NYSAFLT Annual Conference 2024

Attendees will first explore colonial conceptions and practices from the mid-19th century to the mid-20th century, shedding light on the persistent accusations of "neocolonialism" toward the Francophonie in the 20th and 21st centuries. The discussion will then examine whether the French language is a contributing factor or merely a symptom of the broader francophone crisis, both within and outside of France. In this perspective, attention will be turned to French-speaking African countries, where the role of the French language in education and administration is under intense scrutiny. Finally, the session will discuss practical strategies and material for teaching French with enthusiasm and intellectual honesty.

Join me as I talk to you about my home country, Belgium! We'll talk about how the school system differs from the French one, we'll learn about all of the fun things that makes Belgium so awesome and learn some typical Belgian words, too!

You are committed to speaking as much target language as possible, but what do you talk about and how do you make sure your students understand what is being said? In this session, participants will explore ideas and strategies for presenting vocabulary in context using comprehensible input, scaffolding, and student language supports, and tips for checking student comprehension.

The presenter will explain what the role playing game Dungeons and Dragons is and how it is played. He will discuss how this has been beneficial for his students in language acquisition and language production. He will address character creation and provide participants with character sheets in either German, French, Italian or Spanish. Tips for starting and important lessons learned will also be shared. Each guest at this presentation will receive a small gift to get them started on their own World Language DnD game!"

At its core, manipulatives are physical cards that show words, letters, or images that will be used to facilitate language acquisition and production that are often, but not always, accompanied by an authentic video or reading passage. This session will show the usefulness of manipulatives as an activity that can help language acquisition through critical thinking skills, repeat exposure,
physical movement, and fun. In the workshop, different types of manipulatives will be shown such ask Vocabulary Based, Sentence Makers, and Pictographs. Participants will learn how manipulatives can be used for all levels of language learners and by all types of language teachers in the three modes and to compare and contrast cultures and acquire language.