Projects

I've been visiting a lot of schools lately. I'm wondering...how do teachers successfully lead inquiry and exploration for students who are acquiring a new language? In dual-language classes I'm seeing a lot of very traditional didactic, whole group read and think alouds or small group literacy instruction but what I'm not seeing is time for students to explore, design  and create. 

I've also been visiting a lot of what I'll call progressive classrooms and there I'm seeing more open-ended inquiry and self-directed exploration, expression, and product design, but little or no focus on world language development. 

I'm curious if there are some models that are being implemented that include both. Developing high-level thinking skills and creativity should be developed as well as opportunities to acquire languages in order to live a balanced, educated life, understand ourselves and appreciate others, as well as be prepared to communicate and contribute in play, sport, family/friends, college and career.  Please share your ideas, resources and schools, or organizations who do this well.