Language teachers often find themselves teaching year levels they have little or no training in.
Understanding that need compelled AISWA Languages Consultant, Clare Slyth to team up with AISWA Early Childhood Specialist, Wendy Candy to offer a PL which unpacked the Early Years Learning Framework and the new WA Kindergarten Guidelines and matched them with effective teaching ideas.
The initial PL was held in the purpose-built Early Learning Centre at Christ Church Grammar School, where participants toured the classrooms and saw how these principles have been implemented into an early learning environment. The PL has since been repeated for teachers in the South-West, Geraldton and locally at the AISWA offices. Here are some comments from participants:
"I really loved the sharing of ideas, and the real life examples of learning."
"The workshop is informative and practical and I particularly liked how theories and practical ideas were all weaved together throughout the lesson, we were given time and opportunities to think how to implement the ELYF into our teaching."
"Love people sharing different ideas of teaching languages. Really enjoyed the day!"
Participants also heard ideas from seasoned early-learning language teachers.
- Simona from Scotch College incorporates the Zones of Regulation into her lower primary class by using French to talk about feelings and colours and uses song to get her younger students moving while listening to action works in French.
- Heidi from John Wollaston Anglican Community School uses simple science experiments to stimulate the curiosity of young learners with hands-on activities.
- Naoko from Frederick Irwin Anglican School uses her music skills on the ukulele and Japanese realia to engage her students.
- Li from Christ Church Grammar School uses simple English storybooks and obstacle course activities to teach her students Chinese.
- Stephanie from Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School uses interactive books and finger puppets to teach French.
Thank you to all the teachers who so generously shared their ideas.
See below to register for the workshop in August.
