Participate and share: Interactive session 
Recorded Session
Presented Virtually
PURPOSE: This presentation serves a dual purpose: to offer students a fresh window into world cultures and to foster language proficiency through task- and project-based learning, all within the captivating framework of discussing monsters. In traditional classrooms, achieving both cultural exploration and language mastery can be a challenge. We propose an innovative approach that leverages technology and monsters to create dynamic, adaptive learning environments, providing students with a truly immersive and engaging language learning experience. This presentation is the culmination of years of expansion and adjustments across K-12 classes.
OBJECTIVES: Through this session, participants will be able to: 1) explore the importance of monsters and legends in world cultures; 2) discovery ways for monsters to help quickly facilitate language acquisition in their classrooms; 3) access and test out a toolkit of tech tools, online resources, and adaptable templates; 4) reflect on their own programs and identify areas where they can take these strategies and tools and implement them appropriately.
1. Exploration of Monsters, World Cultures, and Intentionality in Curricula [15 min] — guided discussion, participant opinion/experience polls
2. Language-based Activity Walkthroughs [35 min] — unit overviews, lesson plan guides, peer practice games, tech tool practice/demos (Pear Deck, Gimkit, Flip, Minecraft, AI animation and image creation, etc.)
3. Participant Self-reflection and Open Forum/Q&A [10 min] — individual work time, group discussion, “slow-burn” Q&A via Padlet
Henshaw, F. and Hawkins, M. (2022). Common Ground: Second Language Acquisition Theory Goes to the Classroom
Krashen, S. (1982). Principles and Practices of Second Language Acquisition. Los Angeles: Pergamon.
VanPatten, B. (2017). While We're On the Topic: BVP on Language, Acquisition, and Classroom Practice. Alexandria, VA: ACTFL.
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