Course Schedule
Inspiring Language Learners with CLIL Methodology in Finland with school visits
Core Activities
Day 1:
Introduction to STPM - Building connections
Begin your journey with the STPM approach, where mindfulness and well-being take centre stage. Dive into Finlandâs pioneering educational model and cultural heritage through "The Finnish Corner," and connect with new European colleagues through engaging ice breaking activities and a welcoming social gathering. This event takes place in Helsinkiâs iconic library, a stunning blend of cultural house, community hub, and breathtaking architecture. This inspiring venue sets the tone for a week of creativity, connection, and learning.
Day 2:Â
Introduction to Smart Teachers Play More methodology
Discover the Smart Teachers Play More (STPM) methodology, an active and engaging approach to language learning. Explore movement games and interactive flashcard activities designed to develop speaking and listening skills while introducing key competences. Learn about eco-friendly choices and how they can enrich classroom activities.
The power of play dough workshop
Experience how sensory play and the creative process with play dough can boost motivation and support language acquisition. Explore grammar in action through engaging chants and hands-on activities. Discover how sensory experiences create meaningful connections for effective language learning.
Day 3:Â
The power of storytelling
Discover how storytelling can transform language learning by engaging students through movement, chanting, and props. Practise choral speaking and interactive vocabulary games to build confidence and fluency. Use story maps and visual aids to structure narratives, culminating in small group presentations that bring stories to life.
Core movement language games
Explore core movement games as dynamic tools for language learning. Engage in STPM core activities like âMove to the Middleâ and âObstacle Course,â demonstrating their flexibility for teaching vocabulary, grammar, and communication skills. Enjoy active participation and collaborative brainstorming sessions to adapt these games to different classroom contexts.
The Finnish educational system
We will conclude the day with an introduction to the Finnish school system, providing essential background knowledge in preparation for the upcoming school visit.
Day 4
Interactive school visits and reflection
Participants will spend the day visiting a Finnish school tailored to their teaching stage or subject area. This immersive experience offers a unique opportunity to gain inside knowledge, interact with Finnish educators and students, and explore the Finnish school system firsthand. Through conversations and observations, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the practices that make Finland's education system stand out. At the end of the school day, we will come together as a group to reflect on the visits, share insights, and discuss how these experiences can inform and inspire your own teaching practices.
Day 5:Â
Dynamic story activities
Bring stories to life with interactive activities like Story Bingo, Story Stones, and Symbol Storytelling to enhance language skills and creativity. Discover how reading comprehension and other worksheets can be transformed into engaging, movement-based tasks, making language learning more dynamic and motivating for students.
Sharing good practice
Take the opportunity to share an effective classroom activity or strategy youâve successfully used in your language teaching. Engage with your European colleagues in an exchange of ideas, methods, and creative techniques for language instruction.
Day 6:Â
STPM station activities and active listening
Explore a variety of interactive stations designed to teach language and cross-curricular objectives through movement-based activities and engaging tasks. Conclude with an active listening session, reflecting on your course experiences and sharing key takeaways with peers.
Vision planning and reflection in language teaching
Using digital and collaborative tools, create a vision plan with actionable goals to integrate language strategies and activities into your teaching practice. Conclude with an evaluation and feedback discussion, reflecting on your growth, key takeaways, and future goals for enhancing language teaching and communication.
Day 7:
Weâll spend our final day together at the Helsinki City Museum, reflecting on the weekâs experiences and insights. This time will also be an opportunity to strengthen the connections formed with new friends, celebrating the journey and looking ahead to future collaborations.
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