Back to School Virtual 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 OWL Values of: Equity and Relationships, Proficiency, Student Engagement, and Empowered Learning, and provide you with methods and strategies to create an immersive 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 & Relationship Building: Starting with Target Language from Day 1! – August 14, 2024

Is it possible to start from day one 100% in the target language? Absolutely! In this OWL session you will 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 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 and an immersive environment-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.

Cultivating Proficiency Based Skills: Put Students in the Driver’s Seat – September 5, 2024

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 can be crucial to understanding their potential target language growth. In this 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. 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!

Classroom Structure Toolkit & Lesson Planning- September 11, 2024

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 and lesson plan templates on how to use the classroom space effectively to foster SLA (Second Language Acquisition), 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 authentic learning spaces. 

Student Engagement Strategies: Games & Activities – September 25, 2024

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 fourth 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!

Differentiation in the Classroom: Reaching All Students  – October 9, 2024

The final session of the Back to School Series explores how to create a student-driven learning environment  by developing real-life, real-interest situations, applicable to students’ lives at the appropriate proficiency level. Through implementing various physical structures, students feel empowered with the language, and when combined with unique scaffolding and questioning techniques, will engage your students at any level, language, or age. 

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
• Participation in the Mighty Network, our online platform for interaction and communication during the Series

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 541-690-8038, 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. 

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].