The educational conference held by Breiðholt's Icelandic Bridge was filled to capacity. The project focuses on developing and teaching Icelandic as a second language. The conference generated significant interest with a large number of participants, underscoring the project's importance to the community.
Ásta Bjarney Elíasdóttir, principal of Breiðholtsskóli, expressed satisfaction with the turnout and said: "We're delighted to see how many people are showing interest in this project. This reflects the tremendous growth in Breiðholt and a strong commitment to providing Icelandic education for immigrants and supporting those who want to learn Icelandic as a second language."
The conference also marked the official launch of the Icelandic Bridge website, which features guidelines, lesson plans, assignments, educational assessments and other resources specifically designed for teachers of Icelandic as a second language (ÍSAT). The website will be accessible to anyone interested in exploring and using these materials.
Opportunity to learn about new teaching methods
The conference served as a platform not only for teachers but also for educational consultants, project managers and elected officials who participated to learn about the subject. Following the opening session in the Breiðholtsskóli auditorium, workshops were held on best practices for Icelandic instruction at both lower and upper primary school levels.
Supporting the learning environment for Icelandic as a second language
During the workshops, teachers presented diverse and innovative teaching methods that have proven effective in teaching Icelandic as a second language. Topics covered included reading instruction and the PALS project, educational materials such as "Einmitt" (Excactly) and "Þetta reddast,” (It’ll All Work Out) teaching ideas for younger students, visual planning, teaching ideas for older students, and how music and visual arts can be used as effective teaching tools in ÍSAT instruction.
This conference further demonstrated the importance of supporting and strengthening Icelandic instruction for those who use Icelandic as a second language. In the coming years, Breiðholt's Icelandic Bridge project is expected to grow and become an even more vital component in connecting Breiðholt's communities and supporting diversity in educational activities.