PPATH: Planning & Classroom Structure Virtual PD Series

Have you ever wondered what planning and classroom structure looks like in an OWL classroom? If so, this is for you! This ten-week, five-session series focuses on breaking down the framework of OWL into concentrated and comprehensive pieces. Whether you are new to PPATH, the classroom structure, are somewhat familiar with it, or have been implementing each step of PPATH along the way- this series is designed to deepen your understanding and provide you with practical, applicable tips to streamline your planning for successful implementation in your classroom.

Each session begins at 4:00pm PST/ 5:00pm MST/ 6:00pm CST/ 7:00pm EST

Session 1: Introduction to PPATH – October 11, 2023

This session will show you the overall classroom structure and planning process for an ‘organic’ world language classroom, one that creates a proficiency-based and student-directed learning environment. We are so excited to share with you this transformational information, that will impact not only your satisfaction as a teacher, but your students’ engagement, learning and language acquisition. This is also a great refresher for teachers familiar with PPATH, as you will see new ways to integrate into your classroom.

Session 2: Pairings, Groupings & Games to Maximize Student Interaction – October 25, 2023

Pairings & Groupings – The social aspect of language acquisition is crucial for student production and growth. How can we create an environment where students are constantly interacting with one another while staying in the target language (TL), even at the novice level? This session will unravel the science and purpose behind pairing, grouping and game structures and how we can start using them more frequently, effectively and purposefully in our classes today!

Session 3: Prompts to Level Up Language – November 8, 2023

Prompts– What should we ask our students to do and how should we ask them to do it? What will prompt the task, and what will the task be? This session will focus on how to develop prompts in the moment using the the OWL Curriculum Triangle and the ACTFL Proficiency levels as the guiding foundations. Additionally, we will discuss strategies for high student- engagement and production and how they are a direct result of the prompts we create.

Session 4: – Hooks & Transitions for High Student Engagement – November 22, 2023

Hooks–  This session will help you to develop the skills of watching and listening to your students in a way that allows you to pull hooks on the spot. When we get comfortable with this aspect of PPATH, the flow of the circle and language production is guaranteed to increase- it is what makes the circle go ‘round! A Hook helps us to de-unitize (repeat, recombine and recycle) and focus on context and content as the driving forces for moving up the proficiency levels in an organic way.

Transitions – One of the most unique and most commonly recognized components of OWL are Transitions. Transitions are intended to help break down the filter, create movement and build the community. If you are wondering how to use transitions or are simply looking for a convenient way to spruce up your transition bank, this is the session for you.

Session 5: Incorporating Literacy and Feedback – December 6, 2023

Following PPATH allows us to guide the circle while keeping accountable to the performance guidelines outlined in our state and national standards. Join in on the conversation of how we can make literacy flow in the circle via PPATH. In what ways can we integrate authentic texts to support the content, functions and text-types we are focusing on and pushing for? In this session we will share our favorite resources and activities and prompts that include literacy.

An important element to this is Accountability  – How can we be sure that the task was completed, provide the appropriate feedback and resources to fill in “gaps” discovered in the production process to ensure further development of communication skills? How do we pull new threads to start the PPATH over again? This step in PPATH will help us learn to develop topics and language in a way that fosters more student interaction and target language. don’t miss this session to ensure that your students continue to grow! Time will be allotted to collaboratively create example PPATH charts to work with the weaving in of literacy in our daily practice.

OWL Virtual PD is welcome to all participants: new and experienced teachers of OWL strategies. Virtual PD is a continued support to teachers, and does not replace the foundational knowledge that is given in one of our workshops.

Online Platform
OWL uses Zoom to host Online PD opportunities. We encourage you to try it out before your scheduled online PD time so you don’t miss any of the session with technical difficulties. This should include having Google Chrome on your device, and giving the platform permission to use your video camera and microphone.