World Languages

About the Foundations of Teaching Language in Elementary School Course

For young students to become proficient in a world language, they must be engaged first! In this course, you will learn how to make language instruction relevant and meaningful for your students through visuals, hands-on learning, age-appropriate activities, and peer collaboration. 

Each learning unit in the course includes:

  • Detailed step-by-step techniques
  • Actionable strategies
  • Easy to follow examples
  • Video demonstrations

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Getty World Languages

Learning Units Included in the Course

The Foundations of Teaching Languages in Elementary School course consists of five learning units:

  • Using the Target Language

  • Using Gestures, Actions, Visuals, and Props to Teach the Target Language

  • Providing Meaningful Contexts for Language Learning

  • Planning for Student-Centered Language Instruction

  • Fostering Partner and Small Group Work


For more information about these learning units, please see the descriptions below. If you prefer to view a learning unit individually, you can select the link beneath the description. 

Using the Target Language

Getty Using the Target Language

Elementary world language teachers can make the most of their limited time with students by always using the target language. This strategy helps teachers instruct in the target language while supporting comprehension through routines, gestures, and simplified speech.

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Using Gestures, Actions, Visuals, and Props to Teach the Target Language

Getty Using Gestures, Actions, Visuals, and Props to Teach the Target Language

You can reinforce language comprehension and maintain student interest with purposeful gestures, actions, visuals, and props. Use this strategy to incorporate visual aids and cues that help students build their target language proficiency!

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Providing Meaningful Contexts for Language Learning

Getty Providing Meaningful Contexts for Language Learning

When world language teachers help young students connect the target language with the world around them, they provide important contexts for learning. This strategy helps teachers plan age-appropriate, high-interest activities that inspire meaningful communication.

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Planning for Student-Centered Language Instruction

Getty Planning for Student-Centered Language Instruction

Student-centered world language instruction engages students more effectively than teacher-led direct instruction and lecture. Use this strategy to get students moving, talking, and interacting with one another as they gain language proficiency! 

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Fostering Partner and Small Group Work

Getty Fostering Partner and Small Group Work

When young world language students work in pairs and small groups, they practice authentic speaking and listening skills that build both proficiency and confidence. This strategy shows you how to design collaborative lessons that provide your students with meaningful, intensive communication opportunities.

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