Unplugged Engagement: Games for Active Language Learning

Description: Jump into a lively, hands-on workshop packed with no-tech games that get your students moving, laughing, really communicating, and loving your language class! You’ll leave with a treasure trove of easy, ready-to-use activities that hit all the communication modes—interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational—without ever plugging in. Perfect for teachers who want less tech, more talk, and a whole lot of fun! Walk away with a ready-to-go toolkit of fun, effective strategies you can use anywhere, anytime!

Fernanda Saborido is a Spanish and French teacher at Wayne Hills High School in Wayne, NJ. Over the past 27 years, she has taught both languages at the middle and high school levels. She holds a B.A. in Spanish and French from Montclair State University, an M.A.T. in Spanish, and a Supervisor Endorsement from Rutgers University. Fernanda has extensive experience in curriculum development and has presented workshops on a variety of topics at the district, state, and regional levels. She is passionate about collaboration and sharing best practices with fellow world language educators. She served for several years as both a mentor and co-chair of the FLENJ Mentoring Fellowship and has been a member of the FLENJ Board of Directors since 2020. Fernanda is also the creator of the Facebook group Spanish Teachers in the US, a vibrant online community for professional exchange and support.

Rosa Kobylinski is a Spanish teacher at Wayne Hills High School in Wayne, NJ, with over 25 years of experience, including 19 years at the high school level. She earned her B.A. in Foreign Language Education from the University of Barcelona and her M.A.T. in Spanish from Rutgers University. Rosa has extensive experience in curriculum development and has presented workshops on a variety of topics at the district, state, and regional levels. Known for her creativity, energy, and commitment to reaching learners of all abilities, she designs classroom experiences where students don’t just learn Spanish — they live it. Rosa is passionate about collaborating with fellow educators to share innovative strategies and inspire meaningful language learning experiences.

In 2023, Fernanda and Rosa’s workshop “Let’s Play! Incorporating Games across the Modes” was selected as the Best of NJ at the FLENJ Annual Conference and was later presented at the NECTFL Conference in New York City.