Setting The Stage: Key Areas To Prepare for a Successful Year in our World Language Classes

This week, I’m diving into 4 key areas to prepare for a successful academic year before your students even step foot into the classroom. I’m highlighting these key areas in this post, but for all of the details and tips, listen to episode 42 of the GWP The Podcast.

4 Key Areas To Prepare

In episode 42 of GWP The Podcast, we explore how to optimize your classroom space, strategic classroom arrangement, essential information to communicate to our students and parents, and student surveys. Discover how working on these areas before you start the year will enhance student engagement, and collaboration, and overall will set the stage for a good year. 

Your Space

One thing that transformed my ability to use the target language in class was utilizing my wall space with useful language resources. Word posters especially are helpful. So, what types of word posters? First, question words. Then, frequent verbs and classroom expressions. Finally, rejoinders. In episode 42, I talk about some of my favorite word groups to use. 

Advantages of This Key Area

You’ll be much more intentional using those words. When you’re telling a story, talking about your unit, or asking questions about the weekend, you’ll look at those posters. Next, when you use the language, you can point to it and your students will understand. You can also walk to the language to point so it will help slow you down.

Classroom Arrangement

The physical layout of your classroom can greatly impact student interaction and learning. One important decision to make is whether to use desks or go deskless. I was deskless for three or four years before the pandemic, and when I had to put the desks back due to COVID-19, I almost lost my mind. 

Going deskless has numerous benefits. It invites more conversation among students, as there are no physical barriers between them. It eliminates a zone of distraction, allowing students to focus more on their peers and the learning environment. Moreover, it encourages students to be more open and expressive.

Next, you need to decide between individual rows or groups. From my experience, students generally prefer working with their peers. Grouping them into teams provides a great scaffold for collaboration. In episode 42, I also discuss suggestions for Kagan Structures.

Communication

We need to effectively communicate to our students, parents, admin, and even colleagues. Clarity in communication helps students understand what to expect, sets a positive tone, and establishes a foundation for meaningful learning experiences. If you’d like to gain more clarity on this aspect, I encourage you to sign up for Time to Thrive. If you’re listening to this during the month of July, you can gain immediate access HERE.

Survey

Conducting a survey can provide valuable insights into your students’ preferences, frustrations, and needs. When designing the survey, focus on three key areas: personal interests, school-related appreciations and frustrations regarding teachers, and how you can better support your students. This feedback allows you to tailor your teaching approach and meet the specific needs of your students.

I hope the information about these key areas are helpful as you prepare for the new year. Listen to episode 42 HERE, above, or on your favorite podcast player for more details about these areas. As always, find all episodes of GWP The Podcast HERE.