Modern Language Learning at LCS
Learn more about our Modern Language Learning classes at LCS with Modern Languages Teacher, Derek Doucet. In this article, Derek delves into his teachings and provides an overview of what students in his class can expect.
By: Derek Doucet
In our Modern Language classes, we spend the first few minutes checking in and using Marc Brackett's Mood Meter to talk about the brain and learning. My hope is to have students come into the classroom with an awareness of how they are feeling and an ability to gauge their own readiness to learn. We “name it to tame it” and learn to regulate; we address our needs and then dive into the lesson.
We often follow up the Mood Meter discussion with a variety of speaking prompts – some sillier than others. These prompts allow students to find comfort in speaking about a multitude of topics while expanding their vocabulary and learning different sentence structures.
I often incorporate the histories and origins of languages into my lessons to expose students to the magic and beauty of the cultures from which they are learning. I believe it's important for students to understand what has happened in the countries where these languages emerged and learn why they are spoken in various regions of the world.
To elaborate, we began this work in Grade 9 Extended French by exploring Canada's own colonial past. We discussed the history of the country, the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada and intergenerational trauma, the Underground Railroad and the role of the Chinese workers in building the Transcontinental Railroad. I believe that learning the history of the language can help students have a better understanding of the nuances and complexities of the culture they are learning.
I also think it’s important to bring our class outdoors as often as possible to spark new conversations and integrate nature into our lessons. We spent the last week of February outdoors on snowshoes, finding quiet spots in the woods to explore the 7 Grandfather Teachings of the Anishinaabe of this territory and connect them with our own lives.
We also spent a sunny day in the Grove reading and listening to "Je suis chez moi" by Black M. We used a Text Rendering protocol to arrive at a discussion about how discrimination has and currently manifests in students' own lives. By bringing the class outdoors, we often explore new topics and the conversations can take on a life of their own. Students end up using words and phrases they may not reach for in other contexts. By engaging in a variety of meaningful learning experiences, I encourage curiosity in my students and work to instill a passion for life-long learning.
School Information
4391 County Road 29, Lakefield Ontario K0L 2H0 705.652.3324 admissions@lcs.on.ca
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Lakefield College School is a private, coeducational boarding and day school for students in grades 9 through 12, located in Lakefield, Ontario, Canada.
We respectfully acknowledge that Lakefield College School is located on the Treaty 20 Michi Saagiig territory and in the traditional territory of the Michi Saagiig and Chippewa Nations, collectively known as the Williams Treaties First Nations, which include: Curve Lake, Hiawatha, Alderville, Scugog Island, Rama, Beausoleil, and Georgina Island First Nations. Lakefield College School respectfully acknowledges that the Williams Treaties First Nations are the stewards and caretakers of these lands and waters in perpetuity and that they continue to maintain this responsibility to ensure their health and integrity for generations to come.
We respectfully acknowledge that Lakefield College School is located on the Treaty 20 Michi Saagiig territory and in the traditional territory of the Michi Saagiig and Chippewa Nations, collectively known as the Williams Treaties First Nations, which include: Curve Lake, Hiawatha, Alderville, Scugog Island, Rama, Beausoleil, and Georgina Island First Nations. Lakefield College School respectfully acknowledges that the Williams Treaties First Nations are the stewards and caretakers of these lands and waters in perpetuity and that they continue to maintain this responsibility to ensure their health and integrity for generations to come.
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