While gathering materials for this post, I was distracted by photographs, Power Points, and videos of my teaching experiences in the US. I miss those days of
"As I stood in the school hall, during an assembly on National Languages Day, I felt such pride, but equally astonishment at how the children had embraced the task of saying hello in as many languages as possible. I watched in amazement as the 34th child stood up in front of the school to share his knowledge of yet another greeting from a different country. I don't know whether it was the sheer volume of children or their confidence whilst standing in front of the school and speak a different language that struck me most, but whatever it was, made me reflect on how I had come to be in this moment."
there’s really no substitute for engaging in real conversations with other people, which is one of the reasons she is fond of the districts that are using the Middlebury curriculum in blended learning classrooms
Middlebury's program is mostly interpretive with some presentational aspects so best used in a blended environment where learners have the opportunity to practice spontaneous speaking in live situations. That said, if this is the only option it seems much better than the majority of what's out there for independent language study, in my opinion.
The resource introduces students to the Olympics, uncovering the Olympic symbols whilst preparing them for a school-based Olympic celebration held in the language they are learning. The celebrations will take place on Olympic Day - Friday 20 June 2008.