Day One Workshop Session 1A & 2B: Location TBA

Workshop Title:
Using Verb Rounds to Internalize Complex Verbs

Dr. Kathryn Michel (Kétrin)

Dr. Michel is assistant professor of teaching at UBCO and teaches in the Bachelor of Secwépemc Language Fluency program. She also helps develop curriculum for Chief Atahm School and for the Stselxméms r Secwépemc Adult Language Fluency programs.

About the Workshop:

This workshop will introduce you to an innovative method that helps language learners conceptualize and begin to internalize complex verb structures. Through a sequence she terms “Verb Rounds”, Dr. Michel sequentially introduces intransitive verb systems then moves on to transitive verbs. 

Come and learn how you can support your youth and adult learners in learning polysynthetic verb systems.

This interactive workshop introduces an innovative, kinesthetic approach to teaching verb conjugation by integrating gestures. Drawing on principles from Total Physical Response and WAYK, participants will explore how physical actions can reinforce grammatical structures, improve retention, and increase student engagement.Participants will learn how to assign meaningful gestures to different verb forms (person markers) as well as:

  • gain ideas on designing gesture systems for other languages and age groups
  • Explore strategies for adapting this method to both in-person and online teaching environments