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DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20251008T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20251126T203000
DTSTAMP:20260518T044444
CREATED:20250815T165337Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251009T201957Z
UID:29911-1759950000-1764189000@www.caslt.org
SUMMARY:French for Teachers (A1) – Fall 2025
DESCRIPTION:Course Details\nSchedule and Format\n\nEight 90-minute lessons over eight weeks that blend theory and practice:\n\nSynchronous classes on Wednesdays from 7:00–8:30 p.m. ET (on Zoom)\nSome asynchronous activities to be completed during the week\n\n\nFirst class: October 8\, 2025\nLast class: November 26\, 2025\n\nRegistration Fees\nRegistration includes a free digital copy of the Action-Oriented Approach Handbook. Participants who successfully complete a course will also receive a $20 gift card for CASLT’s online boutique. \n\n\n\nRegistration Type\nRate\n\n\nCASLT Member\n$145 + tax\n\n\nNon-member*\n$200 + tax\n\n\n\n*Includes a one-year CASLT membership. \nCourse Completion\nAll participants who finish the course successfully will receive a certificate of completion. \nParticipant Profile\nTeachers of Core\, Extended\, or French Immersion programs who communicate with an A1 CEFR French proficiency level and who wish to improve their linguistic skills in an inclusive and safe environment while learning ways to develop their pedagogical practice. \nPlacement\nRegistrants do not need to take a language assessment and may place themselves by reviewing the CEFR A1 description and “can-do” statements. All four proficiency courses will run at the same time\, so instructors may use their discretion to move participants to a different level. \nCEFR A1 Description\nA1 level communicators can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. They can introduce themselves and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where they live\, people they know\, and things they have. An A1 communicator can interact in a simple way provided that the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help. \nLanguage of the Course\nThis course is taught with a bilingual approach. The course content will be presented in French at an A1 level with bilingual instructions. Participants may engage with coursework and discussions in English or French\, depending on their comfort level. Participants are encouraged to practice their French as much as possible in order to improve their proficiency. \nWhile some of the course content will be presented in English\, the instructor will model instructional and student engagement strategies in French. Participants are encouraged to engage with coursework in French but should feel free to use English to seek clarification or discuss specific linguistic or pedagogical questions. \nInstructional Approach\n\nEach synchronous class will be approached from an asset-based perspective.\nEach synchronous class will be rooted in the activer–acquérir–ancrer model and a differentiated approach to teaching and learning.\nPlurilingualism and student voice and choice will be respected and celebrated.\n\nCourse Description\nIn this course\, participants will engage in practical and meaningful coursework designed to develop language proficiency specific to the FSL teaching profession. Teacher-learners will be exposed to high-frequency vocabulary specific to the teaching of FSL. This vocabulary will be modelled and reinforced so that participants become more comfortable with its use. \nIn an inclusive\, welcoming environment rooted strongly in Culturally Responsive and Relevant Pedagogy (CRRP) practice\, participants will be invited to listen\, speak\, read\, and write in A1-level French while forming professional connections with one another. Teacher-learners will be provided with ongoing opportunities to engage with one another in A1-level French language. Listening and reading tasks will be provided with supports appropriate to A1 language learners. Participants are encouraged to use their French language orally and in written form for a variety of authentic targeted purposes. Teacher-learners will self-assess based on their progress and proficiency throughout the course. \nParticipants will work through a variety of tasks to help them reflect on their own progress and celebrate their successes. They will build their professional toolkits by learning strategies and next steps and fostering strong connections to other FSL educators. \nPlease note that the course will focus primarily on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)\, but the material is also applicable to other frameworks. \nLearning Outcomes\nBy the end of this 8-week course\, participants will be able to: \n\nGrow their pedagogical and linguistic knowledge by self-assessing their French skills and teaching practices in order to value their demonstrated and growing proficiency\nAccurately assess their own CEFR language proficiency and the competency areas in need of growth or reinforcement\nDevelop the language skills necessary to facilitate learning in the French classroom\nBuild community around FSL teaching by collaborating in an inclusive space to encourage risk-taking and use of the target language\nCombat isolation in the FSL profession by forming professional connections in class and in the CASLT CoLab community\n\nCourse Overview\n\n\n\nLesson\nGuiding Theme\nLearning Objectives\n\n\n1\nSetting up for Success: Creating a space (and a headspace!) for learning\nIntroduce “coups de cœur” for A1 language acquisition. \nShare effective strategies for using the target language in all strands. \nDiscuss how to apply strategies for language acquisition as teacher-learners and how to use these in the FSL classroom.\n\n\n2\nThe First Five: Getting to Know Your Learners and Creating an Inclusive Environment for Learning\nUse inclusive strategies to welcome learners. \nModel space of accountability to promote inclusion. \nTake linguistic and social risks to become more comfortable using the target language (French) in an educational milieu.\n\n\n3\nThe CEFR and the Growth Mindset: What is Already in Your Teaching Toolbox?\nUse “je peux” statements to self-assess proficiency. \nUse action-oriented tasks to promote and encourage a growth mindset. \nExplore and develop the growth mindset to reframe challenges as opportunities.\n\n\n4\nMaximizing Success Using the Cycle for Learning\nDevelop and use vocabulary linked to the cycle for learning to improve professional practice. \nDefine and explore individual efficacy. \nUse the cycle for learning to connect the growth mindset with individual efficacy.\n\n\n5\nAssessment and Evaluation: Demonstrating Progress of Learning\nDevelop opportunities for the classroom to honour student voice and choice through assessment and evaluation opportunities rooted in Culturally Responsive and Relevant Pedagogy (CRRP). \nExplore how Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Differentiated Instruction (DI) can be used to create and implement opportunities for creative and alternative assessments.\n\n\n6\nThe Journey to Proficiency and the Importance of Self-Reflection\nPractice using tools for self-reflection. \nCreate opportunities for metacognitive practice to encourage opportunities for growth specific to French as a Second Language (FSL).\n\n\n7\nCelebrating Learning and Sharing Success\nIdentify the importance of celebrating learning as part of a growth mindset and efficacy. \nExplore ways of celebrating learning to create a supportive classroom environment. \nReflect on the power of communities of teaching and learning.\n\n\n8\nNext steps: How and Where Will the Journey Lead?\nDiscuss next steps and needs to be successful as language learners and as FSL educators. \nShare recommendations for sources and resources for use in both personal language acquisition and pedagogy.
URL:https://www.caslt.org/en/event/french-for-teachers-a1-2025/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Professional Learning,FSL Fundamentals
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.caslt.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/high-five-AdobeStock_486455830-1920w-16-9-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20251008T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20251126T203000
DTSTAMP:20260518T044444
CREATED:20250815T165345Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251009T202007Z
UID:29912-1759950000-1764189000@www.caslt.org
SUMMARY:French for Teachers (A2) – Fall 2025
DESCRIPTION:Course Details\nSchedule and Format\n\nEight 90-minute lessons over eight weeks that blend theory and practice:\n\nSynchronous classes on Wednesdays from 7:00–8:30 p.m. ET (on Zoom)\nSome asynchronous activities to be completed during the week\n\n\nFirst class: October 8\, 2025\nLast class: November 26\, 2025\n\nRegistration Fees\nRegistration includes a free digital copy of the Action-Oriented Approach Handbook. Participants who successfully complete a course will also receive a $20 gift card for CASLT’s online boutique. \n\n\n\nRegistration Type\nRate\n\n\nCASLT Member\n$145 + tax\n\n\nNon-member*\n$200 + tax\n\n\n\n*Includes a one-year CASLT membership. \nCourse Completion\nAll participants who finish the course successfully will receive a certificate of completion. \nParticipant Profile\nTeachers of Core\, Extended\, or French Immersion programs who communicate with an A2 CEFR French proficiency level and who wish to improve their linguistic skills in an inclusive and safe environment while learning ways to develop their pedagogical practice. \nPlacement\nRegistrants do not need to take a language assessment and may place themselves by reviewing the CEFR A2 description and “can-do” statements. All four proficiency courses will run at the same time\, so instructors may use their discretion to move participants to a different level. \nCEFR A2 Description\nA2 level communicators can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance. They can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. A2 level communicators can describe in simple terms aspects of their background\, immediate environment\, and matters in areas of immediate need. \nLanguage of the Course\nThis course is taught with a bilingual approach. The course content will be presented in French at an A2 level with bilingual instructions. Participants may engage with coursework and discussions in English or French\, depending on their comfort level. Participants are encouraged to practice their French as much as possible in order to improve their proficiency. \nWhile some of the course content will be presented in English\, the instructor will model instructional and student engagement strategies in French. Participants are encouraged to engage with coursework in French but should feel free to use English to seek clarification or discuss specific linguistic or pedagogical questions. \nInstructional Approach\n\nEach synchronous class will be rooted in the activer–acquérir–ancrer \nDevelopment of linguistic competencies will be addressed in the context of the FSL classroom.\n\nCourse Description\nIn this course\, participants will engage in practical and meaningful coursework designed to develop language proficiency specific to the FSL teaching profession. Teacher-learners will be exposed to high-frequency vocabulary specific to the teaching of FSL. This vocabulary will be modelled and reinforced so that participants become more comfortable with its use. Participants will gain a clear understanding of the proficiency expectations and evaluation criteria for the A2 level and of how these expectations can be integrated into the FSL classroom. \nIn an inclusive and welcoming environment\, participants will be invited to listen\, speak\, read\, and write in French while forming professional connections. Participants will engage in both synchronous and asynchronous tasks to promote reflection and professional dialogue with other course participants. \nParticipants in the course will: \n\nDevelop an inclusive and safe learning community through pairing and sharing activities\nExamine A2 linguistic competencies as they relate to oral comprehension\, oral production\, written production\, and written comprehension\nParticipate in targeted practice of A2 linguistic competencies in the context of the FSL classroom\nPractice using A2 linguistic strategies in their classrooms and giving feedback to FSL students using appropriate classroom language\nReflect on and discuss instructional strategies for oral comprehension\, oral production\, written production\, and written comprehension and the most effective ways to integrate these strategies into classroom practice using clear directions and appropriate modelling\n\nParticipants will work through a variety of tasks to help them reflect on their own progress and celebrate their successes. They will build their professional toolkits by learning strategies and next steps and fostering strong connections to other FSL educators. Participants will also share strategies that can be used to further develop linguistic competencies and help their colleagues achieve a greater sense of self-efficacy. \nPlease note that the course will focus primarily on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)\, but the material is also applicable to other frameworks. \nLearning Outcomes\nBy the end of this 8-week course\, participants will be able to: \n\nGrow their pedagogical and linguistic knowledge by self-assessing their French skills and teaching practices in order to value their demonstrated and growing proficiency\nAccurately assess their own CEFR language proficiency and the competency areas in need of growth or reinforcement\nDevelop the language skills necessary to give clear directions\, engage students in basic discussion on familiar topics\, and give constructive feedback in the French classroom\nBuild community around FSL teaching by collaborating in an inclusive space to encourage risk-taking and use of the target language\nCombat isolation in the FSL profession by forming professional connections in class and in the CASLT CoLab community\n\nCourse Overview\n\n\n\nLesson\nGuiding Questions\nLearning Objectives\n\n\n1\nHow will we build an inclusive and safe learning community? \nWhat are the linguistic competencies of A2 as identified in the CEFR?\nExplore activities that promote the sharing of resources and ideas. \nExamine A2 language proficiency descriptions to self-assess. \nIdentify areas of development for augmenting their proficiency.\n\n\n2\nWhat are the oral comprehension skills of A2 as identified in the CEFR? \nIn what ways can we augment oral comprehension skills?\nExamine A2 language oral comprehension proficiency descriptions. \nIdentify barriers to oral comprehension. \nExplore activities that improve oral comprehension.\n\n\n3\nWhat are the oral production skills of A2 as identified in the CEFR? \nHow will we augment oral interaction skills?\nExamine A2 language oral interaction and production proficiency descriptions. \nExplore activities that improve oral interaction.\n\n\n4\nWhat are the barriers to successful oral interaction? \nIn what ways can we address barriers to successful oral interaction and production?\nIdentify the barriers to successful oral production and interaction. \nIdentify the best strategies to build A2 oral production and interaction skills.\n\n\n5\nWhat are the written comprehension skills of A2 as identified in the CEFR? \nIn what ways can we develop written comprehension skills? \nWhich strategies can we use and implement in the classroom?\nIdentify the A2 linguistic competencies required for written comprehension. \nExamine models of A2 written comprehension tasks. \nApply written comprehension strategies to enhance teacher and student proficiency.\n\n\n6\nWhat are the written production skills of A2 as identified in the CEFR? \nIn what ways can we augment written production skills? \nWhich strategies can we use and implement in the classroom?\nIdentify the A2 linguistic competencies required for written production. \nExamine and assess A2-level written production samples. \nIdentify and apply strategies to enhance teacher and student proficiency in written production.\n\n\n7\nHow can we move forward? \nWhat resources can help improve the linguistic competences of teachers and students?\nDevelop a toolkit of strategies for enhancing oral and written language proficiency by sharing additional resources.\n\n\n8\nHow can we use self-assessment and professional learning practices for proficiency growth? \nWhat professional communities and resources can we access?\nDevelop self-assessment and professional learning practices for augmenting linguistic competence. \nDevelop a toolkit of strategies for enhancing oral and written language proficiency by sharing additional resources.
URL:https://www.caslt.org/en/event/french-for-teachers-a2-2025/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Professional Learning,FSL Fundamentals
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.caslt.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/teacher-helping-group-AdobeStock_725537741-1920w-16-9.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20251008T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20251126T203000
DTSTAMP:20260518T044444
CREATED:20250815T165355Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251009T202017Z
UID:29913-1759950000-1764189000@www.caslt.org
SUMMARY:French for Teachers (B1) – Fall 2025
DESCRIPTION:Course Details\nSchedule and Format\n\n8 lessons over 8 weeks that blend theory and practice:\n\nSynchronous 90-minute lessons on Wednesdays\, 7:00–8:30 p.m. ET (Zoom)\nAsynchronous learning activities during the week\n\n\nFirst class: October 8\, 2025\nLast class: November 26\, 2025\n\nRegistration Fees\nRegistration includes a free digital copy of the Action-Oriented Approach Handbook. Participants who successfully complete a course will also receive a $20 gift card for CASLT’s online boutique. \n\n\n\nRegistration Type\nRate\n\n\nCASLT Member\n$145 + tax\n\n\nNon-member*\n$200 + tax\n\n\n\n*Includes a one-year CASLT membership. \nCourse Completion\nAll participants who finish the course successfully will receive a certificate of completion. \nParticipant Profile\nTeachers of Core\, Extended\, or French Immersion programs who communicate with a B1 CEFR French proficiency level who wish to improve their linguistic skills in an inclusive and safe environment while learning ways to develop their pedagogical practice. \nPlacement\nRegistrants do not need to take a language assessment and may place themselves by reviewing the CEFR B1 description and can-do statements. All four proficiency courses will run at the same time\, so instructors may use their discretion to move students to a different level. \nCEFR B1 Description\nB1 level communicators can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work\, school\, leisure\, etc. They can respond to situations that may arise while travelling in an area where the language is spoken. They can produce simple connected text on topics that are familiar or of personal interest. When describing experiences and events\, B1 communicators develop their skills by using increasingly complex structures. They can respond spontaneously to everyday situations. \nLanguage of the Course\nThis course is taught with a bilingual approach. The course content will be presented in French at a B1 level with bilingual instructions. Participants may engage with coursework and discussions in English or French\, depending on their comfort level. Participants are encouraged to practice their French as much as possible in order to improve their proficiency. \nWhile some of the course content will be presented in English\, the instructor will model instructional and student engagement strategies in French. Participants are encouraged to engage with coursework in French but should feel free to use English to seek clarification or discuss specific linguistic or pedagogical questions. \nInstructional Approach\n\nActiver–Acquérir–Ancrer: Participants will activate prior knowledge\, acquire new information\, and anchor their learning through practical application.\nCollaborative Learning: Each synchronous class will involve collaborative learning and sharing of what was tried in the classroom\, fostering a community of practice.\nIterative Learning Process: Participants will engage in asynchronous learning by trying activities or approaches in their classrooms. They will then share their experiences and observations with peers during synchronous sessions. Reflective discussions will be held to deepen understanding and refine teaching practices.\nAdditional Resources: Supplementary resources for viewing and reading will be provided to support and extend learning.\n\nCourse Description\nIn this course\, participants will use their increasingly independent language skills to explore the challenges of FSL teaching\, including classroom space\, perceived value\, student diversity and engagement\, Differentiated Instruction (DI)\, and Universal Design for Learning (UDL). They will engage in meaningful and practical coursework designed to develop language proficiency specific to the FSL teaching profession. \nDuring this course\, we will listen\, read\, and share research; collaborate on solutions; and share experiences to develop excellent pedagogical practices — in B1 level French! By actively participating and reflecting on our own language learning journey\, we are equipping ourselves not only with tools we need to learn French\, but with insight into our students’ learning as well. \nIn an inclusive and welcoming environment\, participants will be invited to listen\, speak\, read\, and write while forming professional connections. FSL teacher-learners will share strategies\, ideas\, and resources (songs\, videos\, images\, text) beneficial for teachers (and students) at this level of language development. Teachers will build community around FSL teaching\, creating a network that will allow them to continue community building after the course\, thereby helping to combat the isolation of the FSL profession. \nParticipants will engage in both synchronous and asynchronous tasks to help them reflect on their own progress and celebrate their successes. They will build their professional toolkits by learning strategies and next steps and fostering strong connections to other FSL educators. \nPlease note that the course will focus primarily on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) but the material is also applicable to other frameworks. \nLearning Outcomes\nBy the end of this 8-week course\, participants will be able to: \n\nGrow their pedagogical and linguistic knowledge by self-assessing their French skills and teaching practices in order to value their demonstrated and growing proficiency\nAccurately assess their own CEFR language proficiency and the competency areas in need of growth or reinforcement\nDevelop the language skills necessary to engage students in their own learning journeys in the French classroom\nBuild community around FSL teaching by collaborating in an inclusive space to encourage risk-taking and use of the target language\nCombat isolation in the FSL profession by forming professional connections in class and in the CASLT CoLab community\n\nCourse Overview\n\n\n\nLesson\nGuiding Questions\nLearning Objectives\n\n\n1\nHow do we get to know our students? \nHow do we create community in the FSL classroom? \nHow can we use French effectively to build relationships and foster a sense of belonging?\nExplore personal identity and lived experiences in relation to creating community in professional practice. \nCo-create our virtual professional learning community using French as the primary means of communication. \nIncorporate strategies for community-building into teaching practices. \nDevelop and practice vocabulary and expressions related to introductions\, personal descriptions\, and community-building.\n\n\n2\nWhat are the levels of second/additional language learning according to the CEFR? \nHow do we assess our students’ levels of language acquisition? \nWhat professional needs must we meet to ensure student success? \nHow do we help students reinforce learning and develop autonomy in their language use? \nHow can we apply the CEFR framework to our own language learning journey?\nReflect on personal experiences and determine where we are on our own journey through the language learning continuum. \nDefine professional needs and expectations of community participation for this course and beyond. \nIncorporate strategies for assessing and supporting student language development into teaching practices. \nDevelop and practice vocabulary and expressions related to the CEFR and learner autonomy.\n\n\n3\nHow do we set our students up for success in the FSL classroom? \nHow can we use the Neurolinguistic Approach (NLA) to support oral language learning and engage students? \nHow can we apply NLA principles to our own language learning to enhance our oral proficiency?\nExplore the Neurolinguistic Approach (NLA) and its effectiveness in supporting oral language learning and student engagement. \nIncorporate NLA strategies into teaching practices. \nApply NLA strategies to personal language learning to improve oral proficiency.\n\n\n4\nHow do we ensure our evaluation practices are equitable in our FSL classroom? \nHow do we accurately assess what our students can do?\nExplore concepts of evaluation for learning and observation of learning. \nShare ideas on assessment and observation techniques to better understand our students. \nIncorporate the use of CEFR language descriptors in the classroom to meet student needs. \nApply CEFR B1 descriptors to self-assess personal language proficiency and set improvement goals.\n\n\n5\nHow can we apply the Action-Oriented Approach (AOA) in our FSL classrooms? \nHow can we create meaningful and authentic tasks to enhance student engagement?\nIdentify strategies to increase student engagement. \nDefine components and goals of action-oriented tasks. \nExplore action-oriented tasks at the B1 level. \nCo-create a B1 level task to be developed and worked on during the course. \nDevelop and practice vocabulary and expressions related to the AOA.\n\n\n6\nHow can we support our learners as they develop skills to accomplish action-oriented tasks?\nUse CEFR descriptors and “I can” statements to develop subtasks and student success criteria. \nDevelop and practice vocabulary and expressions related to planning and developing an action-oriented task.\n\n\n7\nHow can we apply Differentiated Instruction (DI) and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles in our FSL classrooms? \nHow do we use differentiated strategies to get students talking about visual texts? \nHow do we use differentiated strategies to get students talking about written texts in FSL?\nUse B1 level listening and speaking skills to develop a collective understanding of DI and UDL. \nExplore differentiation strategies to encourage student discussion using images and visual stories. \nCollaborate to build a bank of visual resources for use in our own contexts. \nIncorporate differentiated strategies for discussing written texts into teaching practices. \nIncorporate DI and UDL strategies into teaching practices to support students with diverse learning needs. \nDevelop and practice vocabulary and expressions related to DI and UDL.\n\n\n8\nHow do we use differentiated strategies to get students talking about oral texts in FSL? \nHow can we effectively use videos and audio texts to encourage student discussion?\nExplore differentiation strategies to encourage student discussion using video and audio content. \nExplore and engage in B1 level listening activities. \nDevelop and practice strategies for improving oral production and comprehension through discussions about audio and video content. \nBuild a bank of oral resources (videos\, podcasts\, audio clips) for use in FSL instruction. \nIncorporate strategies for discussing oral texts into teaching practices. \nDiscuss and share strategies for ongoing professional growth and continued application of our learnings in our teaching practices.
URL:https://www.caslt.org/en/event/french-for-teachers-b1-2025/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Professional Learning,FSL Fundamentals
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.caslt.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/teenage-students-AdobeStock_380920032-1920w-16-9.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20251008T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20251126T203000
DTSTAMP:20260518T044444
CREATED:20250815T165404Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251009T202026Z
UID:29914-1759950000-1764189000@www.caslt.org
SUMMARY:French for Teachers (B2) – Fall 2025
DESCRIPTION:Course Details\nSchedule and Format\n\nEight 90-minute lessons over eight weeks that blend theory and practice:\n\nSynchronous classes on Wednesdays from 7:00–8:30 p.m. ET (on Zoom)\nSome asynchronous activities to be completed during the week\n\n\nFirst class: October 8\, 2025\nLast class: November 26\, 2025\n\nRegistration Fees\nRegistration includes a free digital copy of the Action-Oriented Approach Handbook. Participants who successfully complete a course will also receive a $20 gift card for CASLT’s online boutique. \n\n\n\nRegistration Type\nRate\n\n\nCASLT Member\n$145 + tax\n\n\nNon-member*\n$200 + tax\n\n\n\n*Includes a one-year CASLT membership. \nCourse Completion\nAll participants who finish the course successfully will receive a certificate of completion. \nParticipant Profile\nTeachers of K–12 Core\, Intensive/Extended French\, or French Immersion programs across Canada who communicate with a B2 CEFR French proficiency level and wish to improve their linguistic skills in an inclusive and safe environment while developing their pedagogical practice. \nPlacement\nRegistrants do not need to take a language assessment and may place themselves by reviewing the CEFR B2 description and can-do statements. All four proficiency courses will run at the same time\, so instructors may use their discretion to move students to a different level. \nCEFR B2 Description\nB2 level communicators can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics\, including technical discussions in their field of specialization. They can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. They can produce clear\, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options. \nLanguage of the Course\nThis course uses a bilingual approach. Course content will be presented in French at a B2 level with visual and instructional supports. Participants may engage in coursework and discussions in English or French\, depending on their comfort level. \nThe instructor will model instructional strategies in French. Participants are encouraged to engage with coursework in French as much as possible to develop their proficiency. However\, they should feel free to use English to seek clarification or discuss specific linguistic or pedagogical questions. \nInstructional Approach\n\nEach class will be rooted in the activer-acquérir-ancrer model within a Universal Design for Learning framework.\nThe development of linguistic competencies will be addressed in the context of the FSL classroom. Some course activities may be adapted for classroom use to meet students’ proficiency level(s).\nPlurilingualism and choice will be respected and celebrated.\n\nCourse Description\nParticipants will engage in practical and meaningful coursework to develop language proficiency specific to the FSL teaching profession. They will use their increasingly independent language skills to gain a clear understanding of the proficiency expectations and assessment criteria of the B2 CEFR level and how these expectations can be integrated into the FSL classroom. \nIn an inclusive and welcoming environment\, teacher-learners will participate in various B2-level synchronous and asynchronous listening\, speaking\, reading\, and writing tasks in a gradual release of responsibility model. Participants will develop effective pedagogical practices and communication skills using research-based strategies and authentic texts. By actively participating and reflecting on their language learning journey\, they will equip themselves with tools to improve their French proficiency skills while gaining insight into their students’ learning needs. \nParticipants will: \n\nDevelop and participate in an inclusive and safe bi/plurilingual learning community.\nExamine B2 linguistic competencies related to oral comprehension\, oral production\, written production\, and written comprehension.\nParticipate in targeted practice of B2 linguistic and intercultural competencies in the FSL classroom context.\nReflect on and discuss instructional strategies to develop proficiency in French and how to effectively integrate them into classroom practice using clear directions and appropriate modelling.\n\nParticipants will work through tasks to reflect on their progress and celebrate their successes. They will build their professional toolkits by learning strategies and next steps while fostering strong connections with other FSL educators. Participants will also share strategies that can be used to further develop linguistic competencies and help their colleagues achieve a greater sense of self-efficacy. \nPlease note that the course will focus primarily on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) but also applies to other frameworks. \nLearning Outcomes\nBy the end of this eight-lesson course\, participants will: \n\nGrow their pedagogical and linguistic knowledge by self-assessing their French skills and teaching practices to value their demonstrated and growing proficiency.\nAccurately assess their CEFR language proficiency and the competency areas needing growth or reinforcement.\nDevelop the language skills necessary to facilitate learning in the French classroom.\nBuild community around FSL teaching by collaborating in an inclusive space to encourage risk-taking and use of the target language.\nCombat isolation in the FSL profession by forming professional connections in class and in the CASLT CoLab\n\nCourse Overview\n\n\n\nLesson\nGuiding Questions\nLearning Objectives\n\n\n1\nHow can we develop our community to create an inclusive environment designed for learning and growth?\nCo-create and participate in an inclusive and safe learning community designed for growth and maintaining our affective filters. \nExamine B2 language proficiency descriptions to self-assess and identify areas for development.\n\n\n2\nHow can Action-Oriented scenarios support our learning and teaching practice?\nDefine the components and goals of the Action-Oriented Approach. \nExplore Action-Oriented tasks from A1–B2 CEFR levels.\n\n\n3\nHow can we develop our proficiency in French by using our oral comprehension skills?\nIdentify the expectations of B2 oral comprehension. \nEngage in B2-level listening activities. \nApply strategies to enhance oral comprehension proficiency.\n\n\n4\nHow can we develop our proficiency in French by using our oral production skills?\nIdentify the B2 linguistic competencies for spoken interaction and spoken production. \nEngage in B2-level speaking activities. \nApply strategies to enhance oral production proficiency.\n\n\n5\nHow can we develop our proficiency in French by using our written comprehension skills?\nExamine B2-level written comprehension samples to identify the competencies required. \nEngage in B2-level reading activities. \nApply strategies to enhance proficiency in written comprehension.\n\n\n6\nHow can we develop our proficiency in French by using our written production skills?\nExamine B2-level written production samples to identify the competencies required. \nEngage in B2-level writing activities. \nApply strategies to enhance proficiency in written production.\n\n\n7\nHow can we develop the intercultural competency to communicate effectively and appropriately?\nExamine the intercultural competency. \nCreate an environment of curiosity and inquiry to develop intercultural competence. \nEngage in B2-level authentic activities to develop intercultural competence.\n\n\n8\nHow can we move forward? Celebrating our growth and identifying our next steps using self-assessment and professional learning practices.\nExplore ways of celebrating learning to create a supportive classroom environment designed for growth. \nShare the learning process and achievement of the B2 Action-Oriented task. \nUse the CEFR to self-assess and support assessment for proficiency growth. \nReflect on the power of communities of teaching and learning.
URL:https://www.caslt.org/en/event/french-for-teachers-b2-2025/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Professional Learning,FSL Fundamentals
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20251117T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20251117T201500
DTSTAMP:20260518T044444
CREATED:20251030T131505Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251030T131505Z
UID:30615-1763406000-1763410500@www.caslt.org
SUMMARY:Staying the Course: Strategies for Sustaining Participation in Additional Language Programs
DESCRIPTION:Why does learning another language matter\, and how can we help families\, colleagues\, and decision-makers recognize its value? Drawing on CASLT’s Why Learn Languages? project and the Literature Review on the Impact of Language Learning\, this session explores the cognitive\, academic\, social\, and identity-building benefits of additional language (L+) learning. Designed for language teachers\, school administrators\, and central leaders\, this interactive workshop will use discussion and scenarios to explore practical advocacy strategies for strengthening and sustaining enrollment in language programs. As well\, the workshop leaders will debunk common myths about language learning. Participants will leave equipped with ready-to-use talking points and strategies to communicate the value of language learning whether at open houses\, in casual conversations\, or during family engagement moments. Join this session to discover new ways to build lasting support for L+ programs and help champion the role of multilingualism — opening doors and building connections in a rapidly changing global world.
URL:https://www.caslt.org/en/event/opl-20251117/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Professional Learning,Webinar
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20251121T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20251121T151500
DTSTAMP:20260518T044444
CREATED:20250814T174305Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251120T165000Z
UID:29892-1763719200-1763738100@www.caslt.org
SUMMARY:Virtual Professional Learning Day (November 2025)
DESCRIPTION:Registration is now closed.\nCASLT’s Virtual PL Days provide a platform for teachers to connect with colleagues\, engage in interactive professional learning opportunities\, and share best practices. Our experienced team of professional learning facilitators will explore research-informed teaching approaches and strategies to inspire\, motivate\, and challenge teachers to improve their practice. The sessions will be recorded and participants will also leave each workshop with a ready-to-use teacher tool. \nRegistration Options\nMultiple registration options are available to accommodate scheduling and budgetary constraints: \n\n\n\nOption\nMember Price\nNon-Member Price*\n\n\n\n\nFull day (10:00 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. ET)\n$90 + tax\n$120 + tax\n\n\nHalf day AM (10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. ET)\n$50 + tax\n$80 + tax\n\n\nHalf day PM (12:45 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. ET)\n$50 + tax\n$80 + tax\n\n\n\n*Includes a one-year CASLT membership. \nSchedule \nEach Virtual PL Day will include two streams (one in English and one in French) of four 60-minute workshops. Full day registration includes access to all four workshop blocks\, and half day registration (either AM or PM) includes access to two workshop blocks. \n\n\n\nStart Time*\nEnd Time*\nDescription\n\n\n\n\n10:00 a.m.\n10:15 a.m.\nWelcome and Introduction (Full day or Half day AM registrants)\n\n\n10:15 a.m.\n11:15 a.m.\nSparking Joy in the Language Classroom: Boosting Student Engagement\, Motivation\, and Learning \nPresenter: Jessica Irvine \nLanguage: English\nLess Stress\, More Impact: Anti-Stress and Anti-Burnout Strategies for Language Teachers \nPresenter: Michel Boiron \nLanguage: French\n\n\n11:15 a.m.\n11:30 a.m.\nBreak\n\n\n11:30 a.m.\n12:30 p.m.\nTomorrow’s Tools Today: Using AI in the Additional Language Classroom \nPresenter: Stephanie Jackson \nLanguage: English\nFrom Curriculum to the Heart: Adapting FSL Planning and Teaching for Every Learner \nPresenter: Karen Devonish-Mazzotta \nLanguage: French\n\n\n12:30 p.m.\n1:00 p.m.\nBreak (Full day registrants)\n\n\n12:45 p.m.\n1:00 p.m.\nWelcome and Introduction (Half day PM registrants)\n\n\n1:00 p.m.\n2:00 p.m.\nWrangling the Wiggles: Classroom Management for K–12 Language Learning \nPresenter: Stephanie Jackson \nLanguage: English\nInuit Culturally Relevant Books: From Design to Classroom Practices \nPresenter: Lise Deschênes \nLanguage: French\n\n\n2:00 p.m.\n2:15 p.m.\nBreak\n\n\n2:15 p.m.\n3:15 p.m.\nReading is For All: Using a Structured Literacy Approach in the Language Classroom \nPresenter: Kim Lockhart \nLanguage: English\nCrack the Code: AI and Escape Rooms in the Language Classroom \nPresenters: Nairy Kazandjian and Marc-Albert Paquette \nLanguage: French\n\n\n\n* Eastern Standard Time \nSession Descriptions\nEnglish Sessions\nSparking Joy in the Language Classroom: Boosting Student Engagement\, Motivation\, and Learning\nJessica Irvine \nKeeping students engaged and motivated in additional language programs can be challenging\, particularly when they struggle to see the relevance to their own lives. This interactive workshop will share tried‑and‑true strategies and resources that help learners make personal connections to the target language\, build cultural awareness\, and develop essential communication skills. Participants will discover routines\, resources\, and strategies that foster literacy development\, intercultural connections\, and confidence. Examples will be drawn from elementary Core French (Grades 1–8) but can be readily adapted to other languages\, contexts\, and learner levels. \nTomorrow’s Tools Today: Using AI in the Additional Language Classroom\nStephanie Jackson \nCurious about how AI can help you save time and spark creativity in your language classroom? This hands-on workshop will explore practical ways teachers can use AI for lesson planning\, creating resources\, and supporting instruction\, all while keeping the human touch front and centre. Participants will discover free AI tools that can generate lesson plans\, sample texts\, and visuals in the target language. Learn how to create attractive slideshows and resources in minutes\, or how to provide customized feedback to students. Participants will also explore strategies for guiding students in the ethical use of AI\, from checking their writing to practicing tricky grammar. Walk away with ready-to-use ideas\, classroom-tested strategies\, and at least one AI-assisted resource to bring straight to your next lesson. \nWrangling the Wiggles: Classroom Management for K–12 Language Learning\nStephanie Jackson \nTeaching an additional language can sometimes feel a bit like herding kittens — lots of energy\, many directions\, and endless curiosity! This session will share practical classroom management strategies to harness students’ energy and keep them engaged while supporting language learning at every K-12 level. Together we’ll explore easy-to-implement routines to save time\, build confidence\, and create a positive environment for risk-taking in the target language. Participants will receive a ready-to-use toolkit of routines and strategies for smooth transitions\, focused group work\, and joyful participation. Come ready to share\, laugh\, and leave inspired with routines and strategies you can try out the very next day — no kitten-wrangling experience required! \nReading is For All: Using a Structured Literacy Approach in the Language Classroom\nKim Lockhart \nUnlock the secrets behind how students learn to read with the latest insights from the Science of Reading. This interactive workshop introduces the principles of structured literacy\, an explicit\, systematic approach proven to build strong reading and writing skills. Participants will explore evidence-based strategies to understand the what\, why\, and how of structured literacy in the language classroom. Discover practical strategies for strengthening oral language\, phonemic awareness\, phonics\, vocabulary development\, fluency\, listening\, reading comprehension\, printing\, and spelling. Examples presented will be drawn from an elementary FSL context\, but the techniques can be adapted to other languages and levels. Participants will leave ready to inspire confidence and ignite a lifelong love of reading in every student! \nFrench Sessions\nLess Stress\, More Impact: Anti-Stress and Anti-Burnout Strategies for Language Teachers\nMichel Boiron \nRecharge\, inspire\, and empower yourself to support both your students’ success and your own balance. Teaching is exciting\, but it can also sometimes become stressful and exhausting. This interactive workshop focuses on language teachers as people involved in a professional life. It will help you pause to think about professional and personal well-being as well as explore practical tips and simple strategies for avoiding stress and burnout. Participants will also leave with a selection of activities that are ready for use in the intermediate French as a second language classroom\, but that can easily be adapted to other languages or learning levels. \nFrom Curriculum to the Heart: Adapting FSL Planning and Teaching for Every Learner\nKaren Devonish-Mazzotta \nDive into an interactive exploration where the curriculum becomes a true springboard to authentic\, personalized learning experiences. Participants will learn concrete strategies for getting to know their students beyond grades\, taking into account their interests\, challenges\, and cultural and linguistic strengths. This interactive workshop will present strategies for designing lessons that celebrate the diversity of pathways and make every student an actor in their success. You’ll leave with planning tools and practical examples to make the curriculum a bridge to success for each learner\, regardless of their starting point. \nInuit Culturally Relevant Books: From Design to Classroom Practices\nLise Deschênes \nLearning French in Nunavik presents many challenges\, particularly because of the lack of culturally relevant materials for students. This dynamic workshop features an innovative initiative\, the creation of five books inspired by the experiences of Inuit students and illustrated with their participation. Accompanied by hands-on learning activities\, including pre-\, during\, and post-reading exercises as well as video\, audio\, and written resources\, these works are designed to motivate young readers and foster their success. Session participants will learn about the project’s approach\, from selecting vocabulary to setting up accompanying activities. They will leave with concrete ideas to design a similar project in their own contexts. \nCrack the Code: AI and Escape Rooms in the Language Classroom\nNairy Kazandjian and Marc-Albert Paquette \nTurn your classroom into an immersive challenge that blends creativity\, critical thinking\, and cutting‑edge technology! In this interactive workshop framed within a fun escape room scenario\, participants will discover how a project‑based approach can introduce students to the ethical and responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI). Using structured learning and evaluation and ready-to-use resources\, session participants will learn how to guide students towards responsible use of AI while designing their own escape rooms using materials available in the classroom. This approach engages all three competencies while fostering authentic\, hands‑on learning. Participants will leave inspired and ready to unleash their students’ curiosity\, teamwork\, and confidence through the power of AI! \n 
URL:https://www.caslt.org/en/event/virtual-pl-day-nov-2025/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Professional Learning
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