Day: March 1, 2015

Language Acquisition

Each week the Language Acquisition Post will look at different language related topics. The theme for this week is Common Misconceptions

Misconception 1: Children are better second language learners than adults.

  • Children ARE better at learning pronunciation (pronunciation is not an indicator of fluency).
  • Children ARE better at interacting in social situations.
  •  Children USE simpler syntax and vocabulary so the standard for success is lower.

Learning a second language is as difficult for a child. It may be more difficult, as children do not have access to the memory techniques and other strategies that more experienced learners use to acquire vocabulary and the grammatical rules of a language. Children are likely to be shyer and more embarrassed. Children from some cultural backgrounds are extremely anxious when singled out and called upon to perform in a language they are in the process of learning,

 

Post INSET thank you

Thank you to everyone for your enthusiasm and deep thinking over the course of INSET week – including the limericks and doodles 🙂
A special thanks to Arek and his amazing facilities team for preparation of venues throughout the week, and for the Friday celebration. Thank you to Chartwells for the delicious spread on Friday. Thank you to Amy for devising such a beautiful schedule.
A gigantic thank you to all of the conference session and iPad redefinition leaders. And deep gratitude to Marina, Kasson, and Juan.

A survey requesting feedback on February INSET will be sent out soon.

I wish you a great week of student learning inspired by some of the profound discussion that took place over the week.