Spanish Outside School (SOS) Pilot Program

1. Spanish Outside School (SOS) Pilot Program November 2016 – March 2017 ISA CommitteeTena Hanson & Jodi Roy Wilson Co-Chairs, Puesta del Sol April 2017

2. What we’ll cover • Lofty Goals • Simple Structure • Makes a Difference • Lessons Learned • Next Steps

3. Lofty Goals Pilot Program – • Organized by the ISA Committee • Jointly funded by PdS principal (teacher) and PTA (supplies) Objectives – • Students have fun in Spanish, practice speaking Spanish, and ultimately become more excited about speaking Spanish.  Overall, they ‘gain confidence through fun.’  • Integrate ISA community (ISA student coaches from Newport HS).

4. Video: SOS Pilot Programhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zq8BaFeAHso&feature=youtu.be

5. Simple Structure For 6 Wednesday afternoons, 3rd, 4th and 5th grade PdS students spoke 100% Spanish and had fun doing it.   How? Simple: • Teacher sets the framework and activities • ISA students from Newport High School guide the activities

6. Simple Structure What’s more - • “We develop a safe and casual place where interaction happens easily. The kids know what to expect, relax and naturally have fun playing games – all in Spanish." • “Activities are chosen to practice communication skills, acquire vocabulary, and in their execution, help build confidence through fun.“ • "NHS students are instrumental - they keep kids on task, speaking Spanish, having fun – and model ISA success."

7. “We develop a safe and casual place where interaction happens easily.The kids know what to expect, relax and naturally have fun playing games – all in Spanish.“ “Activities are well chosen and the NHS students instrumental.” 

8. Simple Structure • Here’s some stats…

9. Makes A Difference • Does it work?  Parents thought so.   • 97% felt their objectives for their children were achieved  • After only 6 weeks, they reported increases in their children's • enjoyment (+5%) • comfort (+7%) • confidence speaking Spanish (+10%) • excitement about learning and speaking Spanish (+3%).   • Importantly, 94% would be likely or very likely to recommend it to others • 97% said they would participate again if no charge • 80% if they had to pay for it.

10. Makes A Difference +5% +7% +10% +3%

11. Makes A Difference Pilot #1 Pilot #2 Speak Comfort Confident Excited Speak Comfort Confident Excited +8% +3% +6% +4% -- +11% +15% +1%

12. Makes A Difference • What parents had to say: “It was a way for my son to engage with others in Spanish and build his confidence in using Spanish outside of the classroom. It was also great for him to meet older students in the program and inspire him to stay in the program.” “I liked the structure of the program, my daughter was always happy about attending.” “I thought it was positive having the kids work with high school kids - seemed to increase the interest in learning.” “My girls both really enjoyed it; the opportunity to interact with kids of different grades and to try out their Spanish in an environment that didn't feel like 'work'.” “He came out of every class excited about Spanish. It fulfilled the needed SOS hours for homework.” “My son really enjoyed it and said he learned a lot of vocab from the class.” “My daughter had a great time and gained more confidence.”

13. Makes A Difference • What did parents like about SOS? “It was fun for the children and they almost forgot it was also educational.” “I asked my son and he said "pretty much everything." He enjoyed the people, the games and speaking Spanish.” “It was right after school, on campus, was used for monthly SOS hours and gave my daughter the space to make new friends.” “They had an opportunity to speak Spanish for an additional 1.5 hours per week that they would not have done otherwise. They also enjoyed the games and interacting with the high school ISA students.” “My son spoke about the session positively and was excited about going! “Helped my daughter feel more comfortable speaking Spanish.” “The only part of school that my son doesn't complain about.”

14. Makes A Difference • …and parents want more…  “Please continue this program next year. Kids need more opportunities to practice Spanish outside of school. Thank you.” “It would be great if it was offered throughout the school year.” “How can I sign up for more?!” “I love the SOS program.  My son loves the SOS program.  I am glad you started it.  If you need funds to continue it, I love it enough that I would pay for an after school SOS program.”

15. Lessons Learned • The NHS students are instrumental.   • Min 4:1 ratio for small group work = Max fun and speaking • Attendance can fluctuate – but commitment overall • Back to back sessions met with fewer helpers; needs planning up front (around finals!) and to leverage student outreach committee • ISA teaching assistant was a great help; bigger Amity group could be great resource • Program Management worked, Communication is key • Lottery, forms, communication – all worked well, all available • Six consecutive weeks lowers volunteer drop out and management investment • Teacher was excellent – developed and built a great program • Framework and activities – all available as lesson plans • Will need investment for some games • Challenge will be to keep interest of repeat participants

16. Next Steps • Turn into a standing ISA program at PdS   • Create the expectation of HS students - “What we do” in ISA • Run 3 times/academic year, possibly in the summer • Extend to 2 classes/session – with teachers & space available • Decide program – PTA, parent or school funded • Organize for 2017-18 academic year • Run one more session April-May this year? LOOKING UNLIKELY • Teacher resources interested • High school seniors to help in PdS classroom, may be willing • Program Management needs volunteers • Organize and attend the sessions on behalf of the PTA • Support and coaching a given!

17. Appendix**************************Simple Structure, Framework and Pictures

18. Simple Structure For 6 Wednesday afternoons, 3rd, 4th and 5th grade PdS students spoke 100% Spanish and had fun doing it.   How? Simple: • Teacher sets the framework and activities • ISA students from Newport High School guide the activities

19. Simple Structure What’s more - • “We develop a safe and casual place where interaction happens easily. The kids know what to expect, relax and naturally have fun playing games – all in Spanish." • “Activities are chosen to practice communication skills, acquire vocabulary, and in their execution, help build confidence through fun.“ • "NHS students are instrumental - they keep kids on task, speaking Spanish, having fun – and model ISA success."

20. Framework • Opening • Rules: 1) Have Fun 2) 100% in Spanish 3) Respect • Overview of session • Ice Breakers • Mixer games: Fun-Fact-Find, I like/I love, Word Race, etc. • Small Group Activities • Tabu, Conversation Catch, Charades, Pictionary, Draw-to-Order, Uno (verbs), etc. • Closing • Word Wall • Feedback (I like/I would like) • Compliments

21. Teacher Introduces Activity

22. Ice Breaker(Fun-Fact-Find)

23. Small Group Activity (Tabu = Circumlocution)

24. Small Group Activity(Conversation Catch)

25. Closing(Word Wall)

26. Closing(Feedback, Compliments)