Welcome to an exciting field! Whether you've had experience teaching world language at other levels or are beginning your teaching career in FLES, may I suggest some resources and strategies to help you in your first year?
1. Join ÑANDU and then search the ÑANDU archives for information on pertinent topics. There have been several exchanges involving help for new teachers and curriculum planning and development. Use the search engine to help you find inspiring and practical suggestions from past exchanges.
2. Join and become active in NNELL (National Network for Early Language Learning). The journal is full of well-written, information-filled articles. Support this organization!
3. Keep your eye out for FLES workshops/classes given by Mari Haas, Carol Ann Pesola, and Helena Curtain as well as local and regional world language conferences which usually offer special sessions for FLES professionals. You need to network.
4. Use the book LANGUAGE AND CHILDREN: MAKING THE MATCH by Curtain and Pesola Dahlberg to guide you. It is my "bible." See "Pointers: Curriculum Development."
4. For new Spanish FLES teachers check out the following URL for excellent lesson plan ideas, techniques, and procedures:
5. Take one day at a time and plan for mistakes and triumphs.
Good luck in your first, challenge-filled year!
