The Bridge

This professional development opportunity is an introduction to The Bridge (based on Teaching for Biliteracy, strengthening Bridges between Languages) for teachers of dual language learners.  We will review three components of the Bridge: a level one translation "bridge", a level two "Bridge" with a metalinguistic focus, and a follow-up activity to the bridge lesson.  We will analyze sample "bridges" from the elementary level and discuss the purpose of each of the three components.  We will dive deeply into the metalinguistic awareness opportunities provided by the level two bridge and brainstorm ways to plan a level two bridge with colleagues.  This session will also be an opportunity for collaborative work amongst colleagues.  Participants will plan a "Bridge" with colleagues and will leave with clear lesson plans for all three components of their Bridge.

Audience: Teachers, Coaches, and Leaders of Dual Language Education programs. 

Suggested Text: Beeman & Urow, (2012) Teaching for Biliteracy, Strengthening Bridges between Languages, Caslon Publishing

National Dual Language Education Teacher Preparation Standards (NDLETPS) Standard 3 Dual Language Instructional Practices and Pedagogy

MA Bilingual Education Endorsement SMK 4 Implementation of strategies for coordinating non-English partner language instruction and English language development for English learners