Ponencia: So much more than words. Language, the ultimate tool for the human experience
No one can deny that being fluent in two, three and even four languages is a useful asset when it comes to job opportunities, travel experiences and stand out in all sorts of competitions. But first and foremost, language is the ultimate tool for human connections. Language helps us to share moments, tell stories and express our feelings. When we learn a language, we build knowledge but as a teacher our job is to make sense of the words we are teaching. Language must be more than a pedagogical exercise, it must be seen as a tool to express myself, to share my dreams, my wants, my feelings, my stories. Learning a language and using it must be anchored in a positive emotional experience. What better way to start this positive experience than through play. By using play to learn we create a context where students can express themselves with ease, confidence and without fear of being laughed at. The cultural pedagogical approach suggests three spheres of oral communication theory. This workshop will explore how play can be the stepping stone to developing the first sphere and build strong language skills leading to the other two spheres : self-expression and empowerment .