A variety of fun, informative, interactive language-related incursions for students from Stages 2 through 5.
Stories and puzzles from the English language and beyond…
The Language Garden offers language incursions for both small and large groups, exploring the magic of language in a variety of engaging ways. There are incursions on the weird and wonderful history of the English language, the richness of Australia’s Indigenous languages, the diversity of languages around the world, and the story of how human beings learned to represent language on the page - writing! Each incursion is accompanied by a series of short puzzles which students solve in groups with the presenter’s assistance, with prizes on offer for the best and quickest solutions. A perfect way to inform and inspire the study of both English and Languages Other Than English. Details of the individual incursions can be found below.
The Story of English (Stages 4-5)
90-minute presentation. A brief, interactive introduction to the history of our language, its origins and its position in the world today. Students solve language puzzles in groups. Watch a brief snippet from the presentation below.
Cost:
$9 per student (minimum 40 students, maximum 60).
$8 per student for three presentations in one school day.
Syllabus links:
EN4-RVL-01: Understand how language use evolves over time and in different places and cultures, and is influenced by technological and social developments
EN4-URB-01: Understand how the style of a text can be the product of a particular time period, culture or genre
The Languages of Australia (Stages 4-5)
90-minute presentation. A look at the richness and variety of Indigenous languages of Australia, and their continuing influence on our country. Students solve language puzzles in groups. Watch a brief snippet from the presentation below.
Cost:
$9 per student (minimum 40 students, maximum 60).
$8 per student for three presentations in one school day.
Syllabus links:
EN4-URA-01: explore how Standard Australian English has been influenced by a range of languages and dialects
EN4-URB-01: explore how specific elements of languages and dialects, including Standard Australian English, Auslan, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Languages, and Aboriginal English, can shape expressions of cultural context in texts
AST4-1: identifies the factors that contribute to an Aboriginal person’s identity
AST4-4: outlines changes in Aboriginal cultural expression across time and location
AST5-4: explains adaptations in, and the changing nature of, Aboriginal cultural expression across time and location
Where Words Come From (Stages 3-5)
90-minute presentation. An interactive look at etymology – the origins of English words. Students solve language puzzles in groups. Watch a brief snippet from the presentation below.
Cost:
$9 per student (minimum 40 students, maximum 60).
$8 per student for three presentations in one school day.
Syllabus links:
EN4-RVL-01: Understand how language use evolves over time and in different places and cultures, and is influenced by technological and social developments
Testimonial::
“The presenter was extremely knowledgeable and passionate about languages and linguistics. The workshop had students thinking across languages in ways they don’t usually do, and they still bring up some of the more obscure connections in classes months later!”
Leigh Morgan, language teacher, Baulkham Hills High School
The Story of Writing (Stages 3-5)
90-minute presentation. An engaging introduction to the history of the alphabet and other writing systems worldwide, from Ancient Egypt to the present. Students solve language puzzles in groups. Watch a brief snippet from the presentation below.
Cost:
$9 per student (minimum 40 students, maximum 60).
$8 per student for three presentations in one school day.
Syllabus links:
EN4-URB-01: Understand how the style of a text can be the product of a particular time period, culture or genre
A World of Language (Stages 3-5)
90-minute presentation. An interactive look at the variety of the world’s 7,000 languages and writing systems. Students solve language puzzles in groups. Watch a brief snippet from the presentation below.
Cost:
$9 per student (minimum 40 students, maximum 60).
$8 per student for three presentations in one school day.
Syllabus links:
EN4-URA-01: analyses how meaning is created through the use of and response to language forms, features and structures
Testimonal:
“I loved the depth of knowledge…the presenter’s knowledge over so many topics, languages and linguistic connections was extensive and very helpful for the students to see. I really enjoyed listening and the students were very engaged!”
Fiona Andrawis, language teacher, Baulkham Hills High School
OzCLO - Australia’s Language Competition (Stages 4-5)
One-hour presentation. An introduction to the annual OzCLO competition, in which students can compete against their peers from around the country in solving a variety of language puzzles. Students solve OzCLO-style puzzles in groups at the end! Watch a brief snippet from the presentation below.
Cost:
$8 per student (minimum 40 students, maximum 60).
Syllabus links:
EN4-URB-01: Understand how the style of a text can be the product of a particular time period, culture or genre