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How do students learn?

how do we build engagement?

Student engagement is directly correlated to achievement. As educators, we must teach with multi modalities in order to reach our learners. Follow us to gain hands on strategies on building student engagement.

Teaching that Engages

CT Colt and best of ct @ nectfl

2/1/2016

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making magic with vocabulary: strategies for engaging all students

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Back in October, I presented at CT COLT on the topic of vocabulary development.  My session was voted best of Connecticut and so I get to represent CT at NECTFL in New York next month.  I am very honored that my session was chosen as best of state and thought I would put online the resources explored for others to view and share. 

Table talk opener

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Marzano Six step process to teaching vocabulary

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Marzano Research http://www.marzanoresearch.com/

Six step strategies and ideas

give students a vocabulary survey

Use a foldable (Scholastic 3d graphic organizers by Daniel Barnekow)

PID Strategy (Word.Image.drawing)

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vocabulary template

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concept attainment

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marzano vocabulary template

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http://www.marzanoresearch.com/reproducibles

frayer model

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games

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Play a game of Flyswtter or Guess the word and many more games through the use of a wordle. Wordle.net

cognates

word generation

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microsoft audio notes

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word walls

High frequency words

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Slideshare.net http://image.slidesharecdn.com/belfrypresentationsuzibewellv0-2-091004170442-phpapp02/95/you-say-mince-and-i-say-mince-the-need-for-the-overt-teaching-of-phonics-in-french-ssat-lp-belfry-presentation-suzi-bewell-21-728.jpg?cb=1254677463
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https://static-s.aa-cdn.net/img/win/81200000026615/fa5318133dae767941fd29e3e49a80a3

performance tasks

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Got Sway?

10/15/2015

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My favorite tech tool right now is Sway!  It is an amazing free and easy tool that helps promote discussion and allows individuals to develop products.  Below is how I used it for professional learning. Click on the cards and it will switch to a new question! I could certainly have added videos and audio,but for my first one I played it safe and simple. Here are some ways to use with students!  I made all my images using the tool Canva. Check out the video tutorial from Sway to see an example of creating a newsletter.  There is even a feature to leave feedback on products.  Imagine the possibilities for students to communicate and connect!

1.  Table talk with questions!
2.  Flipped Learning with videos and slides.
3.  Create a presentation or newsletter!
4.  Stay in contact with parents!
5.  Develop a portfolio!
6.  Gallery walk and leave feedback!

Do you love it?  Let us know what you think!

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integrated performance assessments (IPAs)

7/2/2015

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What do you think of when you hear IPA's?  I had the pleasure of writing a session for the Maryland College and Career Readiness Academy.  World Languages was able to be included and the session I designed was around Integrated Performance Assessments! The presentation is below and I have added the examples of activities in which participants engaged.
Step 1:  Always do welcomes, introductions, and celebrations!  Love this to build community and relationships!

Step 2: Activating prior knowledge of IPA's through a Padlet room!

Step 3: Why IPA's and a definition via CARLA

Step 4: Connections that are made to World Readiness Standards, Can Do's, Common Core and Instructional Shifts through articles via ACTFL Language Educator.  There were two examples based on readiness level.

Step 5:  Look at the cyclical approach to IPA's as stated by Paul Sandrock and ACTFL.

Step 6:  Review modes of communication and sort activities_ by the different modes.

Step 7:  Watch a short video clip of assessment in action with a processing guide.

Step 8:  Look at examples of different IPA's

Step 9:  Explore resources to develop IPA's like authentic text, ACTFL rubrics, ACTFL planning templates, etc.

Step 10:  Time to create, develop, and reflect!

Want to design your own IPA?

A lot of planning does need to go into the development of IPA's!  Think about the following:

1.  What is your targeted proficiency?
2.  What will students do with the language within each mode of communication?
3.  How will you provide feedback to students before they move onto the next task?
4.  What tools will you use to assess learning and meaning?
5.  Which AP Global theme can be aligned to topic?
6.  What Can Do indicators will students be able to reach?
7.  Which authentic materials will be used?
8.  How will students decode text and comprehend?
Download a planning template here
planning_for_an_ipa.docx
File Size: 107 kb
File Type: docx
Download File

Examples and More!

Here are some examples of IPA's:

1.  Toni Theisen
2.  CARLA
Purchase your own copy of the book Integrating Performance Assessments via ACTFL!  It is a great read and has wonderful resources!
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Engaging heritage Spanish Speakers

7/2/2015

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Looking for resources that will engage all students but especially your heritage Spanish speakers?  This year I led teachers on an in depth professional learning experience around engaging heritage Spanish speakers.  The goals we set were looking at raising awareness of heritage Spanish speaker populations within our schools, reflecting on our own beliefs about teaching heritage Spanish speakers, exploring effective instructional strategies that would engage all, and discussing ways parents could serve as partners in their child's education.

Check out the resources below for more information on how you can engage all in learning!  
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vocabulary development

Vocabulary Template:  Strategy number 1 is around Engaging students in vocabulary and allowing them to contribute!. In this strategy, students are first asked to identify words they may or may not know by placing an x in the first two categories or actually writing the definition in column three.  Then, they are given a chance to share with a partner what they know by comparing answers. This strategy is great for heritage learners because they are also given the opportunity to list other words that they may use for the same word and at the end, the teacher would give the standard definition that will be used in class but at the same time valuing other definitions at the same time.
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Word Generation: Another way to engage students through vocabulary is through Cognate Awareness.  A project that was conducted through the Center for Applied Linguistics, entitled, VIAS which stands for Vocabulary Instruction and Assessment for Spanish Speakers did several studies around engaging heritage Spanish speakers and vocabulary acquisition.  One of their sub projects was called EVOCA which stands for Enhancing Vocabulary through Cognate Awareness.

In this strategy, students do what is called a Word Generation.  Before teachers begin a vocabulary lesson, students are asked to generate as many words as possible in the Target Language that they know around this topic.  This could be on sticky notes or on their own paper. Students come up to chart papers posted on the board or around the room and they post their notes.  Students then do a gallery walk around the room looking at words, making connections with the words they wrote and writing down any words that appear to be cognates. After students are able to generate their own lists, students get to decide on the top 10 words that are most critical connected to theme.  Students keep both their personal list as well as top 10.  If teacher feels there are other words that students will need, he/she will provide a list.  Keep in mind that many of the learners will still need a definition but this will still engage Heritage learners as feeling empowered and engaged in their contributions.

Other variations of this strategy are called List-Group-Label.  This is where students first generate a list of the all the words they know around the topic, then group  words together and then label the groups they created.

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P.I.D.:   It stands for Palabra, Información, Dibujo. (Word, Information, Drawing) This is a similar concept to the vocabulary frame flashcards but what I really like is that it keeps students in the target language.
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Concept attainment:  You have probably seen strategy used in a variety of ways.  In this strategy, students are shown all of the words from the vocabulary list but they are asked to create a title for the category.  With this strategy, the teacher should put an image next to the vocabulary word. On the right side of the list, students are able to put their ideas.  After sharing with other classmates and as a class, teacher reveals the title.  Teacher may even be flexible and allow for a class generated title that all students agree on.
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Frayer Model:  In this strategy called the Frayer Model, there is a graphic organizer that helps students to learn new vocabulary by not only defining the term in their own words, but contextualizing it through authentic examples and visual representations.  Here are the steps:  Identify and list the essential vocabulary for the unit.  Working in groups of 3-4, assign each team or each student one-two terms.  Model the strategy to students with one of the words from the list and then allow students to develop their own examples.  So, let’s take a look at what students need to do.  If done individually, allow students to share with their team members.  If done as a group, students can do a gallery walk, or assign roles to a presenter for a presentational task.

Literacy Development

Turn your students into good readers! There is a critical need to build literacy and proficiency in Spanish.  Research tells us that by studying Spanish and engaging in reading strategies will not only strengthen the language of study but also home languages.  Check out the strategies below:
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Wreck the Text: Highlighting the choices the author makes in the text. How could you rewrite this sentence? How does your word choice change the meaning? Why do you think the author made the word choices he did?
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P.O.P Reading:  (Predicción! Observación! Pregunta!):  This is where students get a text and before reading they must write a prediction.  Once they have read, they write an observation and then a question.
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cooperative learning

Research has consistently endorsed the use of structured cooperative learning as a major strategy for teaching in diverse learning environments. Cooperative learning provide learners with essential opportunities to use language in meaningful, purposeful, and interesting ways, build self-esteem and self-confidence, and develop academic, communication, and social skills.  Take a look at some of our favorite strategies below for cooperative learning.
  1. Strategies by Laura Candler
  2. Strategies by Kagan

culturally relevant instruction

One of the biggest ways to motivate, encourage, and engage Heritage speakers is by including culturally relevant instruction.  The definition by Teaching Tolerance is as follows: Culturally responsive teaching recognizes the importance of including students’ cultural references in all aspects of learning, enriching classroom experiences and keeping students engaged as well as helping students find and value their own voices, histories, and cultures.

Take a look at the resources below:

activities

Line ups:  Line ups get students up and out of their seats and allows for interpersonal communication  I had the teachers line up by their favorite Spanish speaking destination either country or city.  This can be somewhere they have traveled, are from, have family, have always wanted to go, etc.  Then I had teachers talk with the person to the right of them and share your name and school and 1 interesting fact/travel area from the city you choose.  

13 word posters:  I used picture cards with teachers for them to brainstorm what it made them think of then how it connected to heritage Spanish speaking students and learning.  Participants loved these cards because it allows for heritage Spanish speakers to feel valued for their contributions and the many ways to express items.  This really opened their minds to allowing for more than one option or correct use of language.

share your ideas and thoughts with us!

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What can i do over the summer?

6/2/2015

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According to the National Summer Learning Association, all children experience learning loss when they do not engage in educational activities over the summer and on average, students lose about two months of grade level equivalency over the summer months.  We know that in World Languages, we tend to see dips in skills when students return to us at the start of the following school year.  


Allow your students the opportunity to improve or enhance their proficiency. Below are a few ways to keep students engaged in World Languages this summer along with templates and links!  Hope you enjoy!

1.  Read books in the Target Language.  Visit the World Language selection of your local library and give the links to students.

2.  Use your online textbook tools to review material from the year. Most texts have sites that do not require a login for practice.

3.  Read or Listen to a series of current events in the Target Language.  Record any notes or summaries on template.  Use online sites and templates listed below.

4.  Attend a Language Cafe session or peer conversation drop in class. Check your local area for details and provide to students.

5.  Comment on class discussion outlets like GAFE or Edmodo folders that contains readings, prompts, etc.  If you have a learning management system like Blackboard or Canvas, you can create class discussion threads and allow students to post and comment too!

6.  Watch your favorite movies set to the Target Language or listen to songs!  Click here for music databases.

7.  Create a GOOGLE VOICE and have students leave recordings on a variety of given prompts or assignments.

8.  Look up local events in your area that feature targeted culture or language.  Give students the dates and have them write a reflection of their day.  Every city is going to have a lot of tourism events at local restaurants or museums during peak months. After students have attended, they could turn reflections into you via email.

9.  Practice Target Language through online sites.  A few are listed below.  Others are listed on our website: http://www.connectwithlanguages.com/teaching-world-languages-through-technology.html

want to download the document above? see template below!

summerpracticeactivities.docx
File Size: 27 kb
File Type: docx
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respond below with your thoughts!

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Capturing Sound Applications

4/1/2015

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Looking for ways you can give an interpersonal or presentational communication task without pulling each individual student one by one? It can be a hard decision trying to pick the right tech tool that will give you flexibility and allow you to provide feedback to students.  I am sharing a presentation that I did for some of our teachers around capturing sound in the classroom.  

I always loved giving students the time to talk spontaneously.  As I walked around and listened, I often took notes and an overall completion grade.  While all students were engaged in conversation, I was looking for something more concrete and wanted the opportunity to really give students meaning feedback without pulling each student individually and using up three to four days of instruction while the rest of the class completed an alternative assignment.  

The winning ticket was getting the time reserved in the computer lab.  I would book the lab once a month at the beginning of the school year for all of my classes.  Once there, we would work on a variety of materials including time to record themselves speaking.  I have tried a variety of sound applications and have put together the ones that to me, were the simplest and quickest.  Hope you enjoy!

Tools and more

capturing_sound_for_students_artifacts.docx
File Size: 1102 kb
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We have more ideas listed on our technology page under audio and listening.  If you are interested at looking at other ways to capture sound with students, click here.

Feedback tools

Students are not going to gain proficiency without feedback that is clear and direct.  Take into account the following ideas as a way to reach your learners:
  • Design a way to give feedback to students.  A tool that I really enjoyed that worked well with Google and Education was called Kaizena.  It is a free tool that will allow you to give feedback verbally or written.
  • Give students praise for what they did do well.  A simple guide could be something like a Praise-Polish-Ponder.  Click here for template.
  • The Can Do statements via ACTFL are excellent benchmark indicators to push students in the right direction.  Letting students know what they are working towards gives them motivation and excitement to stay engaged and strive to do their very best.
  • What rubric is being used with students?  Are there separate ways to give a grade on the given performance and a way to give a grade for growth towards proficiency?

Share with us what tools you like to use!

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Countdown to spring break!

3/20/2015

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Looking for a variety of ideas to keep students engaged in instruction the days preceding spring break?  Try the 20 day instructional challenge!  The days before break tend to test our patience and that of students. Keep your expectations high but remember that you can still have fun. Let us know how many of the ideas you try as well as others you use!  Enjoy and have a wonderful break!  Please note that some of the activities mentioned are adapted from Kagan Structures strategies.
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I must-ache you a question

3/19/2015

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It seems as though you can find mustaches everywhere these days!  I  jumped on the craze and used them in a professional development activity I created for some middle school teachers.  I thought this activity could also be used with students for either interpersonal or interpretive tasks in the classroom.  The way I used them was for interpreting reading.  Teachers each had a reading selection.  Then they used the must-ache you a question samples to speak with others around the room.  This got everyone out of their seats and talking about the text.

Want the template?

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must-ache_you_a_question_starters.docx
File Size: 251 kb
File Type: docx
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Feel free to download templates in English and Spanish below.  Enjoy!  
mustache_questions_spanish.docx
File Size: 85 kb
File Type: docx
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must-ache_you_a_question_starters_editable.docx
File Size: 100 kb
File Type: docx
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National Foreign Language Week

3/8/2015

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It's almost time to celebrate National Foreign Language Week (NFLW!  Typically, held in the first full week in Mach, NFLW, aims at making the United States aware of the need for and importance of foreign language study through celebration of languages. 

Although Alpha Mu Gamma from LA City College is the official sponsor of National Foreign Language Week, helping with the success of NFLW was Pulitzer Prize winner, Bruce Russell.  Through his efforts toward greater world understanding and his timely cartoons, posters have been designed each year for the support  of NFLW!  Below are some of the comics from Bruce Russell as well as the posters over the past several years that have been designed for National Foreign Language Week.

Alpha Mu Gama Sponsor

Posters

Ideas for the classroom

Looking for ideas of how you can celebrate and honor National Foreign Language Week?  This is a great week to advertise and advocate for your language. Create a week of events or just one. Hopefully, the ideas below will spark some interest amongst your classes and for your school teams.  Don't just limit your self to your school.  While language clubs and teachers are a great resource, remember to invite community members and school district figures to be part of your celebrations.

1. Design hallway and classroom doors with flags from around the world.

2.  Decorate your school lobby or entrance.

3.  Hold an international themed breakfast for staff members.

4.  Invite guests from the community to teach a cultural aspect like calligraphy or food dish.

5.  Make class t-shirts in the target language.

6.  Hang up theme year posters around school and send in school newsletters.

7.  Hire an international dance group or get teachers and students from school to teach others.

8.  Hold a film festival after school.

9.  Go on a field trip.

10.  Hold a bake sale of international treats.

11. Dress up in folkloric traditional dress and hold a fashion show.

12.  Hold a tongue twister or poetry competition in the target language and invite judges.

13.  Share an interesting fact about different languages on the morning or afternoon announcements.

14.  Hold an afternoon of crafts from around the world.

15.  Create a scavenger hunt around the school. Give students passports and at each station, they get a  
       stamp.

16.  Discuss career opportunities for languages.

17.  Collaborate with other language teachers and hold a "language swap" for the day where students from 
       other language classes teacher students in a different language of study.

18.  Ask the cafeteria staff if they could hold an international themed lunch.

19.  Do a service or global project like Pulsera Project or Unicef in a Box.

20.  Get creative when thinking of collaboration. Don't forget to ask other teachers in your building like
       ESOL, Art, History, English, Science and Math to do lessons that involve cultural games, lessons or  
       art from around the world.

What does this make you think of?
How do you celebrate NFLW in your building?  Feel free to send us your pics for us to post!

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Infographics...

3/3/2015

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Why?

Have you used an infographic in your classes before?  If not, they are wonderful for all learners novice to advanced.  The wonderful thing about them is that they are rich in images as well as target language.  They can be used in so many ways in the classroom.  Think of the possibilities:  introducing a theme, interpretive tasks, assessment tools, data visualization, allowing students to show you what they know! There are so many ways to incorporate into your lessons. Read below and see the resources put together around Infographics in the classroom and tools that you could use to create and develop your own.  There is also a downloadable template for interpreting infographic for students at the bottom that you could use as reflection!
Examples:
Arabic:
Chinese:
ELL:
French:
German:
Italian:
Latin:
Portuguese
Spanish:

Getting started and creating your own:

infographic student reflection

Tools to create infographics:

Canva
Piktochart
Thinglink
Infog.am

Other Helpful Resources:
Guide to Infographics
infographic_reflection.docx
File Size: 295 kb
File Type: docx
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Infografías y Remedios

Share with us your story as well as your favorite infographics!    

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Read across america day...

3/1/2015

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What are you planning for Read Across America Day?  While a celebration to Dr. Seuss, so many items can be manipulated into the target language! Here are some ideas!

1. Read aloud to students in the target language.

2. Create bilingual bookmarks. Use this template! The link to the PDF is also found here!

3.  Allow for silent sustained reading time and have students do word detective!

4.  Invite a guest reader to your class and read in the target language.

5.  Organize a book swap with classes or school!

Some of our favorite links!

Read Across America Day!

Bilingual Book List

PBS Kids-Cat in the Hat

Pinterest Read Across America

Dr. Seuss books in different languages




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Gong Xi Fa Cai- Happy New Year!

2/19/2015

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Happy New Year!  Here are some resources for Chinese New Year!  Please share with us what you do as well!
Pictures of Chinese New Year celebration 2015!
Calligraphy Gallery 
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Cootie Catchers, Oh the possibilities....

2/17/2015

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Looking for a way to engage? Try adding a cootie catcher as a tool in your box. There are so many ways they could be used. I have used this with verb conjugations, speaking, and with reading comprehension in the interpretive modes!  Below is a list of ideas and an example that I used with teachers within a professional learning session. How else could you use them?

1.  Use as a warm-up
 
2.  Formative assessment to check for understanding

3.  Activating prior knowledge

4.  Reviewing material

5.  Interpersonal speaking prompts

6.  Interpretive reading comprehension questions

7.  Form in using with verb conjugations


8.  Vocabulary and Circumlocution
Below is an example that I used with teachers around the book, Teaching That Changes Lives by Marilee Adams. I have also used in the classroom with students and they got so excited!
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Below is a power point with the downloadable template.  I found this from the following site!
cootie_catchers.ppt
File Size: 100 kb
File Type: ppt
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Share with us your thoughts?  How else do you use?  how did it go in class?  Love to hear from you!

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nail your lesson with 90% plus target language Use!

1/21/2015

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Wouldn't you agree that one of the most challenging topics for students and teachers is maintaining use of the target language? We all know it's all about the input, input, input. How can we really maintain the 90% plus?
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Let's take a look some strategies to keep our students and ourselves immersed in the target language in meaningful, engaging, and productive ways.
1.  Four Corners:  Teacher poses a question in the target language.  Each corner in the room is labeled with an answer. Students go to the corner where their answer is located and form a small circle or two small rows to allow for interpersonal communication.  Once in the corner and in circle or row, students must explain the "why" of their choice.  I always loved getting students in their corners and then asking another question for them to answer.  

2.  Speaking Stones:  Want to promote equity of voice in your classes?  Speaking stones is great for this.  Pass out small glass garden multi-color stones.  You can get a bag of 30 at your local Dollar General. Pass out a stone to each student. The teacher poses a question and student with indicated color or number goes first by putting their stone in the center and then answering questions or asking questions or explaining an answer.  The rest of the group continues until each member of the group has put in their stone. Only when all members have put in stones, can another member of the group speak again.

3.  Vocabulary:  Incorporate what students already know into your vocabulary lessons.  See post on the right around vocabulary for more ideas.  This includes vocabulary lists and circumlocution games like Password.  I always loved the games that allowed for whole group participation.

4.  Use a manipulative like Yarn or Beach balls!  Give your students in either pairs or groups balls of yarn or even cut up pieces of yarn.  The student holding the yarn, must speak in the target language until they reach the designated knot in the ball or the end of the cut piece.  They then pass the yarn to the next students.  You can also modify this activity by having students pass ball of yarn and create a web to control who has been speaking.  I always had beach balls around that had random questions and sentence starters.  I would pass around to spark conversation. 

5.  Questions:  What types of questions are we asking of students?  Are they of good quality?  Simple yes or no questions are not going to build proficiency nor will they spark conversation.  Asking the how or the why will draw out more response even in a novice learners.

6.  Draw, speak, summarize!:  Allow students to draw their thoughts and then speak about them.  While others speak, partners must summarize in a word or sentence what was said.  This can be done for writing and reading prompts as well.  Click here for an example template!  Another favorite is 12 circles.  Click here to access.

7.  Incentives:  Award incentives for catching students using the target language.  I used to keep a treasure chest box I got at IKEA and just filled it with items like pencils, erasers, stickers, toys from the dollar store, friendship bracelets, stamps, etc. These will go a long way and you don't have to spend a lot of money.  Another tool was this reward system document where you just allow for stamps or stickers and you tell students that when you get to 25, you can pick a prize from the prize box.

8. Transition sheets:  Making a transition handout or placemat of key words or expressions will go a long way.  Laminate them or put them on card stock and allow students to use all the time in class.  I never quizzed students on these words but the more frequently they were used, the more they retained.  Students got these from every level from ranging from novice to advanced.  They loved these as they thought of them as cheat sheets.

9.  Inside/outside circle:  Form what is called an outside circle with students and then a circle inside of the outside circle so that students are facing each other.  Pose a question or response and students must communicate with the person from the other circle. Rotate circle one person to the left or right so that students speak with a variety of classmates.

10.  Target Language statements: Put a target language statement in your class syllabus to start the year with the expectation of 90% plus.  If you don't have one, write one up now for the next grading quarter or semester and have students sign as a contract.  Each quarter is always a great time to build.  Save and incorporate at the start of the school year.

Reflect on your use as well as your students

These tools and resources can really help you reflect and assess!

TELL Framework 
Student Reflection 1
Student Reflection 2

Set your goal!

Set some goals now!  What will you try?  What will you do differently with your learners.  Keep yourself accountable by sending yourself an email for the future. Click here!

Looking for more? See below!  Please also share what you do to maintain target language in the classroom!

Check out the work from the University of Texas around communicative strategies. 
ACTFL Language Educator
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get ready, get set, review!

1/6/2015

 
If you are like me, I was always trying to find creative ways to review material with students.  I would use manipulative and games and items like a beach ball, white boards, cards, etc.  While we were reviewing concepts, I still wanted to ensure that review could still be rigorous!  Below are some resources around review ideas for the classroom as well as links to Bloom's Taxonomy as well as Depth of Knowledge.  

Using Webb's Depth of Knowledge to increase Rigor
Webb's Depth of Knowledge wheel
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What else do you do to help students review? please share with us your ideas too!

Graphic organizers

12/20/2014

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Graphic organizers are critical in the comprehension process.  They help aide in learning and overall retention.  Students should be encouraged to organize thoughts and there are so many formats that these can take. Organizers can be used within all modes of communication.  I know as a classroom teacher, I used graphic organizers for listening, speaking, reading, and writing!  Here are some of my favorites!
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A simple way to start is just by organizing thoughts around the questions of Who? What? Where? When? Why? and How?
Foldables are considered 3-D graphic organizers!  Click the file below to access a variety of templates!
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Chinese

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French

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Reflexion_Jugement_Critique.pdf
File Size: 132 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
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http://www.teachingfsl.com/p/french-freebies.html
Mon_Opinion.pdf
File Size: 138 kb
File Type: pdf
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plus_moins_interessant2.pdf
File Size: 135 kb
File Type: pdf
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German

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  • Graphic Organizers in German

Spanish

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  • Ayudas gráficas

Tech tools for graphic organizers

Inspiration

Mind-Meister

Bubbl.us

Popplet

icard sort

Mind Mash

Other sources

  • CARLA
    • ALBERTA EDUCATION
      • Thinkport
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Holidays, Christmas, New Year's and more!

12/7/2014

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What is everyone planning on doing for holidays in the classroom?  While you may be in the middle of a unit, it is so important for students to have the global perspectives when events around the world are actually happening.  These are the moments that come alive to students and they are also the moments that students enjoy the most and remember!  Keep in the target language when doing cultural activities and remember to think about what students will be able to do with the language and the content!  Here are some materials I have collected around Winter, Holidays, Christmas and New Years! Remember to be sensitive that not all students celebrate the same holidays or believe in the sam items! Taking a perspective from the target language country or countries definitely taps into the perspectives of cultures! Hope you enjoy the resources and please let us know what you do as well!  

Just some ideas to spark interest...

1.  Use post-it notes!  Have students generate a list of traditions they currently incorporate into their winter holiday?  Your essential question may be What holiday traditions are important to you? From there hang up the question listed as well as the following around the room: What do you do?  What do you eat? Who is involved? Have students write answers on the post-it-notes and then hang up around the room.  Allow students time to do a gallery walk.  Give students a sticker.  As they walk around reading the responses, allow them time to put stickers around the ideas they either share in common or find interesting or new. This creates a visual graph of findings.  Let students go back to seats and share ideas with an elbow partner and then as a class.  You should be able to get good discussion and participation from students!  
2.  Have students write a letter about their year! Use festive holiday/winter paper!  See attached winter newsletter template from Microsoft Word!.  If you are a Spanish teacher, you could have students write a letter to the Three Kings using the following link!
3.  Show images of people around the world or from specific country celebrating. Have students write a caption.  Here are a few links!

Celebrations around the world!
Christmas around the world! 
The Good Life France!
German Christmas Markets!
Gift giving traditions around the world!
Holidays around the world!
Scholastic Holidays around the world!
4.  Listen to a newscast/podcast of people celebrating a tradition. Have students write down key words and main ideas.  From the Spanish classroom perspective, I was always able to find something from BBC Mundo!
5.  Show a short video clip of some of the traditions available. Here is one from the national lottery in Spain that happens before Christmas.  Click here for the link with article or watch video below. I also loved sharing this article from Veinte Mundos in my class. Have students compare and contrast with their own culture.
6.  Provide a list of vocabulary words and have students create a poem or an acrostic. Play password to help with circumlocution.  Click below for a template on password!  Just delete the word on the slide and add your own.  To make whole class, I had students sit back to back instead of one student in the front of the room.
7.  Create QR codes and have students go on a scavenger hunt solving a riddle with various images. What does this depict?
8.  Have an info-graphic for students to read and make comparisons!
9.  Compare a tradition like eating 12 grapes on new years!  Talk about which countries do this celebration. Actually, bring in the grapes and celebrate to a new year.  I always loved having students read the article from Veinte Mundos and listening to a song by Mecano. Have students write goals for the new year on a piece of construction paper and make a "goal chain" You could then hang up in your classroom! Also, check out this video from 1965 New Year's greetings from France!
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School Vacation time in Europe!
Holiday dinner in France-An Infographic
Some ideas for Chinese New Year!
Chinese New Year
Printables
10. Conduct a service project within your school.  Check out our page on global connections for more information!
11.  Look up some recipes and cook or have students cook dish and then and bring into class.  Students could then taste items and even write a critique/review/ write about their top 3.
12. Do a Thing Link image and allow students to go to town exploring various images and videos. See example below or click here!
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Thanksgiving

11/24/2014

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Looking for resources for Thanksgiving?  See activities and ideas below by language. 

ideas

1. Read an article about Thanksgiving like traditions around the world and complete a compare and contrast graphic organizer.  Here is another article by Travel Channel! 

2. Have students write a note for what they are thankful for in the target language. Use template below! 

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3. Design a Thanksgiving turkey craft.


4.  Cook a Thanksgiving meal with your students!


5.  Create an ABC book about the History of Thanksgiving in the target language.


6.  Make connections to Art!  Check out how famous artists would decorate their Thanksgiving plates.

The important thing to remember is what will students still be able to do with the language.  

Spanish
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accion-gracias.jpg
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accion_de_gracias_2.jpg
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Cocinar un pavo
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German

infografik_food_programme_thanksgiving_german.jpg
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thanksgiving_german.docx
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Thanksgiving
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French

Thanksgiving
Recipes Quebec
Pilgrims and French
french_connections.pdf
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Share with us what you do!

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AP:  building proficiency & Global Competence!

11/20/2014

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When you think of Advanced Placement courses in World Languages, what comes to mind?  Perhaps you think of some buzz words like rigor, scores, stress, etc!  Well, in this post, you will find resources in helping to get students to the advanced proficiency range in a way that will touch all modes of communication!  This post will also help students in beginning courses by giving examples of resources that will help pave the way for advanced level courses.

First,  what are the goals of AP:

1. Develop proficiency in the Advanced Low-Mid range in each of the three modes of communication.  By this we mean students are expected to:
  • Engage in spoken interpersonal communication
  • Engage in written interpersonal communication
  • Synthesize information from a variety of authentic audio, visual, and audiovisual resources
  • Synthesize information from a variety of authentic written and print resources
  • Plan, produce, and present spoken presentational communications and
  • Plan and produce written presentational communications.
The fine balance of the course is giving students tools to develop proficiency and yet make sure that students are successful on the AP exam.  

2. The other goal of AP is to develop Global Competence!  What does this mean to you?  For me, it is about authentic texts as well as immersing our learners in new perspectives and the products and practices of other cultures.  Take a look at ACTFLs newest position statement around Global Competence!
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How do we achieve this?  start with vertical articulation!

In order to get students to develop proficiency, we must start with vertical articulation!  This is where we back map and align skills needed in advanced courses into novice courses.  A great start is by taking ACTFL Can Do Statements and aligning to different levels! Also, take a look at the data.  You will want to look at AP scores as well as enrollment in classes from beginning to advanced in order to see trends. Take a look at the resources available below in order to begin this process.   Hope this encourages courageous conversations amongst team members, administrators, and others. The College Board has a great guide book to help you get started!  Below are some other ideas!
Vertical Team Manual Austin
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Curriculum Map.doc
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Resources:  Special Interest Groups

Free MOOC Boston University AP Prep

Culture

Here is a way to incorporate culture from the Novice level all the way to Advanced.  The idea came from an AP workshop with Jose Diaz and has been adapted.  Also, check out our page on Culture with ideas for making connections.
AP Culture Log
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Interpersonal Communication

Try the strategy small talk to help students improve on simulated conversations.  Vocabulary development is critical in assisting in spontaneous communication.
Strategy Small talk. docx
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Vocabulary Development.docx
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presentational communication

Give students effective feedback! For personalized feedback, record your notes using audacity or other voice recorder to listening prompts submitted by your students.  

Want students to keep a listening portfolio where they can track their progress?  Have them use Audio Boom!

For student reflection feedback, use the error corrections handout to help students self reflect when engaging in presentational writing.
Error Corrections.docx
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AP French Resources College Board.7.pdf
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AP Spanish Resources College Board
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Interpretive communication

Here are a few resources around building skills within the interpretive mode. Engage students in active reading by completing the Draw, Speak, Summarize handout.  While reading, have students engage in active reading using decoding symbols! 
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Draw! Speak! Summarize!.docx
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Interpretive_Listening.docx
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Main_Idea_reading.docx
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Main_Idea_Reading_English.docx
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College Board AP Spanish Reading Comprehension
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College Board AP French Reading Comprehension
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Rubric calibration

Allow students time to self assess and compare themselves to other AP students.  Rubric Calibration amongst students and teachers really goes a long way.
Rubric_Calibration.doc
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AP Conferences and Workshops

Ever want to attend professional learning around Advanced Placement?  Here are some resources!

College Board
Pre-AP Workshops

Resources for Less Commonly Taught Languages

Chinese
Chinese Lang. & Culture
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chinese_sf_iii.pdf
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blogs.docx
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chinese_sf_i.pdf
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chinese_story_narration_sf.pdf
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German
06_german_language_special_focus.pdf
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cm_germanlanguage_june2010.pdf
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ap-sf-german-lang-writing.pdf
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german_blogs.docx
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ap-german-language-and-culture-course-overview.pdf
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ap-germansyllabus-new-2012-2013.pdf
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Italian
ap-italian-language-and-culture-course-overview.pdf
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italian_sf_i.pdf
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italian_sf_iii.pdf
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blogs_and_resources.docx
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Latin
ap-latin-course-overview.pdf
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wlunpackedcontentclassicallanguages.pdf
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latin_blogs.docx
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Latin for the 21st Century

what else do you do?  we would love to hear from you!

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Dia de los muertos

10/17/2014

6 Comments

 
Looking for some ways to include the celebration of Día de los Muertos in your classes? Here are our top picks!  

13.  Explore Michoacán for authentic resources.  Students could prepare travel itineraries or send a post card.  They even have a Facebook page where students could leave a comment for global connections. (Depending on school, may need permission)
12. Songs and more!

11. Video clips and tutorials from National Geographic.

10. Webquest from Smithsonian Latino Center! Check out the teacher resource guides.  

9. Create a craft like papel picado or do face painting designs. Partner with the          art teacher for collaboration.  

8. Complete a scavenger hunt.

7. Do a read aloud or a book talk.

6. Complete a trivia quiz.

5. Show animated video clip featured below.  Allow students to write captions           or retell the story!


4. Check out a lesson for study or authentic sites.

3. Allow students to make comparisons with this info-graphic. What about                  debates?
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Infografia-final-dia-de-muertos_vs_halloween.jpeg
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2. Read other info-graphics to learn about celebrating!
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Ofrendademuertosmexico.jpg
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1. Show the power of images! See images and posters below. Have students describe what they see in 30 words or less or even write a tweet!  (Images taken from Google Images)

Posters

Remember, activities can be modified for Novice to Advanced learners and could also be done in stations or alone. Please reply by sharing the resources that you use too!
6 Comments

Moving across the proficiency continuum

9/28/2014

2 Comments

 

Remember these?

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Remember the info graphic displayed to the left?  How can we enhance the skill set of our learners in order to move through proficiency levels? Let's start talking about transforming the classroom one level at a time!

First, let's reflect on a series of questions. What does it take to guide learners to the next level of proficiency? How do the three modes of communication interact? What does both learner and the teacher need to demonstrate performance?

Does this sound familiar? By the end of a level one-language class, most students have learned how to conjugate verbs in the present tense.  By the end of level two, most likely the story is in the past tense.  Amongst department members teams share with each other the chapter they are on and where they will leave off in June. Why is that we are having conversations on how much students have mastered by the chapters and themes that are covered? 

Now, what if this conversation went a bit differently?  What if teachers were having conversations about what students can do with the language within the different modes of communication?  What if teachers were actually using proficiency levels by which to hold these conversations? How can we shape this path for both teachers and learners?

I believe that there are two paths, the Teacher Path and the Learner Path.  In the teacher path we create:
  • A tool box for students
  • Integrated Performance Assessments
  • Tasks and assignments stating proficiency levels and Can Dos.
  • Strategy rings
In the learner path we create:
  • Reflections on comfort levels of skills and activities
  • Competence Matrices by skills mastered and function at task.
  • Ways to get proficiency language in the hand and eyes of students.
Take a look at the continuums below by skill as listed in the ACTFL Can Do Guide:

Ask yourself the where do you fall on this continuum?  What can you do to move students across this path to develop a higher proficiency.
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teacher tool box:  Strategy cards

  1. Use these strategy cards to help students develop skills that will help improve their proficiency! 
Moving Across Continuum Strategy Cards.docx
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2.  Think about designing tasks using a Performance Design Task Template.
Performance Design Task.docx
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Share your thoughts with us!  We would love to hear from you!

2 Comments

Celebrate hispanic heritage month!

9/14/2014

2 Comments

 
Here are some resources and ideas for celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15th-October 15th) in your school!

1.  Do a jigsaw using Smithsonian Education  where each student gets a different cultural reading.  Form new groups and students share what they learned.  

2.  Make a cultural craft from Spanish speaking areas around the world.  Some ideas include papel picado, Albrijes, Ojos de Dios, Muñeca quitapena, an instrument,etc. 

3.  Put on a breakfast for your staff!  Have parents and students cook a dish from a Spanish speaking country.  Ask students to write up short descriptions of the dishes and get students to serve to the teachers!

4.  Read an interesting fact each day over the school announcements.

5.  Create a school scavenger hunt.  Decorate a bulletin board with QR codes and questions for students to fill out.  This could be a school wide project.  Use any of the links provided on this page to get some ideas.


6.  Read books highlighting different children's books and authors. Here's a list to start!

Other Resources:
Latino Films Free Stream
National Hispanic Heritage
Teacher's Vision
Education World
Scholastic
Pinterest

Hispanic Heritage Month Campaign: Ellen Ochoa from alfalfa studio on Vimeo.

Hispanic Heritage Month Campaign: Narcis Monturiol from alfalfa studio on Vimeo.

Hispanic Heritage Month Campaign : Tito Puente from alfalfa studio on Vimeo.

Celebrating Supreme Justice Sonia Sotomayor from alfalfa studio on Vimeo.

Celebrating Novelist Oscar Hijuelos from alfalfa studio on Vimeo.

Share with us your ideas too!

2 Comments

Presenting Vocabulary

9/10/2014

11 Comments

 
A few years ago, I was looking for a more engaging way to present vocabulary words to students.  I used to create extensive power points with an image on each page and the word, have students look at the image, repeat after me, and then I would share the definition and they would write on their graphic organizer.  One day I found myself looking at my students and I wasn't seeing what I wanted.  I was looking for collaboration, discussion, and critical thinking.  I thought for a while and came up with the image below.  Once I started using this format, I felt happier with the results, students were making connections with the language and it actually took half the time I was spending before in class teaching vocabulary.  Here's what I did:

1.  Once we had gone over essential questions of the unit and objectives, I would incorporate needed vocabulary. I would pass out an example like the one below.


2.  First, students would work independently.  I would ask them to take about five minutes and read the words to themselves and place an X where they thought they fell within the first three categories.


3.  Then, came the collaboration.  After five minutes, I would have students work within their teams to collaborate.  The groups would take turns reading the definition out loud and compare what they knew. Students were now learning from each other.  This made students feel empowered that they already knew something in Spanish class before the teacher taught them.


4.  The last part of this process was whole group.  After students had the time to work independently, and then collaborate in groups, we went over as a class.  We would repeat the definition together but then I would allow for student participation to share their answers.  With this process I had more students engaged and willing to share their answers. By this time, students already had most of their Vocabulary list filled in and all they needed from me was to fill in the gaps!
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vocabulario.docx
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vocabulary_template_english.docx
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Vocabulary to Engage.docx
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For students that were absent or needed readers, I would share with them the following on my class website using Microsoft Audio Notes.  This allowed me to record the vocabulary word so students could hear my voice and go back if they needed to hear. The image of the blue microphone is where students would hear the recording. Instructions on using Microsoft Audio notes are linked below. 

MS Audio Notes
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more links to vocabulary!
Doing it differently.  Tips to teach vocabulary!
Do's and Don'ts for teaching Vocabulary
11 Tips for teaching Vocabulary
15 Strategies
App- Skitch
Vocabulary and Proficiency
UDL Strategies

Always looking for more ideas, please share with us yours!

11 Comments

Connect with languages postcards!

8/29/2014

4 Comments

 
Building relationships with students and parents is integral in achieving student achievement and success! Sending a good news postcard home to parents sharing how their child made a connection with language, can go a long way! Through this small gesture, you have already opened the doors to communication in a positive light! How do you plan on using this to engage students and parents? Simply print and send! Download the template below!   
connect_with_languages_postcard.ppt
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cwl_postcard_1.ppt
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4 Comments

Wish you were still on vacation? Back to school travel activity!

8/16/2014

3 Comments

 
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With a lot of school districts starting next week and some already in session, we thought this would be a great activity to bring both teachers and students back to summer as well as make connections with culture!  This activity is based off the the article by Huffington Post "The top 50 cities to see in your lifetime"!

Here are some ideas of what to do with this article!

1.  Allow students to guess what they think would be the top 50 cities to see in the world.  Give them a world map such as the one attached from Maps International.  Allow them to mark up the areas of the world in which they believe to at the top of the list.  Students may work in groups or individually!

2.  Either handout the article on the Top 50 Places to Visit, or put images and captions onto a PPT.  Go through the list and have students compare how many they have correct.  Ask groups or students how many they got correct off of their list compared to the article!

3.  Create your own top travel list/travel book as a class using places your students have visited.  To do this, poll students by having them enter their top 5 travel destinations onto a wordle!  As you repeat destinations, that word will become the largest and give you an indicator of what are the top travel destinations of your class.  See example below!

4.  Great activity to get to know your students either the first few weeks back or within a travel unit!
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ACTFL CAN DO CONNECTIONS:

Use the TL to meet these connections!

1. I can identify destinations and major attractions on a 
travel brochure (NOVICE-HIGH)

2. I can understand basic information on travel brochures (INTERMEDIATE-MID)

3. I can exchange general information about leisure and 
travel, such as the world’s most visited sites or most 
beautiful places to visit. (ADVANCED-MID)

What ideas would you add to this? reply and let us know!

3 Comments
<<Previous

    Author

    Thanks for exploring CWL!

    I have experience being a District Supervisor, teaching all levels of Spanish from I-VAP, serving as a Master Teacher, being a teacher trainer for Startalk and am a co author for the Entre Culturas Spanish III series by Wayside Publishing.

    In order to achieve student success, I believe in providing teachers with hands on resources that will impact their teaching immediately.  This is my passion and I hope you enjoy the site!    

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