ABSTRACT
Requirements: invitations to parents; presentation(s); room large enough to host everyone comfortably; refreshments (if necessary). Event time: 10-60 minutes (depending on activity/available time). Languages targeted: any Impact: medium-high (can be used with small and large groups)
Much has been made of the importance of communicating the value of language skills to students at school.These messages are most often delivered by teachers, university staff, undergraduates or business representatives.All endeavour to encourage students to either take up or continue studying a language.However, these efforts can sometimes be negated by parents who believe that languages are not useful or worthwhile and that other subjects are more important. Many parents recall the language lessons they experienced at school and these memories are not always positive! As a result, language learning is sometimes not encouraged or supported. In turn, this can lead to children exhibiting similar negative attitudes.Painting a new picture for parents that languages can be fun, interesting and, above all, valuable and advantageous is key to helping them become advocates for language learning.
