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So far

It's hard to believe that we're already a few weeks into this school year. It's been going well. I wanted to touch base & let you know how some of my ideas have been working out so far.

TWO WEEK MODEL

First of all, I love this idea! I think it's going to keep me on track in the long run. My students are still only in the input "week" (I teach block schedule, and don't see the students every day. Every other day for 63 minutes). We had so many drills last week, that I lost class time in almost all of my classes.

That being said, I love what I'm seeing so far! I had a handful of students volunteering for reading items in Spanish, which was awesome! Even if they made mistakes, this format of the input week gives them the time to get used to hearing the vocab. for a long time before they're saying it. I used this reading to go with their Subject Pronouns grammar section just yesterday, and I'm really impressed with how much they were able to do. But comprehensible input and what not is another section.

I'm a little nervous with trying to figure out exactly how I'm going to be creating the assessments. Obviously I want to make them basic, & about input, not too much output. This is a work in progress for me, as I don't want to just use the ones I've been using in the past. Plus, I'd like it to be quick, & efficient. Also, I'm liking the fact that they're not getting homework everyday, (besides their SPANISH ALL AROUND YOU PROJECT).

BAILE VIERNES

So, I did this with my students last week with my advanced all 8th grade class, and they hated it. I even got one of the most outgoing teachers to come start it with us, and it was HARD. Too hard for them. So I honestly forgot about it yesterday, then they started asking, "What about dance Friday / Baile Viernes Srta?" I quickly pulled up the video that I had found, and we tried it again! It was a success, it got them up & moving!

I think it's important to keep them excited about coming to class. At my school, Spanish is an elective, and my numbers  have dropped a bit this year. I wanted to find something that keeps them wanting to come back for more! This may help with that. If you haven't seen the original post about Baile Viernes, check it out! It's a fun idea. Again, because of the block schedule, I don't get to do it for all of my advanced sections. But once every other week or so is great too.


Well, I have some more ideas to share, and hope to be posting again soon. Specifically once I've gone through an entire rotation of the "two week model". Since that model calls for reading in the first week, I'm trying more CI input as well. I'll let you know how that goes!

Comments

  1. Just came across your blog! :) I'd love to hear how you've adjusted the 2 week model to fit your blocks. I've read about it and it's definitely on my "to try" list next year...or even next semester?? I have a strange type of block schedule with Spanish classes on Mon/Wed/Fri for 65-85 min blocks depending on the day. How's it going for you?
    Emilie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Emilie,

      Thanks for commenting! It's been an on-going process, and I've had to consolidate some things. It's taking much longer to complete units, as I'm still trying to fit in everything my students will need for HS. That being said, I feel great that my students are getting A LOT more opportunities to talk, listen, and write. I just found out the HS my students are going into is changing their placement exam, so it's more open ended writing.

      I'm incorporating songs, and culture. Many of my students are saying how much they enjoy this class (I think it's because of the songs/cultural aspects). If you send me your email, I can email you the way I've modified the lesson planner.

      Delete
  2. I am so glad you have had some success with baile viernes! I would love to hear what videos have worked for you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Allison,

      Thanks for commenting! I love the Baile Viernes idea! At first, I chose too difficult a song, and they struggled. However, they were still saying to me, "Are we going to do Baile Viernes Señorita?!" Now I'm struggling finding easy enough dances for them. It's great because we'll be in class, and someone will say, "How do I say dance?" and another student will go, "baile viernes remember?!" Plus, at this level in junior high, when Spanish is an elective, it's a great tool to hook in the kids to take advanced.

      p.s. - I LOVE your blog! I've used so many ideas. Thanks for sharing!

      Delete

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