Classroom Structure & Lesson Planning – Virtual Single Session

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 target language use, 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. 

Join this single session, or join the Series and get access to previously recorded Sessions 1, 2 and 3, as well as live access to the upcoming Sessions 4 & 5. See below for descriptions of all 5 sessions. You also get access to all the Series Resources in our Mighty Network, and on-going communication and connection with colleagues.

What’s Included:

• All online materials: printable resource page & collaborative documents.
• Access to the Live Webinar with inspiring and informative facilitators.
• A collaborative community with teachers from around the world.

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. Be sure to register with video access. 

Back to School Series Session Descriptors – can register for the Series to access all the recordings, handouts and collaborative documents for all five sessions

Equity and Relationship Building: The First Weeks of School – August 16, 2022

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 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 – September 8, 2022 

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 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!

Student Engagement Strategies – September 13, 2022

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!

Classroom Structure & Lesson Planning- September 27, 2022

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, 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. 

Empowered Learning through Questioning Strategies- October 11, 2022

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.