Overview and Purpose

Preserving a heritage language for second and third-generation individuals living in foreign countries is a quest that many seek solutions for. This mini-course serves as an introduction to research methods in language learning through storytelling and play, specifically designed for K-2 learners. Developed based on a literature review and previous work experience in the language learning field, this course aims to preserve heritage languages. Its primary goal is to support educators and parents in utilizing storytelling and play as effective learning tools for language teaching.

Who is this course for?

Educators & Parents who are motivated to gain experience to engage young learners with language learning.
Learners who are aware of their need for practical guidance in teaching language through storytelling and play.
Learners who are longing to transition from Passive to active learning
Participants who use google tools and zoom with ease and can incorporate technology in their learning journey

This mini-course is:
- simple, designed in a "How to" steps so participants can easily follow up.
- Authentic, instructions will be an application of what is being taught in it, I will use storytelling and play to demonstrate the ideas
- Practical, as it has a project component that is build during the course where participant are create their own projects as a reflection for their learning
- Although it's online, participants will share their learning experience with other participants going through the same course and within their communities.

Performance Objectives

First, I would like to welcome you to this learning space. This is an Asynchronous Course, we may never meet but we will still be connected. Check the following important steps to navigate the course as well as the important links.

Each unit you will be required to share your insights over the course material. To submit your answers, you have to go to this form - we will call it your Journal , select the unit you are studying and answer the questions. The questions will the same as in the course content. You can view your responses as well as view other participants posts here

After completing this mini-course, learners will be able to:

Analyze the different theories of language learning
Explore different theories in Storytelling & Play Learning
Differentiate between Teacher-led and child-led learning
Evaluate different methods of language learning
Design a single lesson/activity using a story and/or a game
Connect with other participants and share their learning experience

Performance Rubrics:

Prior Starting the course, participants should review the performance rubric here.e and
When starting Unit 5, Participants should download Project Proposal Template here to start building their projects
Upon completion of the course, participant will upload the completed Project Proposal Template and complete the self assessment questionnaire here.

Course Units

Unit 1: Foundations of Language Learning

We will Identify Language Learning basics and learning theories. · We will analyze Case studies about learning theories, reflect on personal learning experience and explore how language development looks from an educator's perspective.

Unit 2: Storytelling and Play Learning

We will explore theories about storytelling and play in education and question some real case studies. By the end of the unite we will design a simple story-based activity and create play-based learning activity using a story they wrote.

Unit 3: Differentiating Learning Settings

We will explores the characteristics and principles of teacher-led and child-led learning. We will engage in scenario-based role-play to practice shifting between teacher-led and child-led settings, reflecting on the benefits and challenges of each approach.

Unit 4: Evaluation of Language Learning Methods

We will analyze various language learning methods considering their effectiveness for K-6 learners. we will also start creating evaluation rubrics based on ACTFL standards.

Unit 5: Final Project - Design a Multimodal Language Learning Program

We will start designing, implementing, and evaluating a multimodal language learning program for K-6 learners following ID framework. Participants will present their multimodal language learning program to the group, followed by peer reviews and feedback. Upon session completion, Participants should upload the Project Proposal Template. The reflection note should include “What went well, what needs improvement, Participant self-assessment form and the participant's next steps.

Course Submissions

To submit your answers, you have to go to this form - we will call it Fill in your Journal
You can view your responses as well as view other participants responses here
Prior Starting the course, participants should review the performance rubric here.
When starting Unit 5, Participants should download Project Proposal Template here to start building their projects
Upon completion of the course, participant will upload the completed Project Proposal Template and complete the self assessment questionnaire here.

Extended Resources

Extended resources relative to each unit will be shared after each unit.