Why Participate in the Contest?

Video creation is an effective pedagogical approach to building language skills. It is a student-centred project that incorporates reading, writing, speaking, and listening into purposeful, task-based activities.

The video creation process can be adapted to meet the language levels and learning needs of all students. It also provides a great opportunity for students to create a finished product in their second/additional language that they will be proud to share.

Remember that each student in the video must complete the consent form. It is the responsibility of the participating teacher to ensure that all forms are submitted.

Participate as a class in the Languages Build Video Contest to:

  • Provide an opportunity for students to reflect on their own language-learning journey
  • Help foster a personalized, meaningful understanding of the benefits of language learning
  • Motivate students to learn the language
  • Deepen student appreciation of plurilingualism and multiculturalism
  • Provide a fun and collaborative way for students to bring their languages to life
  • Encourage pride and self-esteem in students’ linguistic abilities
  • Enhance creative ability

Building Block 1: Generate Ideas

What do languages build for you? Engage students in a discussion on how languages can shape people, societies, and cultures. How can learning a language change their lives?

See what some of the research says about the impact of learning languages. Show your students some of the past winning videos to inspire them and get them talking about language learning.

Languages build…
  • Brain power
  • Academic skills
  • People
  • Relationships
  • Societies
  • Cultures
  • Economies
  • Inclusive environments
  • Multicultural awareness and appreciation
  • Global citizens
  • And more…

Step 1: Reflect

Encourage students to reflect on:

  • Personal experiences with the language (past and future)
  • Relationships with others who speak or are learning the language
  • Personal motivators (i.e., exchange trips, movies, programs, etc.)

Have you ever experienced an “aha! moment” while learning your second/additional language? Why was this experience so significant?

You could also use a metaphor to help students reflect upon the concept of “languages build”:

  • What are the building blocks of learning a language?
  • How do you assemble these blocks?
  • What can these blocks create?

Step 2: Brainstorm

Brainstorm situations where it would be essential to speak the language your students are learning. Here is a list to get you started. Can you add to it?

  • Introducing yourself
  • Talking about yourself and your family
  • Travelling across Canada or outside of the country
  • Ordering in a restaurant
  • Staying at a hotel
  • Finding attractions or entertainment
  • Asking for help

If you could have a conversation with someone you admire who speaks this language, who would it be and why? Create clues to help classmates guess their identity.

Building Block 2: Prepare for Video Creation

Students now turn to the production side of things and assemble their ideas to tell a language-building story. How can you depict this story in a video?

Step 1: Determine your technology

  • Mobile device
  • Camcorder
  • Digital storytelling
  • Multimedia presentation

Step 2: Determine your format

  • Interview
  • Cartoon
  • Video blog (Vlog)
  • Talking head
  • Video PowerPoint
  • Video rant
  • Photo montage
  • Stop motion animation

Step 3: Prepare your storyboard

A storyboard is a visual representation of the video that you will record. It is easy to make and will provide you with a detailed plan for recording your video. Use the Storyboard Template to help you organize your ideas.

  • Identify the scenario, the location, and the main ideas you want to share
  • Write the script in your second/additional language
  • Be sure to follow all the steps of the writing process
  • Practise the script by reading aloud to ensure that it flows well
  • Discuss with your classmates and identify any changes needed
  • Make necessary edits

Building Block 4: Submit the Video

  • Remember to include English or French subtitles in the video if it is in a language other than English or French.
  • Complete and submit the consent form and the video submission form.

Congratulations, you’ve officially entered the Languages Build Video Contest! Thank you for participating!

Winners will be announced in May 2024.

 

Languages Build Video Contest

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