Learning to Speak Through Play

Learning to Speak Through Play

Methodology: 

In this interactive and participative course teachers will learn how to use TPR (Total Physical Response), movement, music, sensory play, games, art and books to help very young students start to speak a second language, such as English. We will accompany our teachers through these different approaches with examples and ideas and participants will be given the opportunity to create their own ideas and put them into practice. By the end of the course, participants will be able to use these methods and most importantly link these methods together so that students are given confidence and inspiration to speak. With this training series, we will also cover challenges that teachers might face with students during the teaching of a second language. Teachers should expect to play, laugh, sing and have fun during this week-long course.

Objectives: 

1. How to use TPR, movement, music, sensory play, games, art and books to facilitate speaking a second language

2. How to link these methods together in order to create a holistic approach to play learning and speaking

3. How to use different resources to support play learning in the classroom

4. How to tackle challenges with students and classroom management

5. Write a play-based lesson plan that encourages young learners to speak

Our PLAY BASED Philosophy:

• We create an interesting, interactive and inspiring learning experience

• We integrate many different teaching ideas and sources that anyone can use in their classroom

• We create a learning “by doing” environment where we cultivate the value in communication, cooperation and creativity

• We believe that both children and adults learn language through immersion in the classroom

• We aim to provide a space where teachers can share and learn from like-minded teachers from around Europe

• Play is a fundamental part of our philosophy

COURSE CHARACTERISTICS:

• Place: RED DONKEY COWORKING Via Antonio Gramsci 6 07041 Alghero (SS) First floor

• Duration: Monday - Friday from 9.00 am to 1 pm every day (afternoon free for cultural activities) 

• Destination: Teachers/Staff

• Participants’ number: minimum 6/maximum 15

• Necessary knowledge: none

• Working Language: English

• Our team: 3 teachers/ native English speakers

Daily programme structure:

DAILY PROGRAMME

MONDAY 

Topic: TPR, Movement and Music

This lesson will go over the foundation for play-based learning to encourage children to speak a second language. Participants will be introduced to Total Physical Response (TPR) and movement, two of the core methods to helping young learners speak. We will then discuss how TPR and movement can be integrated into music and songs to encourage young learners to speak and sing. We will talk about your objectives in using music and how to choose appropriate music for your class. Participants will create their own TPR and movement-based lesson plan.

TUESDAY

Topic: Art and Stories (books)

In this lesson, we talk about how Art and Stories can help young learners speak. We guide participants on how to prepare for an art project, how to do the project step by step with young learners to promote speaking and how to incorporate art, music and movement together in your lessons. We also cover the topic of using books to teach young learners. We talk about how to choose the perfect stories for your class, how to use interactive approaches to storytelling and using storyboards. We also show participants how to take storytelling a step further for their students by incorporating the cinema. Participants will have the opportunity to make their own story books based on vocabulary they would like to teach.

WEDNESDAY

Topic: Sensory Play and Games 

In this lesson, we will focus on using sensory play and games in the classroom. We will talk about your objectives in using sensory play and games and how to encourage young learners to speak using these tactics. We will go over different types of games to play, how to choose appropriate sensory play for your class and classroom management while using these exciting and dynamic methods. As well as, how to incorporate TPR and Movement along with the games used in class. Participants will have a chance to try some sensory activities and games.

THURSDAY

Topic: Italian Pre-school system and Preschool observation 

During this session, we'll delve into the intricacies of the Italian preschool system. Exploring its structure, curriculum, and pedagogical methods, we'll extend our learning by visiting a nearby preschool. Through direct observation of both students and educators and engaging in a dialogue with the head teacher, participants will gain valuable insights into the nuances of the Italian educational system and Italian culture. Furthermore, our course instructors will illustrate practical applications of the teaching tactics covered in the course by interacting with the children at the preschool. This hands-on experience aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the Italian preschool landscape. 

FRIDAY

Topic: Create a 360 Degree Approach & Putting it all to use

In this session, we will synthesize participants' acquired knowledge by illustrating the seamless integration of various concepts. We'll guide participants through the process of constructing a play-based unit, systematically incorporating each method. Key elements covered include integrating supplementary vocabulary, mastering smooth transitions between activities, and effectively managing diverse energy levels. Participants will actively engage by designing and presenting a lesson to their peers, fostering a dynamic environment for experimenting with different play-based learning methods. This serves as a valuable opportunity for participants to receive constructive feedback and exchange ideas with both their peers and our experienced instructors, creating a supportive and collaborative learning environment.

PRICE LIST 

CORE €500,00/person

-Administration costs- Tuition fee and training material- Documentation- Certificate of Competence- Welcome dinner- Coffee Breaks- Activities inside & outside the classroom

- Cultural visit

PLUS €1.000,00/person

- Administration costs- Tuition fee and training material- Accommodation in double room (with breakfast included) in hotel- Documentation- Certificate of Competence- Welcome dinner- Coffee Breaks- Activities inside & outside the classroom- Cultural visit 

PRO €1.100,00/person 

- Administration costs- Tuition fee and training material- Accommodation in single room (with breakfast included) in hotel- Documentation- Certificate of Competence- Welcome dinner- Coffee Breaks- Activities inside & outside the classroom- Cultural visit

DATES

• May 4, 2026 —  May 8, 2026

• November 2, 2026 —  November 6, 2026