms.

As you set your goals, Nonie Cameron (K-6 English chair) shared this really neat list with us, from John Hattie:

Mind Frames for Teachers

1. I cooperate with teachers.
2. I use dialogue, not monologue.
3. I set the challenge.
4. I talk about learning, not teaching.
5. I inform all about the language of learning.
6. I see learning as hard work.
7. Assessment is feedback to me about me.
8. I am a change agent.
9. I am an evaluator.
10. I develop positive relationships.

The Pulsera Project- Integrating service learning

The Pulsera Project- Spanish, service learning

Congress Advised of Critical Need to Boost Language Study

The American Academy of Arts and Sciences (AAAS) delivered its final report on the future of language education to the U.S. Congress, recommending “a national strategy to improve access to as many languages as possible for people of every region, ethnicity, and socioeconomic background.”

Read the full article here

Gaining cross-cultural understanding

Learning a foreign language reduces social anxiety. COD Newsroom, CC BY

Language learning inevitably involves learning about different cultures. Students pick up clues about the culture both in language classes and through meaningful immersion experiences.

Researchers Hanh Thi Nguyen and Guy Kellogg have shown that when students learn another language, they develop new ways of understanding culture through analyzing cultural stereotypes. They explain that “learning a second language involves the acquisition not only of linguistic forms but also ways of thinking and behaving.”

With the help of an instructor, students can critically think about stereotypes of different cultures related to food, appearance and conversation styles.

Full article is   How learning a new language improves tolerance

Click on the title: Trever Noah interview on Fresh Air- Where do you fit in?  Language and Cultural Identity

Tech Corner:

Class Tools

Thanks to Elba Lugo for this fun website- check out the random name picker for various activities in various languages!

Kidblog 

Students' voices matter. Teachers in over 70 countries trust Kidblog to share student writing with a real audience

What Does Good Blended Learning Look Like? 
Perhaps the most ideal approach, according to Psarovarkas, is one in which students are given freedom to learn in ways that suit them best and teachers are given the flexibility to work more closely with students as they see best. In this model, learning is “no longer something that’s done to the student,” she says, “but rather the student and the teachers are true partners in the relationship.”

Upcoming conferences:

ACTFL

November 17-19, 2017
Music City Center, Nashville, TN

The ACTFL Annual Convention and World Languages Expo is an international event bringing together more than 7,000 language educators from all languages, levels, and assignments. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive professional development experience that will have an impact on language educators at all levels of teaching and in turn help their students to succeed in their language learning process. Come participate in the world’s most comprehensive language education meeting of the minds featuring more than 800 educational sessions in a variety of formats that focus on innovative programs, emerging trends that impact the language profession, and research-informed practices. While the exhibit hall will showcase more than 250 companies exhibiting their latest products and services, it is a learning experience within itself where you will find exhibitor sponsored workshops, the ACTFL Collab Zone, the Social Media Lounge, a Career Café, and an ACTFL Confer-sation Corner.

FETC

January 23-26 2018

Orange County Convention Center

Orlando, FL

For nearly 40 years, the Future of Education Technology Conference has gathered the most dynamic and creative education professionals from around the world for an intensive, highly collaborative exploration of new technologies, best practices and pressing issues. Its impact has been felt by thousands of districts, schools, educators — and ultimately students. Each year, FETC is tailored to the needs of an increasingly technology-driven education community — and 2018 will be no exception. The 38th National Future of Education Technology Conference features industry experts and unrivaled agenda content, an Expo Hall filled with the latest and greatest solutions, and a community of thousands eager to network with like-minded peers. Your colleagues at FETC may come with different experiences and expertise, but they share your challenges and goals. School and district administrators, classroom teachers, IT professionals, special education directors, curriculum and media specialists, and other educators with roles or interest in ed tech, attend FETC year after year to find the professional learning, technology solutions and connections they need to transform learning in and out of the classroom. Join them for four days of collaboration, innovation and learning, and discover new ways to spark change with technology.

TABS/NAIS Global Symposium

2018 TABS/NAIS Global Symposium
April 15 - 17, 2018
Sheraton New Orleans Hotel • New Orleans, Louisiana

As boarding and day schools have internationalized, teachers and administrators have encountered new complexities in nearly every aspect of schooling— from admission, parent communications, and classroom pedagogy, to college advising, constituency relations, and development. At the same time, a pioneering spirit has taken hold in a number of schools, with many educators seeking to enlarge the vision of "preparatory" schools to include preparation for global citizenship in a world increasingly interconnected economically, environmentally, culturally, and politically.

The Global Symposium will bring together school leaders, educators, and experts to learn from each other and to explore current practice and promising ways forward.

TEACHING WITH COMPREHENSIBLE INPUT SCHOOL YEAR 2017-2018 OFFERINGS with Rachelle Adams and Anna Gilcher, PhD

Teaching with Comprehensible Input: The Why, What, and How

Six-session job-embedded professional development series + 1 school visit for classroom observation and personalized coaching session

Six Saturdays from 9:00am-12:00pm 11/18/17, 12/9/17, 1/20/18, 2/10/18, 3/10/18 + 5/12/18 for final reflection

Total cost: $425

Location: Elsie Whitlow Stokes Community Freedom Charter School; 3700 Oakview Terrace, NE; Washington, DC 20017

NEW for 2017-2018!

Teaching with Comprehensible Input: Taking Your Skills to the Next Level

Six-session job-embedded professional development series + 1 school visit for classroom observation and personalized coaching session

Six Saturdays from 1:00pm-4:00pm 11/18/17, 12/9/17, 1/20/18, 2/10/18, 3/10/18, 5/12/18

Total cost: $425

Location: Elsie Whitlow Stokes Community Freedom Charter School; 3700 Oakview Terrace, NE; Washington, DC 20017

To register, go to http://www.elevateeducationconsulting.com/registration.html

→ for more info about Anna Gilcher, PhD go to www.annagilcher.com

→ for more info about Rachelle Adams, go to www.elevateeducationconsulting.com

World Language Workshop Series Level 1

World Language Workshop Series level 2

Elevate Education Consulting
www.elevateeducationconsulting.com
Spanish Language Acquisition
Curriculum Development
Teacher Coaching & Training

No time to get away? How about a webinar?

Below please find the 2017-2018 schedule of FLAVA webinar-workshops to help instructors evaluate teaching strategies and learning outcomes. The workshops are all scheduled from 4:00-6:00pm on the following dates:

Thursday, October 26

“¿Hablas Minecraft? Gamification in the World Language Classroom” by Glen Irvin

Thursday, December 7

“Can-Do Statements for Intercultural Communicative Competence: Investigate, Interact, Reflect” by Kathy Shelton

Thursday, February 15

“Integrating STEM Topics in the World Language Classroom” by Nathan Lutz

Thursday, March 22

“Arts in the World Language Classroom” by Allison Carneiro de Silva

Thursday, May 3

“Using Technology to Enhance Your Comprehensible Input” by Maris Hawkins.

The Global Studio will be hosting group viewing sessions in INTC 226. If you are interested in attending, please register for these free events at the following FLAVA link: http://flavaweb.org/workshops/workshop-registration/

WL News:

Building Bridges Partners-
Ross McEwen and Jenni Hoffman have expressed interest in a match with a language class. Ross is open to various times of day and Jenni would prefer mornings.  Michele O'Hara in the LS library has also volunteered her time slots to make a match.  Please email them directly or let me know if you want me to facilitate to schedule a time and copy me once you have a slot scheduled. 

CHINA TOWN HALL 

ENGAGING IN A NATIONAL CONVERSATION ON CHINA 

On Tuesday, Potomac was one of more than 80 communities throughout the United States participating in a national conversation about China. Dr. Bruce Dickson, professor of political science and international affairs at The George Washington University, spoke to Potomac students, faculty, and parents about the significance of the 19th Party Congress, an event that occurs every five years to set the Chinese Communist Party's policy goals and elect its top leadership. Mr. Dickson's talk covered such issues as China's political system, anti-corruption campaigns, economic structure, and relationship with North Korea. In the second half of the program, attendees participated in a live webcast with Susan Rice, former national security advisor and U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.

NEW TECH ADDITIONS TO THE US 

The US Library Classroom and Innovation Hub is open! Mr. McLane, Mr. Thomas, and Ms. Salamone recently brought their Spanish classes to this space to videotape dialogues. While teachers can schedule their classes to meet in this collaborative space, students can also use the room for work on special projects, club activities, or publications. The space includes video- and audio-recording equipment, a green screen, a 3D printer, and Mac desktop computers with design and publishing software.

Blog question: What is the best warm up you use in class?

SYA- School Year Abroad

www.sya.org

SYA Mission

SYA guides students through a challenging curriculum focused on developing skills for an increasingly interdependent world. Central to the SYA experience is the adventure of fully engaging with different languages, cultures and peoples.

Our Focus
While students learn much by simply taking part in an experience abroad and living with a host family, SYA designs its programs to develop four key student skills:
Language Proficiency - The ability to communicate effectively in multiple languages.
Critical and Creative Thinking - The ability to develop new ideas and challenge assumptions in situations with limited information and/or language skills.
Intercultural Competence - The ability to understand different cultures and perspectives with increasing sophistication and adapt to new situations empathetically and appropriately.
Independence and Interdependence - The ability to be self-reliant and collaborate with others in a constructive way.

Our Approach
SYA strives to take full advantage of our resources to provide the highest quality education. To that end, all of our programs are designed to be:
Intentional - SYA programs are based on and designed to meet clear, achievable, and observable objectives.
Place-Based - SYA programs are intricately tied to the surroundings, people, and culture of our host countries.
Experiential - SYA programs are explicitly active and participatory and include major involvement in the outside community.
Intercultural - SYA programs require active engagement in the local culture, developing perspective and empathy.

SYA is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges

Opportunities for our Current sophomore students: (for their junior year)

Reception at Sidwell Friends School Thursday, November 9th, 2017

School Year Abroad in four countries

Rennes, France (50 years old)
Zaragoza, Spain (52 years old)
Viterbo, Italy (15 years old) year long and semester
Beijing, China (23 years old) year long and semester

Admissions Deadlines:
Online Application- February 7th, 2018
Financial Aid - February 14th, 2018

Notifications:
Wednesday March 7th, 2018

46 member schools
The Potomac School and Georgetown Day School are the newest members
Other DC area member schools: Episcopal High School, Sidwell Friends School and St. Alban's School

Summer Programs- www.sya.org/summer

5 weeks programs in all four languages
Language prerequisite:
Italy- 1 year of Latin or more  dates: June 21-July 26
China- 1 year of Chinese or more  dates: June 21-July 26
France and Spain- 2 years of instruction or more
dates: France- June 14-July 20
Spain- June 21-July 26

Application available: October 6th, 2017   Rolling Admissions
Spanish program fills quickly
Notifications begin on January 19, 2018


SYA- SKYPE (Virtual Exchange)
SYA can put us in contact with a student on one of the four programs to chat with them about their day, customs and life abroad.  Let me know and we can put you in contact with a student.

Fast Facts:

• Accredited test centers: AP, PSAT, SAT and ACT (Europe).
• AP courses offered: Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Latin, Spanish Language and Culture, Spanish Literature and Culture.
• Capstone Project: a month-long college-level interdisciplinary research project at each school.
• Since 1964, over 7,500 students from 1,100 independent & public high schools have attended SYA.
• More than $3 million in need-based financial aid awarded annually to students.
• Co-Curricular activities logged for season credit

Please comment on the blog with a question or comment about SYA!

Language and Identity: Interculturality Intersection

Upcoming meeting:

Wednesday October 4th 3:30-4:40
in IS room 184
Agenda:
Introductions of new faculty
Announcements
International travel discussion
Intercultural competence- icebreaker

Language and Identity

Culture vs interculturality

This graphic shows that language and culture are so closely linked together that they should not be taught separately. The language reflects the culture and the culture reflects the language. In order for the learner to get the full experience of the culture, it must be through the language.

The word culture refers to the products, practices, and perspectives of a target group of people or target culture. Interculturality is the interaction of people from different cultures, and the understanding of another culture so that the language used is appropriate to the context and audience.

Linguafolio link

Importance of Interculturality

INTERCULTURALITY IS THE INTERACTION OF PEOPLE FROM DIFFERENT CULTURAL BACKGROUNDS using authentic language appropriately in a way that demonstrates knowledge and understanding of the cultures. It is the ability to experience the culture of another person and to be open minded, interested, and curious about that person and culture. Language learners must be able to evaluate personal feelings, thoughts, perceptions, and reactions in order to understand another culture and use that experience to reflect on their own life and surroundings.

In order to communicate successfully, language learners must be able to relate appropriately to their audience. They should be able to react and respond appropriately to their own personal feelings, attitudes, and perceptions as well as those of people of other cultures.

Reflecting on experiences in which they interact with others of different cultures helps the learners analyze and learn from each experience. Intercultural experiences provide the most meaningful opportunities for developing capacity in a language.

Modules and Activities

Retooling a lesson
Looking at this article we can reshape our lesson to include an intercultural aspect.  Follow through by asking yourself these questions.

Does the activity target a specific range of language proficiency?

Does the activity provide background cultural knowledge and context?

Does the activity provide an opportunity for learners to use culturally authentic materials/resources and communicate with speakers of the language?

How is the blending of language performance and cultural knowledge (interculturality) assessed? 

Are learners given time and guidance to self-assess and reflect on their interculturality?

Rubrics    Can Do Statements

Summary/Reflection   Templates for Reflection

Classroom Thoughts:
Building Bridges resource in Chinese and Spanish
If you are planning on taking one of your US classes to the Lower or Middle School, this may be a resource for them to teach to the younger set.  There are picture books and more!
Epic Children's Books

Movement in Classrooms
Why Kids Shouldn't Sit Still

Explaining ADHD to Teachers
As a continuation of last year's PD on learning differences, I am sharing with you a resource from ADDitude magazine. Thanks to Beth Bailey for forwarding the poster. If you are not aware of ADDitude magazine, I would highly recommend it to you. It focuses on ADHD research and learning disabilities.
Click for article

Tech Corner:

Streema
Free streaming to 100 countries around the world in many languages. It also has radio.

LEAF Project- French and Spanish
Language learning materials in organized charts and indexes.

ISSUU
Free online digital magazines!! Put your language into the search box!

WL News:
School Year Abroad will be on campus!
There will be an opportunity to ask questions at US E and F lunch this Friday.  Remember that this is an opportunity for our students in all four languages going from sophomore to junior year!
Beijing, China
Viterbo, Italy (Latin and Italian)
Rennes, France
Zaragoza, Spain

JUNIOR PARTICIPATES IN SCHOOL YEAR ABROAD 

This year, Potomac began a partnership with School Year Abroad (SYA), an organization that provides qualified high school students the opportunity to study in Italy, Spain, France, or China. SYA participants are immersed in the language and culture of their host countries. Henry Page '19 (pictured here with his host family) is spending his junior year in Zaragoza, Spain, as SYA's Ángel Vilalta Scholar -- an honor that recognizes his achievements and interest in Spanish language and culture. Everyone at Potomac wishes Henry a great year!