Back to School Series: An OWL Online PD Series

Back to School is a time for great possibilities of new growth, connections, and learning. The OWL Back to School Series will introduce you to the four OWL Values: Equity and Relationships, Student Engagement, Proficiency Based Skills, and Empowered Learning, and provide you with methods and strategies to create a 100% target language and student directed learning environment. This five part series meets bi-weekly to give you 10 weeks of virtual support. Along with the five one hour sessions, participants will receive downloadable digital resources to guide their learning and access to a private social network where they can engage with colleagues on prompts, articles, and additional resources provided by OWL. Led by an experienced OWL Facilitator, the series will support and ignite your first weeks of the school year.

 

Equity and Relationship Building in the 100% TL Environment- August 17, 2021

Is it possible to start from day one 100% in the target language? Absolutely! Join OWL and learn how to create a successful immersion environment that will leave you and your students excited and engaged to function 100% in the TL for the entire of the year. We kick off our Back to School Series by modeling how to build relationships, while focusing on the essential element of Social and Emotional Learning, and the need for play-the foundation for true student ownership and acquisition that lasts throughout the year.  Learn tips and tricks, strategies and activities that create  an environment of trust, adventure and relationship building in the target language. From the first interaction you have with your students, the learning environment will be a safe space where equity and respect will flourish.

 

Creating a Space for Empowered Learning- August 31, 2021

This session in our Back to School Series offers a collaborative space to discuss and share how to set up the school year to maximize intrinsic motivation and student ownership. We will share suggestions on how to use the classroom space effectively to foster SLA, as well as how to empower students for success from the beginning. This session will include tips for effective parent and student communication and share strategies to establish respectful and meaningful norms and expectations.

 

Student Engagement Strategies in the TL Environment- September 14, 2021

An essential element to having a successful, highly engaging learning space is fun! In order to keep students connected, building relationships, and strengthening the community, students must laugh and move together. This session will model ideas to keep your students moving while working towards a proficiency-based classroom. This third session in the Back to School Series is chock full of games, activities and movement ideas. Don’t miss out on this exciting, fun time together!

 

Cultivating Proficiency Based Skills and Understanding the Immersive Classroom- September 28, 2021 

The beginning of the school year  is a wonderful opportunity to be able to focus on proficiency and what students CAN do. Taking the time to discuss proficiency and performance with our students in the first language can be crucial to understanding their potential target language growth. In this fourth session in the Back to School Series we will be reviewing the ACTFL levels and sharing effective methods of introducing them to students.  A key element to student success and student-directed learning is having students in charge of their own goal setting. We will explore what this looks like and how to frame the conversation with students. Whether this is the first year you are implementing OWL or the fifth, this session will help to guide you in educating and setting goals with your students. Don’t miss this powerful session for you, your department, admin, and students!

 

Empowered Learning through Action- October 12, 2021

The final session of the Back to School Series explores creating a more student-driven learning environment  by developing real-life, real-interest situations, applicable to students’ lives. Implementing the OWL circle structure, which allows students to feel empowered with the language, and combining this with unique scaffolding and questioning techniques, will engage your students at any level, language, or age we teach.

 

What’s Included

The Back to School OWL Online PD Series includes:

• All online collaborative documents
• Access to the Live Webinar with inspiring and informative facilitators

Frequently Asked Questions

What time are the live webinars? 

• Check here for your time zone’s appropriate time!

How do I participate in the Online Session?

• OWL uses Zoom to facilitate live webinars. For maximum success, check to make sure your microphone, camera, and volume are working on your computer. 
• Questions on how Zoom works?  Call us at (857)-293-1706, or email at [email protected].

If I cannot attend a live session, will I be able to experience the Session?

• Yes! All live webinars will be recorded for your perusal when is convenient for you. Be sure to register with video access. 

Do I need social media accounts to participate?

• No! We’re using a community based platform that allows you to engage with fellow participants without the distraction of a feed.

If I live internationally, can I participate?

• Yes! You will be charged additional for shipping of the resource materials. With questions, reach out to [email protected].