SPEAKING OF MOTHER TONGUE

The structure of work stations provided a non-threatening environment that enabled full engagement of all participants, regardless of age or ability level. It was great to see that every participant was supported to take part within the parameters of their own comfort level. This is particularly important when working with young people and children who have suffered trauma.

The importance of mother tongue (home language) as fundamental to identity and as the basis for second language development underpins the workshop and I think there might be a possibility to use this workshop as a “hands on” experience in workshops with teachers, student teachers and parents to highlight this idea.

The presenters were able to give intense one on one support to participants which is ideal for the development of supportive and open learning relationships

The focus on creativity and the making of language rather than the study of language is a model for differentiated and high quality teaching and learning. Some of the positive aspects are:

– [Participants] were encouraged to problems-solve and discover different ways to approach tasks.
– Participants had a range of choices and were able to use their preferred learning styles
– The activity concretised a number of aspects language learning and opened up a space for discussion for similarities and differences.
– The activities were playful and fun and support the idea that learning does not have to be painful. The various stages of project providing opportunities for repeated practice and embedding in memory of the linguistic content.
Barbara Schaffer, Educator

Documentary

The creative process was documented by Nawal Abdi as part of the bigger archival project of mapping community arts and cultural development in Western Sydney.