PDTCA 2025

You just got a new student, and you heard they don’t speak English! Whether you are a generalist, math teacher, administrator, or anything else, you want to give them a great learning experience and this session can help you do it.

In this engaging and interactive session, we will explore the powerful role of play in supporting English as an Additional Language (EAL *AKA: ESL/ELL/ML) students and benefiting learners of all backgrounds. By tapping into the innate curiosity and natural inclination towards play, educators can create dynamic learning environments that foster language acquisition, promote social interaction, and enhance overall learning outcomes.

During this session, we will delve into a variety of practical strategies and innovative approaches that leverage play as a vehicle for language development. Through hands-on activities, group discussions, and real-world examples, participants will gain valuable insights and actionable ideas to implement in their classrooms.

Key topics covered in the session include:

Understanding the Benefits of Play: Discover the cognitive, social, and emotional benefits of play for EAL students and all learners. Explore how play enhances language acquisition, promotes critical thinking, and nurtures creativity.
Integrating Play into the Curriculum: Learn how to seamlessly incorporate playful learning experiences into existing lesson plans and curricula. Explore strategies for incorporating play across subject areas, fostering vocabulary development, and promoting communication skills.
Role-Playing and Drama: Explore the power of role-playing and drama as effective tools for language development. Discover how to engage EAL students in interactive role-play activities that build vocabulary, improve fluency, and enhance social skills.
Games and Gamification: Experience a range of language-based games and gamification techniques that captivate students' attention while reinforcing language skills. Learn how to adapt traditional games and digital tools to create meaningful learning experiences for EAL students.
Multilingual Approaches: Explore how to leverage the diverse linguistic backgrounds of EAL students to create a rich multilingual learning environment. Discover strategies for promoting language exchanges, celebrating cultural diversity, and fostering peer collaboration.
Creating Playful Learning Spaces: Explore practical ideas for designing a playful learning environment that engages EAL students and all learners. Learn how to set up play centers, utilize props and manipulatives, and create opportunities for open-ended exploration.
Assessment and Reflection: Discuss effective ways to assess language development through playful learning experiences. Explore strategies for providing constructive feedback and promoting self-reflection among EAL students.
Join us in this session to unlock the transformative power of play and witness how it can create a vibrant and inclusive learning environment that benefits EAL students and all learners. Walk away with practical ideas and strategies to enrich your teaching practice and empower your students on their language learning journey.

Note: This session is suitable for educators working with EAL students at various grade levels and across different subject areas. No prior experience with playful learning approaches is required.