Kate Paesani, of the Center for Advanced Research on Language Acquisition (CARLA) at the University of Minnesota, proposes an expanded definition of “authentic texts” in language classrooms. Authentic texts used for teaching usually include literary, cinematic and informative pieces; Kate proposes looking at road signs, candy wrappers, menus, multimedia pieces and even cartoons to help students develop both language proficiency and cultural literacy.
Here are good reads from around the globe that have caught our attention for the month of June.
We begin the month of June with a post by Valerie Borey on the kinds of courage she sees in her role as assistant dean of the Language Discovery programs. Early experience with language immersion helps kids learn to confront uncertainty, make educated decisions, and stick with frustrating tasks to start their growth into courageous global citizens.
As we complete our month-long exploration of community-based learning, we’re delighted to have a post from Tom Rosenberg, President and CEO of the American Camp Association. Tom takes us through the history of American summer camps and why, after 150 years, they are more needed than ever.
As we continue to study community-based learning this month, we look at the importance of community-based learning for one particular group: adolescent girls. Girls make up 57% of all campers, and the median age for all campers in the United States is between 12 and 14. This week, Stacie Berdan reviews The Confidence Code for Girls by Katty Kay and Claire Shipman, a book focused on helping girls to develop confidence and take risks in their learning and relationships.
