Do you want to speak Icelandic with me? Nominated for the Icelandic Education Awards

Wanted to meet their students needs

The number of students with diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds has greatly increased over the past decade and the primary schools of Grafarvogur and Kjalarnes therefore sought the assistance of the Icelandic Village to develop a project to meet these students needs. The emphasis is on students learning Icelandic in real and varied circumstances. In addition to enhancing Icelandic and expressive skills, the objectives of the development project are to strengthen social skills, self-image, and student confidence.

Research has shown that it is important that the learner of a new language speak with someone who is more knowledgeable in the new language, and that language learning is connected to the circumstances. The pedagogy of the Icelandic Village bridges the gap from classroom to community participation with targeted and custom practice environments and projects.

The project leaders confirm that students' progress in Icelandic is clear and also boosts their confidence and satisfaction. The greatest progress is in spoken language, but also extends to comprehension, reading, and writing. The project also had the effect that children found it easier to express themselves and relied less on English.

It is sometimes said that it takes a whole village to raise a child, and the project emphasizes involvement from as many people as possible both inside and outside the school community. Well-intentioned individuals interact with students, making Icelandic learning meaningful, practical, and fun. In addition to improving language skills, the project aims to expand students' networks, enhance communication skills, support and create opportunities for diverse interactions. At the same time, it always appeals to the students' interests.

Research has shown that it is important that the learner of a new language speak with someone who is more knowledgeable in the new language, and that language learning is connected to the circumstances. The pedagogy of the Icelandic Village bridges the gap from classroom to community participation with targeted and custom practice environments and projects.

The project boosts confidence and satisfaction

The project leaders confirm that students' progress in Icelandic is clear and also boosts their confidence and satisfaction. The greatest progress is in spoken language, but also extends to comprehension, reading, and writing. The project also had the effect that children found it easier to express themselves and relied less on English.

It is sometimes said that it takes a whole village to raise a child, and the project emphasizes involvement from as many people as possible both inside and outside the school community. Well-intentioned individuals interact with students, making Icelandic learning meaningful, practical, and fun. In addition to improving language skills, the project aims to expand students' networks, enhance communication skills, support and create opportunities for diverse interactions. At the same time, it always appeals to the students' interests.

• A brief clip about the Icelandic Village's teaching method for teachers and students in primary schools.
• The Icelandic Village and the collaborating schools made the video "Do You Want to Speak Icelandic with Me?" to draw attention to the development project and the importance of speaking Icelandic.
• A discussion and presentation of the development project after the first working year at the SFS and MVS Meeting, in May 2021.
• Information about the course an Icelandic Village in preschools across the country, for preschool staff with diverse linguistic backgrounds

Coverage of all nominations for the Icelandic Education Awards 2023