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Showing posts from 2015

"Fun you" versus "school you"

I have this phrase I use with my family & friends, where I say I'm "Fun me" or "School me". I use this because when I'm on break, or it's summer, I have a tendency to do more! I stay up late (ugh I just HATE 6 am), I go out with my friends, I'm generally way more relaxed...I think we can all relate. Well I started thinking about how we're starting school soon, and how I hate that I lose this feeling. The feeling of being relaxed, rejuvenated, and ready to take on the new year. Right around February in particular, it feels hopeless!  I've always wanted to have a great blog to share, and to be honest I get so wrapped up in school, that I don't' devote the time. Even when I was in college and especially today, I heard about teacher burnout. These great, amazing teachers that dedicated a LOT of their personal time to the profession. Then, poof! They're retiring, or choosing another profession. That's why I think it's vi

Syllabi Update - Proficiency Based

I started to make a To-Do list for the beginning of this year. It started out with 4. I now have 10. I'm sure you know exactly how I feel, right? This year I am making the switch to a full proficiency based classroom! I'm a bit nervous (& excited), but I've been trying to slowly transition my jr. high students to this for a few years now. With our cooperating HS officially changed over, it's time! Because of this, I have created new syllabi. Many of my ideas came from Throw Away Your Textbook's & Mis Clases Locas ' posts about their syllabi. Without these ladies, I'm not sure I would be where I am with my classes & proficiency. So, MUCHAS GRACIAS! :) It's hard being at a jr. high (Novice) level, & being such a small department. That being said, I did get together with the other Spanish teacher from the other jr. high in our district (It's just us 2!) to plan. I may be making some adjustments to my 1st week plans, we shall see. I

TPT Sitewide Sale!!

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Srta-Libertad  Just wanted to share that I'll be participating in the TPT site wide sale from Aug. 3rd- Aug. 4th!! It's a great time to get some back to school resources, I know I will be.

Beginning week of Spanish class (jr. high edition)

I was inspired by Allison's post over at Mis Clases Locas about what her first week lesson's are going to be, that I thought I'd share mine. I'm utilizing the same format/idea to present my info. **I'm also using many of her ideas, and adding those of others I've gathered. I've tried to make links to everyone so that they can receive credit. If I've missed anyone, please let me know. Gracias**  I've been changing towards a proficiency path for a couple of years now, and truthfully I do really enjoy it! My students this past year were just an AMAZING group, so engaged, and eager to learn the language. I'm not sure if that is a reflection of this particular group, or the fact that I changed up class a bit by trying to make it more exciting! I just attended a conference from my high school about proficiency and the new Seal of Biliteracy that IL is implementing. Check it out for your high school, and see if this is something you can push for in l

Google Galore!

Here in the Midwest, we just had a blizzard. Same thing happened about 4 years ago, on the exact dates (that's odd). Naturally, I'm here doing school work on my snow day. :) I've been trying to utilize technology a lot more in my classroom. I thought I'd share some of my ways/ideas here. Google Translate Recently, they came out with their new features (voice & camera). I used it in my classes to demonstrate to my students how it's not 100% accurate, and open up a discussion about cultural implications of using technology. My students LOVED it. We used posters in my room to translate from Spanish--> English, then we did a mini "field-trip" around the school to translate from English--> Spanish. Now, I'm lucky, and we have a back hallway where the gym/lunchroom is, so in our expedition, we weren't disturbing other classes. The kids had a blast! It's a great activity for middle/junior high kids. You can find the activity HERE