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International ONSITE Conference in Prague, Czech Republic

Building Bilingual Programs

Keynotes: Dr. Marikay McCabe, Birgitta Berger & Mirka Vlckova
January 17-19, 2025
Onsite in Prague: For invited participants
OR contact us at amy.tobias@amiprague.cz
Conference fee: HONORARY INVITE ONLY funded by Erasmus+

Important information:

Date: 17-19 January 2025
Place: Mama Shelter Praha

The conference starts in:

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

This event is part of the Building Bilingual Programs for Elementary Classrooms project

..funded by Erasmus+. Project number 2021-1-CZ01-KA220-SCH-000027846.
For more information write to: plamena.koleva@amiprague.cz.

This event is part of the Building Bilingual Programs for Elementary Classrooms project funded by Erasmus+. Project number 2021-1-CZ01-KA220-SCH-000027846. For more information write to: plamena.koleva@amiprague.cz.

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.

What is a bilingual school?
A bilingual school teaches subjects in two languages, helping students become proficient in both. It promotes cultural understanding and prepares learners for global environments. The goal is balanced fluency in reading, writing, and speaking both languages.

The science and practice of language acquisition.
Language acquisition involves both natural exposure and formal learning. Effective methods combine immersion and structured teaching, drawing from psychology and linguistics. Practice in varied settings helps learners strengthen language skills.

The role of the second language teacher and home environment in second language acquisition.
Second language teachers create supportive learning environments and tailor lessons to students' needs. Families can encourage language use at home, reinforcing learning. Together, schools and homes accelerate language fluency through consistent exposure.

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
  • What is a bilingual school
  • The science and practice of language acquisition
  • The culture of second language learning
  • Principles for development of second language learning materials  
  • How to create and use second language learning materials
  • Formative assessment for bilingual learners
  • Engaging students in second language learning 
  • The role of the second language teacher  
  • The role of the home environment in second language acquisition
  • Teacher competency framework
  • Bridging L1 and L2 in an elementary classroom

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

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
  • 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

Conference Hosts:

Montessori Institute Prague
Czech Republic
Learning Ecologies
Estonia
Education for Life
Spain
Montessori At Work
France

Represented By:

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