~La Señorita Libertad~

Here we are with about a week left until I start school! I can't believe summer is almost gone. Of course, I'm fighting a cold I caught on my trip to San Francisco, but hey, at least I got away. Let's hope it's gone so that I don't get my usual one when school starts up. One of the things I love but hate about the beginning of the year, is getting organized with my extra curricular activities. I mean, I love them, but hate to try to figure out schedules and what I'm going to do. I've tried to search for an easy to follow calendar, but couldn't find one. So, finally, after 7 years, I've made it easier on myself! I've created a Spanish Club Calendar with links to different activities. As I've stated before, at my jr. high we have 7th & 8th grade students, so I've created this on a 2 year format . I alternate them each year (year A and B), so that the students don't get repeats.  I've included links to differe

Guys! I had to post about this, because I'm so excited about it! First of all, I'm sorry I've been so absent. Clearly last school year got the best of me, and I put blogging on the back-burner so to speak. I'm setting myself a goal of 2 blog posts a month for this upcoming 2016 - 2017 school year! Alright, back to my original reason for posting this blog. A couple years back, I posted this post about how I started using the 2 week model from Holly over at Throwawayyourtextbooks blog. It really revolutionized how I planned my lesson. Even though I learned how to write & plan effective lessons in my college methodology classes, I didn't necessarily learn to organize these lessons in a timely and efficient manner. I would think about the assessment later on, after I had already started the unit (I know- wrong way!). I would always be behind my coworker in our units. I felt like I had to fit in EVERYTHING! (I bet you know the feeling, right?) Her & I have

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

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

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.

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