Seminars

Not only do we provide all of the teaching materials, but we also offer seminars on a complete didactic and methodological approach to early language learning, held by Mija Selič, M.Sc. In practical and theoretical terms, the seminar presents how all of the C00lSch00l materials above can be used very effectively in the classroom as essential accessories in a teaching process that is based on:

Projects
Communication
Storytelling, drama
Social games based on cooperative learning
The target language as a means of communication
Developing reading and pre-writing skills based on convergent pedagogy (global and structural approach)

SEMINAR: A COMPLETE DIDACTIC AND METHODOLOGICAL APPROACH TO EARLY LANGUAGE LEARNING WITHOUT USING A TEXTBOOK

utrinki s seminarja

After the seminar participants:

Know how to use cooperative learning, communicative didactics, project work, and narrative in an open didactic concept of foreign language learning, in order to achieve curriculum aims and at the same time promote children’s motivation.
Acquire the basic set of didactic activities (games) that facilitate achieving all of the curriculum aims.
Know how to use the C00lSch00l teaching aids in their variety.
Are able to create their own programme and organise lessons based on the curriculum.

We will be honoured to come to you and run a seminar for your teachers. For further information, do not hesitate to contact us at: info@c00lsch00l.eu (for the attention of Mija Selič).

Frequently asked questions:

Podelitev diplom - Seminar Ljubečna avgust 2015

What is the duration of the seminar?

It is a three-day seminar, 22 hours altogether.

Who should attend the seminar ‘A COMPLETE DIDACTIC AND METHODOLOGICAL APPROACH TO EARLY LANGUAGE LEARNING WITHOUT USING A TEXTBOOK?

The seminar is the first in a set of two. This one has the focus on the approach of teaching very young children (age 5-9). The emphasis is on playing games using visual and audio support and therefore addresses all types of learning.

Do I get any practical examples of the activities that can be readily used in a class?

The first day of the seminar is devoted to demonstrate the basic set of all of the activities that lead towards achieving curriculum aims. They are addressing listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. The participants themselves are engaged in all of the activities.

Do I get any materials?

There are several handouts that are given to the participants. They are containing the subject presented and discussed, some examples of the teaching aids with the guidelines how to use them and where to get them. The participants are also given the chart of curriculum aims which they relate to the activities they have covered (and experienced) at the seminar. All of the teaching aids are available for the participants to try them out during the course of the seminar.

Is there another seminar that you organise?

We are currently working on the beginning seminar’s sequel – ‘HOW TO STRUCTURE A LANGUAGE’. It covers more structured approach to learning grammar and is focusing on the learners who are 9-11 years old. This seminar is also based on the C00lSch00l teaching aids and no textbook is used.

What is the target language that the seminar covers?

The beginning seminar (teaching children up to the age 9) demonstrates activities through games in a concept (approach) that can be tailored to any language. As for its sequel, it currently covers only learning English language.

What can be achieved by using the C00lSch00l teaching aids?

By using the approach presented on the seminar together with the C00lSch00l teaching aids a lot can be achieved. Apart from the vocabulary, other aspects of language knowledge is learned. Up to the age of 8 the approach is focusing on children becoming familiar with some grammar (personal pronouns, indefinite articles as a part of the word, verbs ‘be’ and ‘have’, and plural) and the use of target vocabulary. By the time children are 11, they are already consciously aware of and can use plural, some modal verbs (can, must) and the verbs ‘be’ and ‘have’, as well as being familiar with the basic use of articles. Furthermore, they are aware of time relations (past, present and future) and know that verbs change according to the time of happening. They also know the time adverbs that determine past, present and future actions. Moreover, they become familiar with word order (subject – verb – the rest) and are also acquainted with writing a structured text. By using cooperative learning social aspect of language learning is covered as well as speaking.

How would you describe the essence of the approach?

Just because something’s a game it doesn’t mean it isn’t serious.

Where can we attend the seminar?

The seminars are currently taking place in Slovenia. However, for organised groups they can be arranged in other countries as well. The seminar fee varies, depending on the number of seminars held in a country, number of participants attending one seminar, and the prices of accommodation and travel.

How can the C00lSch00l teaching aids be purchased?

There are four types of C00lSch00l teaching aids. The CoolDoodles are free and can be downloaded HERE. Computer games are also free and can be played HERE. As for the CoolHouse and the CoolTool, they can be purchased separately or in sets. The detailed description together with the pricelist can be found HERE. In order to get the whole extent of the use of the CoolDoodles, the CoolTool, and the CoolHouse the seminars are recommended.
If you want to place an order, follow the link HERE.

How many sets of the C00lSch00l teaching aids does one school need?

If the school can organise its schedules so that the language classes do not overlap (at least the same grades do not) then one ‘Complete Set’ is enough for the entire school. It consists of the two CoolHouses (the Cool Theme House and the Cool Alphabet House) and all of the cards (700 words, 3500 cards altogether).