International ONSITE Conference in Prague, Czech Republic
Building Bilingual Programs
Paving the way for bilingual elementary programs
The Building Bilingual Programs conference is a key step towards developing a child-centered and sustainable school culture for bilingual education. By combining Montessori principles with bilingual learning, the conference promotes an approach where children can naturally develop language skills while fostering independence and creativity.
- 17-19 January, 2025
- Onsite in Prague, Czech Republic
- International students
- Conference fee: HONORARY INVITE ONLY funded by Erasmus+
Suitable for:
School administrators
ESL teachers
Classroom guides
Topics to be covered
What is a bilingual school?
Learn how bilingual schools teach in two languages to help students become fluent in both. Find out how this approach encourages cultural understanding and prepares learners for a global world.
The science and practice of language acquisition.
Understand the key elements of how we learn languages, combining natural exposure with structured teaching. Discover practical ways to use immersion and proven methods to help students strengthen their language skills.
The role of the second language teacher and home environment in second language acquisition.
See how teachers and families can work together to support second language learning. Explore ways to create a consistent and engaging environment, both at school and home, to boost language fluency.
Formative assessment for bilingual learners
Explore how formative assessment can support bilingual learners by providing insights into their language and academic development. Discover strategies to adapt assessments that honor their unique journey and inform effective teaching practices.
Language of the conference: ENGLISH
Interpretation into following languages upon request; contact as at amy.tobias@amiprague.cz
- Czech
- Estonian
- Spanish
- French
Grand Launch of the
"Field Guide for Bilingual Programs:
Elementary Schools"
The first whole school source book ever on building bilingual programs in elementary programs.
It is a collection of information, knowledge, experiences and case studies documenting strategies that have worked in schools around the world and in various contexts.
This field guide will be available FREE of charge to everyone in digital format.
Keynote Speakers
Marikay McCabe
Birgitta Berger
Mirka Vlckova
Breakout Session Leaders
Lucie Urbančíková
Lucy Welsted
Aoife Ahern
Hana Chramostova
What you will get:
Confidence & New Practical Knowledge
A Tool Box For Bilingual Education
Questions & Concerns Answered
Clarity of Goals & Action Plan
Community, Connection & Encouragement
Self-Growth & Mindset Shift
Conference venue: Mama Shelter Prague
Welcome to Prague!
It’s not hard to see why the Czech capital city of Prague, both charming and mischievous, appeals to everyone. From the ten floors and the epic terrace of the international hotel Mama Shelter Prague you will experience the beautiful red rooftops and ancient castles of the Golden City . A ten-minute tram ride to the Old Town, Mama Shelter Hotel will offer you a conference home just outside the crush of tourism, while remaining plugged into the city’s beating heart.
Accommodation
- Participants are responsible for their own booking.
- Booking for rooms at Mama Shelter Hotel can be done here.
CONFERENCE PACKAGE
3-day Conference Program
- Keynote speeches
- A series of workshops on different topics
- Community activities
- Networking
Resources & more
- Workshop Manual
- A book divided into three pillars:
1) for guides
2) for administrators
3) for second language teachers
- A book divided into three pillars:
- Field Guide for Bilingual Programs: Elementary Schools
- on USB drive + QR for download
- Maria Montessori Journal
- A Maria Montessori-themed notebook
Food & Refreshments
- Refreshments, coffee & other beverages during coffee breaks
- Lunch on Saturday & Sunday
- Dietary preferences: food will be provided in form of buffet with a selection of vegetarian, vegan & non-vegetarian dishes
CONFERENCE REGISTRATION
3 DAYS
January 17-19, 2025
Conference fee for 3 days: €0
+
Resources & more
+
Food & refreshments
€197
Friday, 17th January - keynotes & panel discussion
12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
HOTEL ENTRANCE LOBBY: Registration
1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
MAIN ROOM: Opening & Keynote: Mulitingualism & Montessori - Marikay McCabe
2:00 - 2:30 p.m.
MAIN ROOM: Community Activity
2:30 - 3:30 p.m.
MAIN ROOM: Keynote: Moving Within and Beyond the Original Scope of Montessori Pedagogy to Meet the Needs of L2 Learning - Birgitta Berger
3:30 - 4:00 p.m.
Coffee Break
4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
MAIN ROOM: Stories of L2 Specialists Panel: Lucie Urbancikova, Jenny Salmon, Katya Rendón, Subhagata Pal
Saturday, 18th January - workshop sessions
9:00 - 10:30 a.m.
MAIN ROOM: Community Activity
10:30 - 11:00 a.m.
Coffee Break
11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Breakouts:
1) Collaboration between L2 Specialists & Guides: Jenny Salmon
2) Intercultural Langauge Learning: Opening Our Schools to the World! - Licia Arnaboldi
3) Parent Communication - Lucy Welsted
12:30 - 2:00 p.m.
Conference Lunch Break
2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
MAIN ROOM: Community Activity
3:00 - 4:30 p.m.
Breakouts:
1) Hands-On Materials for Cambridge Exams in 6-9 Classrooms - Svetlana Beckerman
2) Bridging the Needs of 4-8 y.o.: The Use of Small Groups for Vocabulary Enrichment - Florencia Ugalde
3) Empowering the 6-12-year-old Child to Take (More) Charge of Their L2 Learning - Jana Winnefeld
5:00 - 6:00 p.m.
MAIN ROOM: Community Activity
6:00 - 6:30 p.m.
Photoshoot
Sunday, 19th January - workshops, keynote & panel discussion
9:00 - 10:30 a.m.
Breakouts:
1) Instilling Bilingual Culture: How to Create a Culture of Language Learning - Laura Cassidy
2) Early Literacy for L2 Learners - Denise Fernandes
11:00 - 11:30 a.m.
MAIN ROOM: Field Guide Launch Presentation
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
1) Panel Discussion:
New Challenges of International Schools in the Post-pandemic Period - Marikay McCabe, Malgosia Tarnowska, Pherooz Karani, Joanna Stewart
2) Breakout:
Teacher Competencies in Relation to Building Bilingual Programs - Hana Chramostova & Team of Montessori Schools Andilek
12:30 - 13:30 p.m.
GARDEN BAR DOWNSTAIRS: Closing & Conference Lunch
Conference Hosts:
Montessori Institute Prague
Learning Ecologies
Education for Life
Montessori At Work
Represented By:
Do you have any questions?
