Course Schedule

Core Activities

Day 1: 

Introduction to STPM and building connections

Start the week with an active introduction to the Smart Teachers Play More (STPM) approach, emphasising the importance of collaboration, creativity, and well-being in education. Participate in energising ice-breaking activities to connect with European colleagues and build a supportive learning community. Discover Spain’s rich cultural heritage through “The Spanish Corner,” featuring engaging activities and traditions. Explore digital tools for sharing resources and fostering collaboration. Conclude the day with a relaxed social gathering at a local venue, setting the tone for a dynamic and inspiring course.

Day 2: 

Introduction to Smart Teachers Play More methodology

Discover the Smart Teachers Play More (STPM) methodology, an active and engaging approach to language learning. Explore movement games and interactive flashcard activities designed to develop speaking and listening skills while introducing key competences. Learn about eco-friendly choices and how they can enrich classroom activities.

The power of play dough workshop

Experience how sensory play and the creative process with play dough can boost motivation and support language acquisition. Explore grammar in action through engaging chants and hands-on activities. Discover how sensory experiences create meaningful connections for effective language learning.

Day 3: 

The power of storytelling

Discover how storytelling can transform language learning by engaging students through movement, chanting, and props. Practise choral speaking and interactive vocabulary games to build confidence and fluency. Use story maps and visual aids to structure narratives, culminating in small group presentations that bring stories to life.

Core movement language games

Let’s go to our beach classroom and explore core movement games as dynamic tools for language learning. Engage in STPM core activities like ‘Move to the Middle’ and ‘Obstacle Course,’ demonstrating their flexibility for teaching vocabulary, grammar, and communication skills. Enjoy active participation and collaborative brainstorming sessions to adapt these games to different classroom contexts.  

Day 4:

Learning, reflecting, and building relationships in Altea

Experience a day of inspiration and relaxation in the picturesque village of Altea, blending learning, exploration, and cultural exchange. Begin the day by transforming the local beach into a dynamic outdoor classroom. Engage in whole-class teacher-directed movement activities and calming games designed for open spaces, fostering creativity and mindfulness. Following refreshments and a reflective session, enjoy free time to connect with European colleagues while exploring Altea’s charming streets, unique shops, and Mediterranean views.

Conclude the day with a cultural evening, featuring presentations of participants’ local foods, drinks, music, and traditions. Enjoy team-building activities and music games, creating a vibrant atmosphere of connection and celebration.

Day 5: 

Dynamic story activities

Bring stories to life with interactive activities like Story Bingo, Story Stones, and Symbol Storytelling to enhance language skills and creativity. Discover how reading comprehension and other worksheets can be transformed into engaging, movement-based tasks, making language learning more dynamic and motivating for students.

Sharing good practice

Take the opportunity to share an effective classroom activity or strategy you’ve successfully used in your teaching. Engage with your European colleagues in an exchange of ideas, methods, and creative techniques for language instruction.

Day 6: 

STPM station activities and active listening

Let’s go to our beach classroom and explore a variety of interactive stations designed to teach language and cross-curricular objectives through movement-based activities and engaging tasks. Conclude with an active listening session, reflecting on your course experiences and sharing key takeaways with peers.

Vision planning and reflection in language teaching

Using digital and collaborative tools, create a vision plan with actionable goals to integrate language strategies and activities into your teaching practice. Conclude with an evaluation and feedback discussion, reflecting on your growth, key takeaways, and future goals for enhancing language teaching and communication.

Day 7:

Reflection and connections at Santa Barbara Castle

Spend the final morning of the course with a walking visit to the iconic Santa Barbara Castle. Reflect and engage in mindfulness activities while taking in the breathtaking views of the city and the Mediterranean. This serene setting offers the perfect opportunity to consolidate the week’s learning, deepen connections with new colleagues, and celebrate your collaborative journey.