MindThings

Why is this important?

Cognitive science has shown that bilingualism is not just about speaking two languages—it fundamentally shapes the brain, influencing cognitive and language development, providing both advantages and vulnerabilities. Studies also show that students in classrooms where teachers have received training in multilingual education perform better academically and demonstrate higher engagement.

 

Many educators face challenges:

• How can I support German learning without discouraging students from using their home languages?

• Should children be explicitly asked to speak only German in class?

• How do I engage students who are hesitant to speak?

• How can I create a welcoming environment for multilingual learners?

 

This workshop directly addresses these questions by translating research into practical strategies that teachers can apply in their daily work.

 

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What Will You Learn?​

The workshop is designed to bridge cognitive science with classroom practice. Educators will:

• Understand the cognitive effects of bilingualism: Learn how multilingualism affects brain function, strengthens executive skills and supports overall academic performance.

• Learn about bilingual language development: Discover whether bilingual children develop language skills at the same rate as monolinguals and what are the crucial differences.

• Implement research-backed teaching strategies: Gain practical tools to integrate multilingualism into classroom routines, improve engagement, and foster language-rich environments.

• Develop solutions to real-world challenges: Through case studies and interactive discussions, participants will collaborate on strategies to address specific classroom difficulties.

 

 

Practical classroom strategies​

Throughout the workshop, participants will be introduced to a range of actionable strategies drawn from the latest research in cognitive science and language development. These strategies are designed to be both effective and adaptable to diverse classroom settings.

 

You’ll learn how to make your classroom a space where multilingualism is seen not as a barrier, but as a powerful learning asset. We’ll explore how small, intentional changes in your daily routine can make a big difference in children’s language growth and engagement.

 

Expect hands-on tools for enhancing language support, boosting student confidence, and fostering deeper participation—all while preserving a strong focus on German learning. Whether you're working with children who are just beginning to speak or those navigating multiple languages at once, you'll come away with a toolkit of practical ideas you can immediately apply—and the understanding of why they work.

 

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Workshop structure

The workshop is highly interactive and designed to provide both theoretical insights and practical solutions. It includes:

• The science of multilingualism: An overview of research findings on bilingual brain development, language development and academic performance.

• Evidence-based strategies: Step-by-step guidance on implementing multilingual-friendly practices.

• Case studies and discussion: Participants bring in their own classroom challenges, and we develop solutions together based on research insights.

 

 

Who is it for

This workshop is ideal for kindergarten and primary school educators working with multilingual students. No prior knowledge of linguistics or cognitive science is required—just a willingness to explore new approaches and strategies.

 

Workshop outcomes

By the end of the session, participants will:
✔ Understand how multilingualism affects cognitive development and learning.
✔ Be able to integrate bilingual-friendly teaching methods into their classrooms.
✔ Have a set of practical, research-backed strategies for supporting language development.
✔ Feel more confident in fostering an inclusive and engaging learning environment for all students.

 

Optional follow-up support

For those who want ongoing guidance, we offer:
📌 Weekly support sessions (1-hour group discussions on strategy implementation).
📌 WhatsApp coaching (quick 15-minute check-ins for real-time support).
📌 Classroom observations & feedback (for schools that wish to take a deeper approach).

 

This workshop is designed to be not just informative but immediately useful, equipping teachers with the knowledge and tools to create a thriving multilingual classroom.