NYSAFLT Annual Conference 2024

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.

Everyone takes a world language to learn how to speak, but so many struggle with output. We will look at fun ways to help students produce simple to advanced sentences and ideas. We will look at Comprehensible Input strategies to encourage output including picture talk, speaking activities, role-play, partner activities, games and more. This interactive workshop will help you grow your student's proficiency and students will feel success in your classes.

This workshop will empower language educators by providing a comprehensive exploration of the tools offered by Magic School AI. Teachers will enhance efficiency and elevate student learning outcomes by incorporating these tools into their instructional strategies. Participants will acquire the necessary skills to seamlessly integrate Magic School AI into their teaching methodologies, leading to time savings in lesson planning, the creation of personalized language instruction, increased student engagement, improved communication with both parents and peers, and the development of practical language assessments to bolster students' language proficiency.

Language and culture rich, immersive experiences help students grow, but these experiences may feel inaccessible & daunting to design. Nevertheless, they are possible through virtual partnerships and destinations in our local communities. This workshop will explore how to identify a meaningful essential question to drive the unit, how to find opportunities for immersion virtually and online, and how to create meaningful materials for before, during and after the experience to engage students linguistically while exposing them to authentic culture.

Do you want to hear your students use more target language in your classes? There is one simple and easy-to-implement solution: Chat Mats. Chat Mats provide students with the words or phrases that they need to keep the conversation going and maintain the use of the target language. In this workshop, attendees will get a quick overview of Chat Mats (the what, and the why) followed by a tutorial on creating your very own chat mats (the how). Attendees will leave with tons of ideas and a ready made Chat Mat to bring into their classes on Monday.

Join the 2023 Teacher Incentive Grant recipient as she discusses the action research project that brought language, literacy and play together in the K-12 setting. Learn about how Spanish 4 students strengthened the community through the joy of books, the love of learning and the pedagogy of play. Celebrate the power of language and laughter in your school setting. We have lots of ideas for students in levels Pre-K-14 at all levels of proficiency. While our project was in Spanish, the ideas are applicable to all languages and levels.

Are you daunted by the prospect of immersing your learners in 90% target language? Fear not! Discover the art of captivating teaching methods that seamlessly integrate the target language, steering your students towards proficiency levels they never thought possible. Even if storytelling isn't your forte, I'll guide you through an exploration of innovative techniques, harnessing authentic resources and cultural immersion to propel your learners from novice to mid and high levels with ease. Join me for engaging, practical activities you can do on Monday!

Ever have students give up on a reading task before they start? Do students ever tell you that they don’t understand anything when they listen to a text? Are your students hesitant to perform speaking tasks? In this workshop, your presenters will give examples of how they have used a proficiency-based mindset and sequenced and scaffolded activities to boost student confidence and performance. They will share strategies that they have used to help tackle tasks in the target language and assist students to confidently move through communication modes.