Novices can read signs. They are some of the most accessible and potentially relevant “authentic texts” that language learners will encounter. Also, they happen to be the sort of thing that an assessment like the STAMP or AAPPL might throw at them to demonstrate their proficiency. So now when I Read more…
My colleagues told me the vocabulary was too low-frequency, that I should not waste my time on regional words they had never even seen, like chapulín. But I had five goals that have only a little to do with learning particular vocabulary words: Reinforce essential verbs soy and me gusta Practice Read more…
If you could meet with all of your students before they got to your class, what would you do to get them pumped about Spanish? My first thoughts were food and music–and keeping it as familiar and fun as possible. I didn’t want them to Learn so much as I wanted Read more…
David Bisbal, I still love you, but it was time to retire “Te mueves tú” last year. Last year, Nicky Jam took my pop latino novio‘s place (I am eternally grateful to Sra. Whisenhunt for the suggestion!) It was the perfect attention-getter all semester and beyond–they physically COULD NOT resist the call and response that Read more…
Cultural analysis was officially part of my portfolio scores last semester, primarily for mathematical purposes (it gave me a fifth category for quicker calculation), but it also challenged me to select texts where students can identify specific cultural products, practices, and perspectives. Our plan was to bring home some more Read more…
Personal vocabulary blogs have allowed me some unique insights into students’ approach to life so far. I especially enjoy what my little shutterbugs have shown me–even if it was only to avoid having to cite online images. Also seeing the kinds of words kiddos come up with when they’re under the Read more…
Vocabulary can make my students feel insecure. Though I have abandoned textbooks, I have not entirely abandoned vocabulary lists. I tend to present them more in semantic groups with visuals or in contextual situations now, however. My students kind of wish they had more, though, something they could refer to and refresh Read more…
An IPA can be an important part of the planning process for group PBL projects. Take for example our mission to keep our school’s winning streak going at a nearby language competition. Students need to stop and think about what it takes to win, what steps they need to plan Read more…
I was going to write a story about a chocolate diet for the Mejor Yo unit. But after the setup, it turns out all the muchachos wanted to focus on were three types of improvement: time management, money management, and exercise. So instead of chocolate, the protagonist is looking for more Read more…
Are they still First Day Fun Stations if it’s their second time doing them? It’s not their first day of Spanish, so the element of surprise is out the window. Plus they’ve already built up their own ideas of what “fun” means in Spanish class. But there’s still too much Read more…