From Topic to Theme, Embedding a Communicative Context in the Elementary World Language Class
Course Description
Elementary schoolers are not high schoolers (they are half the size!), but much of the professional development for world language teaching centers around older students. With the essential early language text book, “Languages and Learners: Making the Match'' as our guide, we will define the elements of a great elementary world language class and learn to plan for proficiency starting in Kindergarten. To do this, we will explore how and why to develop standards-based thematic units and lessons. We will gather ideas, tools, strategies, and learning activities from each other and the broader elementary world language community, and use thematic planning to give these context and meaning. There will also be space to collaborate and strategize around everything that makes our job unique- from the very abbreviated attention spans of our learners to the infamous cart with which some of us travel. We will do this in an asynchronous virtual setting via a variety of instructional technology applications. Conducted in English.
Course Delivery
Online weekly learning modules, collaborative discussion boards and instructor feedback. This course is not self-paced.
Students who matriculate into an Instructor-Facilitated course should adhere to the dates listed on the website. Final coursework should be submitted within one week after the course end date. Course extensions beyond one week are subject to a $50 fee.
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Required Textbook
This course will also explore a variety of resources including scholarly articles, websites, blogs, and podcasts about authentic texts, as well as the authentic texts themselves.
About the Instructor
Lauren Finucane, Instructor. Read more about Our Team page!
Click here to request a syllabus.
Credit Options
Not sure which credit option to choose? Learn more about each credit option here and review your state/district requirements.
45 Professional Development/Clock Hours: $590
Idioma Professional Development Certificate (accepted by most states)
Approved Illinois CPDU Certificate through partnership with CEII
Approved Massachusetts PDP Certificate
Approved New Jersey CE Program
Approved New York CTLE Certificate
Approved Pennsylvania ACT48 Certificate
Approved Texas CPE Certificate
3 Graduate-Level Credits
PEDD 9214: University of the Pacific: $925
CLDE 591 WLM 512: Colorado State University Pueblo: $950
PDLLXXXID: Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU): $1005
