Teach Them What You Want to Hear...

So it would be a foreign language teacher's dream to hear the beauty of the classroom target language flowing from the students mouth every time they attempted to speak, right? But let's be honest. We may start strong but how many of us ACTUALLY have a classroom that is achieving 80% target language coming from the STUDENTS' mouths? IF you do have this, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE tell us all your dirty little secret because we're dying to know! In reality, we may start off strong at the beginning of the year but we get a little "too nice" allowing our kids to speak English just a little too much! I'm guilty...what's my punishment? A nap...BRUTAL *but I'll take it* 

So I decided to examine this problem a little more deeply and I realized you know what...what if we started small? Giving the kids the EXACT words we MUST hear (FREQUENTLY USED WORDS), giving them activities to practice, and then ENFORCING (BIG OL' MEAN TEACHER) them to use them. When the kids master this set, I'll pass on some more words. 

I created this special packet I plan on giving ALL my levels (1, 2, and 3). The packet can be done all in one class period OR you can do a page a day spreading it out over a week's time. Your choice. 

I start off with giving them the words, we'll repeat and word on pronunciation. This 1st page is for me to be able to teach the kids. The 2nd page is a "Find Someone Who" where the kids will get to get up and interact with one another. Of course, I will play too. My favorite is probably the charades activity where they must act out the phrases and the other person has to guess the world. Other activities include unscramble, matching, and a scenario/riddles games. 

I think that kids hear so much Spanish that to them is seems like a billion words. I think we have to put it back on them that we want THEM to be able to give it back to us. This year I'm starting off small in little chunks with highly frequent used words and then expanding.

What do you guys do to get the kids speaking Spanish in your classroom?

I have included the link to my "Lucky 13" Packet if you are interested in using mine, or you can make your own with special words for your classroom. 

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/The-Lucky-13-Spanish-Survivor-Words-Phrases-1355704

God Bless,
Brittany B. 

A paragraph a day, gets the Spanish underway...

I'm always trying to figure out the perfect that is going to allow my Spanish 1 kids to walk out at the end of the year learning such a high amount of Spanish and taking it with them to Spanish 2. I am always trying to implement new things that will give my students a ton of practice with using words and phrases they will see and need all the time. 

I was blessed to have the opportunity to go to AP Spanish training, and I met some really cool individuals and rockstar teachers while I was there. While I was there, I met an awesome teacher who had been teaching AP for years along with the basic Spanish one, Spanish two, and three and four.The number one thing he told us was get your kids reading every day! Considering he had a high pass rate for the AP exam, and has been doing this for years... I took his advice to heart and tried to figure out how could I get my kids reading on a daily basis or at least every other day. 

I finally realized this past year that my kids have to be reading at least every other day. I created these paragraphs that emphasize the Spanish 1 material, but they are also great for Spanish two review. 

I told the kids they would get 30 to 45 seconds to read the paragraph in their head, then I would draw a name out of a stick and if they could translate it into perfect English then they would get some pesos (extra credit system I use). 

The kids started to see all the words in context and were so confident when they were able to translate the paragraph into perfect English. This is something they wanted to do every day and would ask "Are we getting a paragraph today?"I would even have kids asking at the door if they could translate the paragraph that day! 

My administrators were amazed by how the students wanted to read and how well they did it. Instead of using old traditional methods like making the kids write the words over and over, worksheets or book work, they quickly learned from seeing everything in context. Also, I was even able to include words that I wasn't going to introduce until later that year into the paragraphs and by the time the kids got to when I was supposed to teach it...they already knew it! 

So I'm sure you are interested in what my AP pass rate was using this system?!? Using this system...All my kids passed! I had one get a five, a lot get a four, and the rest got threes! 

To purchase my pre-made paragraphs...(So you don't have to write them your self... Believe me it takes time.) Click the link below to purchase from my teachers pay teachers account. 

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/50-Spanish-Level-1-Practice-Paragraphs-1332286

These paragraphs can be used in Spanish 1 and are great for Spanish 2 review. They are edible so you can mix up the details and even include your own students name. They come in PowerPoint form, but you may also take them and put them on any document you like. You may use them in a reading folder, stations, or like I am doing with a daily reading time. 

Hope this works for you as well as it has for me :) 

God Bless, 

Brittany B. 

Culture in Music

One of the best classroom management strategies I have is using music. Everyday I play an artist that represents a Spanish singer. I mix it up with Country, Rap, Salsa, Cumbia, and more.  Instead of just playing the music...I like to introduce the artist on Monday and give some information over the artist (where they are from, how old, languages they speak). Throughout the week I will play songs of that singer. 

Here's my classroom management tip: I am always playing music while the students are switching classes. I am out in the hall welcoming my students in and using this time to ask Spanish questions. My students usually love to talk to me and try to answer Spanish questions. My rule is...when the bell rings I am IMMEDIATELY coming into my room and shutting the door. I am then making my way to my desk to turn off the music. IF you are not in your seat by the time I turn off the music, you are considered tardy and points will be deducted from your weekly participation grade. 

AMAZING!!!!!! It works! You HAVE HAVE HAVE to stay consistent with it and do it everyday. There have been a few days where I got side-tracked and didn't get the music going and it made a huge difference. It broke their routine, their stability. From now on, I keep a loaded you-tube page up on computer with the daily song ready to go. 

Here's a list of popular artists I play that the kids 

1. Shakira
2. Ricky Martin
3. J-LO
4. Prince Royce
5. Fanny Lu
6. Enrique Iglesias
7. Santana
8. Paulina
9. Celia Cruz
10. Marc Anthony
11. Alejandre Pires
12. Juanes 

They Took Their Test...Now What?

So I teach AP Spanish and anyone who teaches this knows that we usually take our AP Spanish test very very early (May 6th to be exact). After taking the tests...try telling SENIORS that we are going to continue class "and learn"...ha, (hold up shield for the tomatoes thrown at face).

This year I didn't want to just "quit" after the test...with the snow and lovely KY weather this year...we're here to June. (Swallow Valium) So I was thinking what can I do that will be fun but not intense that will challenge the kids but not overwhelm them and just be "FUN LEARNING" So I have come up with a mini-idea list...enjoy!!!

(Some of these activities were actually done in Spanish 3 and AP but are great repeats because you can switch them up.)

1. Mock Court Cases - Let the kids create their own crazy trial, organize the positions, allow them time to work on what they will say and ask, present and enjoy!

2. Bizarre News Reports - Let the kids organize "fake" news reports. We actually do this in Spanish 3 and it's always really fun to watch. Put them in small groups and have them create at least 3 stories: You can do top news, sports, weather, etc. Always fun to watch. You can also give them cameras and let them record their reports!!!

3. Helping Out Lower Levels - Let them be the "teacher" and prepare a mini-lesson for the lower levels. Let them pick a topic, organize a level. It's cool if you can actually pull them out of class to teach this lesson. If not, just record and show lower level classes. 

4. Create a song and dance - There are so many grammar topics that are just easier with a little tune and a little jig. Give the groups a topic and let them prepare this. Record and show your lower levels (if they let you) ;-) 

Hope these activities will keep your Spanish mojo flowing and allow the kids to have a little fun with Spanish being the center :)

God Bless,
Britt 

Are You Hitting Every Area?

As a language teacher, I think we all have our favorite when it comes to reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Have you noticed that maybe in class you are getting your students engaged in the area that YOU are best at? When having this discussion with a friend who also teaches Spanish, we came to the realization that WE (the teachers) are pushing the activities that WE are best at. I was a translator for an agriculture office in college and I was constantly reading and verbally translating for others. I think it's safe to say my kids do A LOT of reading. I also love to SPEAK in Spanish, so my kids are constantly speaking. 

I am not going to lie when I say my kids need MORE practice with writing and reading. It's hard sometimes to do writing activities in Spanish 1 because they know so little. But I created this MINI chart for a reminder that each lesson....every single component needs to be in there in someway. It's helped me out a ton but I am struggling to think of writing ideas: 

-I have my Spanish 3 & AP writing over notebook topics everyday for 10 minutes. Easy for Spanish 3 because they have the knowledge to write over these topics. 

-I let my Spanish 1 have quiet, free writing time where they can go anywhere in the room and then write for 10 minutes straight about whatever they like. Sometimes I even say "OK, here is your goal: Use your -AR verbs conjugated in this writing" 

-I have my Spanish 1 kids translate sentences but this is more guided writing than their production. We occasionally do essays but like I said, this is more guided. 

So.....Let's have a SHAREFEST!!! Post your ideas for writing below in the comments section!!!!

God Bless,
Brittany 

Conjugation Activity - Great Introduction!

So I try to do as many on-hand activities with conjugating verbs right after the students are given the basic lesson of conjugating verbs. I personally HATE worksheets and you won't see alot of worksheet ideas from me. I like them for basic assessment checks, sub work, and a little quick practice activity but as far as checking knowledge, thorough practicing, and really diving into the material...worksheets OUT! This idea I'm getting ready to talk about is a super duper EASY activity AND the kids really enjoy it. :)

First of all...you need to visit your teacher resource room and get about 5 to 7 large pieces of colorful paper (like the butcher paper). Stash them in your classroom for later use.

Next, make sure you TEACH the infinitives and the students are comfortable with the meaning of the infinitives. There are lots of activities for that (and I'll come back to that at a later time).
After you feel like your students understand the basic concept of conjugating, why it's important, and the whole PURPOSE of conjugating...then let's practice!

Tell the kids to form groups of 3 to 5 (or however many you feel comfortable with working together in a group).

Next, give each group a large piece of colorful butcher paper and some markers (you want to be able to display these later on).

Tell them to do basic conjugations such as "Ella habla" or "Nosotros pasamos" and you can even throw in some -er or -ir verbs. Tell them with each conjugation they need to draw a basic little picture that illustrates their conjugations.

I told my kids they could be creative and set up the conjugations anyway they like: bubbles, draw a picture and let the conjugations create the picture, little boxes, and more. I let their creativity come out.

Here are some examples of the ones that were created. Warning: there are a few mistakes. (They are practicing and that's okay). They are given a small little paper rubric so I don't mark on their creation where it's showing in the hallway with my pen markings all over it and the world to see their grade.

God Bless,
Brittany

I'm Back and Ready To Blog!

First of all, I want to apologize for the huge leave of absence. As you can tell...my last entry was in August...before my baby! Now it's March (almost 5 months AFTER my baby). Life is starting to get back into motion and our new normal is well...just the normal. Shew, a new baby is ALOT of work but the BEST blessing in this world! With that being said...I am back and ready to pick up where I left off. Heck, maybe I can throw in a few posts involving being a mom and balancing the classroom (and life)...or maybe you guys can send ME some advice! Good to be back!

God Bless, 
Brittany