Focusing on Proficiency in the Novice Level Foreign Language Classroom

Thanks to OWL (Organic World Language) for really driving home the importance of focusing on language proficiency. I love the ACTFL Can-Do Statements, but they are not always kid-friendly. I have modified them to be more age appropriate for my 1st, 2nd and 3rd graders (ages 6-8).

In the past I assessed them on vocabulary blocks, but this year the focus is on proficiency. Just a small change in approach is all it takes. Rather than listing fruits, tell me the ones that you like and don’t like. Instead of listing all the animals you know, choose a few of your favorites and describe where they live. Instead of responding to my greetings, have a conversation with a classmate.

Students will decide when they are ready to show proficiency and will put a sticker on the statement when they demonstrate that they can do it. One sticker is all it will take to motivate the whole gang. My guess is that some of the 2nd graders will want to do some of the 3rd grade prompts…all the better. These prompts should get them to Novice Mid or even further by the end of 3rd grade.