Second Languages Matter!
Best Practices Day - February 9, 2018
Second Languages Matter!
To register: click here
Registration fee includes light breakfast and lunch
$149 ($89 for university students)
Bring a device to try out strategies shared, and to contribute ideas and notes to shared session docs
Friday, Feb 9, 2018, 08:30 AM
Fantasyland Hotel, Edmonton, AB
Reserve your spot!
Not yet registered?
- Cick here to reserve one of the remaining spots.
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Mary Grantham O'Brien
Big Impact: Why Second Languages Matter
Mary Grantham O'Brien is a professor and graduate program director of the School of Languages, Linguistics, Literatures and Cultures and former director of The Languages Research Centre, University of Calgary.
Dr O'Brien is also the principal investigator and author of the Literature Review on the Impact of Second Language Learning.
Dr Mary Grantham O'Brien
Professor and Graduate Program Director, University of Calgary
Featured Speakers
Dr. Katy Arnett
Dr. Mary Grantham O'Brien
Caleb 'Señor' Howard
FINAL PROGRAM SCHEDULE
A SESSIONS 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Another One Bites the Dust: Language Learning Myths Busted
Second language teachers have heard them all: ‘English Language Learners need more English so let’s pull them from the second language classroom.’ ‘Time spent learning a language detracts from academic achievement in core subjects.’ ‘Not all students can learn a second language.’ Mary Grantham O’Brien reveals how the research literature debunks these and other common myths.
Presenter: Dr. Mary Grantham O'Brien, Professor and Graduate Program Director, University of Calgary
Audience: General
Collaborative Conversations: BILINGUAL
Join your language program colleagues for guided collaborative conversations around topics that matter to you: Effective resources, supporting all students, routines that work and top teacher tips.
Audience: Teachers of all Bilingual language programs
Walk on the Wild Side: Getting Kids Out of Desks To Talk and Learn
Learning languages is a social affair, and there can be a fine line between high energy activities that have students moving, talking and learning in the second language and chaos. Explore practical ways to keep it focused, fun and tame!
Presenter: Krista Maine and Shannon Webb, Teachers, EPSB
Audience: General
Idéllo: Une richesse pour la classe de français
The District buys an annual license for teachers to access the thousands of digital resources in French available from Idéllo. Explore what is available at no cost to you and how to use these authentic materials.
Presenter: Nathalie Dufour Séguin, Liaison Officer, Idéllo
Audience: Teachers of French as a second language and French Immersion
Language of Session: French
'Warm Up' to Second Language Learning
Prime your students for learning with a 'warm up' routine. Consider how the wide range of sample activities shared by the teacher presenters could work in your second language classroom, and come prepared to share your favourite warm up activities.
Presenters: Kalen Thorne and Kelsey Spronk, Teachers, EPSB
Audience: General
Table ronde: La lecture guidée adaptée dans la classe d'immersion française
Apprenez pourquoi et comment ces enseignants utilisent la lecture guidée adaptée comme stratégie pour répondre aux besoins de nos apprenants en français. Ils partagent des conseils pour d'autres personnes qui envisagent de mettre en pratique la lecture guidée adaptée dans la classe d'immersion française. Venez avec des questions pour vos collègues!
Presenter: Annette Klassen and Jean-Pierre DeCorby, Teachers, EPSB
Audience: Division 1 and 2 Teachers of French Immersion
Language of Session: French
The Art of Second Language Administration
Successful second language programs do not happen by chance: School administrators work hard to make them that way. Engage in a round table discussion with these administrators as they share their tips and advice.
Presenters: Andrew Lummis, Mary Butlin and Yanick Jean-Proulx, School Administrators, EPSB
Moderator: Marie Commance-Shulko, Consultant, EPSB
Audience: General
Career Pathways through the Lens of Language
A key aspect of learning a second language is to provide students with a strong foundation for pursuing a diverse range of future opportunities. Learn how to incorporate Career and Technology Foundations (CTF) outcomes into projects you already use with students and how to create cross-curricular projects. Investigate ways to incorporate career investigation into your second language program.
Presenters: Jason Eliuk and Lindsay Adrian, Consultants, EPSB
Audience: Division 2 and 3 Teachers of all second language programs
A Tale of Diverse Learners
Like many other classrooms, a second language classroom is often composed of a wide range of students with diverse learning needs. This teacher shares how she ensures that all of her students experience success and learn to love learning French!
Presenter: Heather Taschuk, Teacher, EPSB
Audience: General
Language of Session English with French examples
B SESSIONS 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Access For Success: Making Inclusion Work for Second Language Learners
Katy Arnett returns to engage teachers in a practical discussion around what we already know: Our classes have become ever more diverse and our students do not all learn a second language in the same manner or at the same rate. Katy offers strategies that work to allow all students access to second language success. Come with your questions!
Presenter: Dr. Katy Arnett, Professor of Educational Studies, St. Mary’s College of Maryland
Audience: General
Note: This session will be presented virtually.
Collaborative Conversations: LANGUAGE AND CULTURE/ESL
Join your language program colleagues for guided collaborative conversations around topics that matter to you: Effective resources, supporting all students, routines that work and top teacher tips.
Audience: Teachers of all Language and Culture and English as a second language programs
Carnaval pour les nuls
Have you thought about organizing a winter celebration en français at your school but don't know where to start? These teachers share strategies, information and ideas for activities to organize your own traditional half or full day Carnaval.
Presenters: Andrea Lowe Davis and Jenniene Dupont, Teachers, EPSB
Audience: Teachers of French as a second language and French Immersion
Approaches to Guided Math in the Second Language Classroom
Review the general principles for adapting this best practice of meeting the numeracy needs of a range of second language learners, then learn how some of your colleagues implement adapted guided math in their classrooms.
Presenter: Kirsten Janiak and Moselle Semeniuk, Teachers, EPSB
Audience: Division 1 and 2 Teachers of Bilingual and French Immersion programs
Favoriser les compétences orales authentiques et spontanées en classe de langue
Etre capable d’échanger sur des sujets de la vie quotidienne et dans des situations authentiques est l’un des objectifs visés par nos élèves. Les jeux de rôle, simulations de la vie quotidienne, et les interactions les plus courantes en français auront ainsi un rôle essentiel dans l’apprentissage d’une langue. Venez donc découvrir des outils pédagogiques et des idées d’activités, exploitables dans vos classes.
Presenter: Marie Fougy-Houël, Course director & French instructor, Alliance française
Audience: Teachers of French as a second language and French Immersion
Language of Session: French
Lightbulb Moments: A Tale of New Second Language Teachers
New second language teachers, like many new to the profession, can sometimes find the job’s challenges overwhelming. These new teachers share how moments of clarity, often unexpected, guided their way to success and fulfillment.
Presenters: David Herrera, Kalli Lirette and Sherwin Kwong, Teachers, EPSB
Audience: General
Engage Your Students: Tips to Try
Students engage in their learning when they find it meaningful to them. Get practical tips on how to ask essential questions and give clear encouraging instructions, then try out some activities that promote critical thinking. You’ll definitely find something to use with your students next week!
Presenter: Nataliya Nayavko, Ukrainian Language Advisor, Alberta Education
Audience: General
Warriors to Keep Indigenous Languages and Culture Alive
Many Indigenous languages and cultures face challenges to remain healthy and vibrant for both current and future generations. We will take a look at how Cree Language and Culture programs in schools help our communities face these challenges. Join in the conversation to share ideas about what we can all do as warriors to keep our languages and cultures alive for our children and for our communities.
Presenter: Lorna Burke, Teacher, ECSD
Audience: Teachers and instructors of Indigenous languages
Do You Speak Competencies?
Second language curricula are well-positioned for the development of student competencies. Join us for practical ideas to incorporate competencies into your second language program and find out what second language teachers need to know about new curriculum.
Presenter: Angela Hernandez and Tanja Burns, Consultants, EPSB
Audience: General
C SESSIONS 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Ideas Prácticas Para Maestros De Español
¡Innumerables son los lindos y emocionantes recursos disponibles para maestros de español! Venga a esta sesión listo para divertirse explorando materiales, estrategias, recursos y tecnología que usted podrá incorporar fácilmente en sus lecciones.
Presenter: Caleb 'Señor' Howard, 2017 Foreign Language Teacher of the Year, New Jersey
Audience: General
Language of Session: Spanish
Note: This session will be presented virtually.
Collaborative Conversations: FRENCH IMMERSION
Join your language program colleagues for guided collaborative conversations around topics that matter to you: Effective resources, supporting all students, routines that work and top teacher tips.
Audience: Teachers of French Immersion
Language of Session: French
Collaborative Conversations: FRENCH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE
Join your language program colleagues for guided collaborative conversations around topics that matter to you: Effective resources, supporting all students, routines that work and top teacher tips.
Audience: Teachers of French as a second language
Language of Session: French
Fun and Games in the Second Language Classroom
Games used strategically can be a source of rich language learning and not merely language practice. Review characteristics of what makes games worthwhile, as well as fun, then spend time playing a few.
Presenters: Lauren Brus and Betty Yin, Teachers, EPSB
Audience: General
No More Dictations
Despite their long-time presence in the Bilingual program classroom, traditional dictation spelling tests have limited value. This presentation offers an alternative and more effective research-based method to teach grammar and spelling that frees your students from memorizing lists of rules and words.
Presenter: Joan Waringer, Consultant, Calgary Catholic Schools
Audience: Teachers of all Bilingual language programs
Get Real! Use Authentic Language Resources in the Second Language Classroom
How many kilometres separate your classroom from Paris or Tokyo? You know what? It doesn't matter! Learn how to effectively incorporate inexpensive authentic materials into your second language classroom to make the language and culture come alive. Walk away with lots of practical ideas and activities.
Presenter: Quinton Stotz, Teacher, EPSB
Audience: General
‘Break out’ of Routine
Breakout rooms are all the rage these days! Learn how to create virtual breakout activities for the second language classroom that require student collaboration and authentic language use to solve challenges.
Presenter: Karissa Potiuk, Teacher, EPSB
Audience: General
Panel Discussion: Adapted Guided Reading in the Bilingual Classroom
Learn why and how these teachers use adapted guided reading as a strategy to meet the literacy needs of a range of second language learners.They share tips for others considering implementing adapted guided reading in the Bilingual classroom. Come with questions for your colleagues!
Presenters: Alex Farrell, Jasmine Wong and Mervat Ibrahim, Teachers, EPSB
Audience: Division 1 and 2 Teachers of all Bilingual language programs
Your Guess is as Good as Mine and Other Useful Language Learning Strategies
All language curricula have a strategic learning component. Are you maximizing your’s to support English Language Learners in your second language classroom? These teachers exploit language learning strategies to help their ELLs learn the target language... and English!
Presenters: Christie Roethlingshoefer and Maria Carrozza, Teachers, EPSB
Audience: General
D SESSIONS: 2:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Planning for 90+% Target Language Use
Instructional time in the second language classroom is precious and the importance of maximizing target language use cannot be overstated. In this session, you’ll hear practical tips regarding:
● What to keep in mind when designing #TL90plus units and lessons
● How to introduce new vocabulary WHILE staying in the target language
● Best practices for assessing students in a #TL90plus classroom
Presenter: Caleb 'Señor' Howard, 2017 Foreign Language Teacher of the Year, New Jersey
Audience: General
Note: This session will be presented virtually.
Learn Like An Adventurer! Teaching Japanese Using Social Media
Explore how today's learners can use social media to enhance their Japanese language learning while incorporating originality and ownership of their learning. Learn how social media can even facilitate conversations between your students and native Japanese speakers. Enjoy exploring a range of technology-mediated communication tools.
Presenter: Yoshifumi Murakami, Japanese Language Advisor, Alberta Education
Audience: Teachers of Japanese
Language of Presentation: Japanese
Impact of the Chinese Bilingual Program on Career Development
The Chinese Bilingual Program at Edmonton Public Schools is recognized around the world for the achievement of its students, hundreds of whom have graduated since 1982. What impact has the Chinese Bilingual Program had on their adult lives and careers? Hear the results of a research survey that reveals the many doors opened to graduates around the world and here at home.
Presenters: Dr. Wei Li, Director, Confucius Institute of Edmonton and Dr. Liang Tian, Chinese Language Advisor, Alberta Education
Audience: General
Language of Session: Chinese
Les dictées sans fautes
Les dictées ont eu lieu dans les salles de classe de langue depuis toujours, mais est-ce qu'elles sont efficaces? Apprenez une méthode altérnative basée sur la recherche qui fait acquérir aux enfants les compétences nécessaires sans les obliger à mémoriser des listes de règles et de mots compliqués?
Presenter: Rachel Kruchten, Consultant, Calgary Catholic Schools
Audience: Teachers of French Immersion and French as a second language
Language of Session: French
Don’t be Scared: Fairy Tales in the Second Language Classroom
While fairy tales may be classified as scary classics or romantic clichés and are often 'Disney'-fied, this enduring form of literature still fascinates young and old alike in many cultures. As such, fairy tales offer an array of possibilities for the modern second language classroom at all levels of language competency. Let’s get creative!
Presenter: Andreas Meckes, German Language Advisor, Alberta Education
Audience: General
Language of Session: English with examples in German
Todos diferentes, todos iguales: la enseñanza intercultural en la clase de Español
Integrating the intercultural education component in the second language classroom should promote a deeper understanding of other cultures. This can sometimes be a daunting task. Using some preconceived ideas about Spain as an example, we will get some tips on how to overcome the risk of falling into stereotypes.
Presenter: Rodolfo Fernandez, Spanish Language Advisor, Alberta Education
Audience: Teachers of all Spanish programs
Language of Session: Spanish
Getting Started With the Teachers' College Writing Workshop (Lucy Calkins)
Exciting work in literacy is taking place across Edmonton Public Schools as classrooms implement Lucy Calkins writing workshop work. Find out how this is starting to look in French Immersion and Bilingual contexts and get some tips from teachers trying it out.
Presenters: Karissa Shulko and Rita Sarrate, Teachers, EPSB
Audience: Division 1 and 2 Teachers of Bilingual and French Immersion programs
ᒧᒋᑲᐣ Mocikan in the Cree Classroom
Getting students to use the target language they are learning for authentic purposes can be a challenge. Motivate Cree language learners through the use of games and activities that require the use of Cree to participate. You will have them agreeing that 'there is fun' in the Cree classroom! Games are adaptable to other languages.
Presenter: Joan Simpson, Teacher, EPSB
Audience: General
Language of Session: English with Cree examples
Research-based Ways to Improve Vocabulary Acquisition
Research reveals that vocabulary is key to learning a second language so how can teachers facilitate true vocabulary acquisition? Should we use word lists? Should we discourage translation? Is grammar more important than vocabulary? Can vocabulary meaning be guessed through context? Should I test vocabulary/knowledge? This session will answer these questions and more…
Presenter: Nancy Musica, Consultant, EPSB
Audience: General
Program Session FAQs
How do I choose my sessions?
- You have to first be registered.
- Check your email the week of January 22 for a special link to select your sessions.
- Follow the link, fill out the form and make your session choices.
When can I select my sessions?
- Registrants can choose sessions starting January 23.
- Session selection closes at midnight on February 5.
- No problem! You can choose from open sessions at registration on February 9.
How will I know if I got my preferred sessions?
- You will receive an itinerary with your choices at the registration desk on February 9.
- Just let us know at the registration table on February 9. If there is room in the new session, you can join in!
What is Second Languages Matter! Best Practices Day?
- The largest annual gathering of second language educators in the province, with attendees coming from across the province and the country
- A day offering practical sessions for teachers and administrators of all K-12 second language courses and programs, including ESL
- A day full of best practices shared by classroom second language teachers, administrators, university professors and second language leaders
- An opportunity to connect with and learn from colleagues and peruse the latest resources
- NEW for 2018: Collaborative conversation groups for your language program
- NEW for 2018: Drop by the Tech Café to check out virtual reality for second language classrooms
'It's like a mini-teachers' convention for second language teachers!' Past participant
Click here for the Second Languages Matter! Best Practices Day 2018 website.
Schedule
How to attend the day at no cost
- Your ATA Local Staff Development PD fund (EPSB staff, click here)
- Alberta Education's French Teacher Bursary if you teach French
- Express your interest by December 20 here
Bonus: EPSB staff have no sub costs as February 9 is a district-wide PD day.
See you on February 9, 2018!
Photos of Second Languages Matter! 2016
See more photos here!
More information
Program: Michelle De Abreu at michelle.de.abreu@epsb.ca
Registration: Jan Amundson at jan.amundson@epsb.ca
Displayers: Flyer Peder Vinge at peder.vinge@epsb.ca
Website: http://languages.epsb.ca/
Twitter: @iisle_epsb
Facebook: iisle at Edmonton Public Schools
Sponsors
Institute for Innovation in Second Language Education
Supporting the teaching and learning of second languages
Email: iisle@epsb.ca
Website: http://languages.epsb.ca
Location: 13750 Woodcroft Avenue Northwest, Edmonton, AB, Canada
Phone: (780) 429-8631
Twitter: @iisle_epsb