Shew, I need a nap! I worked and worked during my plan period to knock this out and did it. I'm so excited for next week & presenting this to my kiddos.
Now, I can make SURE every student is held accountable & is fully engaged during the episodes. I'm so excited to have them do a little MORE after the episode ends with the Quotes Activity!
Ugh, I'm such a nerd but I love it!
If you would like to purchase the watch guides, visit below:
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Extra-Episode-Watch-Guides-Spanish-1-6-2753216
***Episodes 7 - 13 coming soon :)
God Bless You All!
Britt B.
Friday, August 26, 2016
Thursday, August 25, 2016
Get Ready for Extra!
NOTE: French teachers, don't leave. They make the French Version of Extra. Read below & find out how to access. :)
So if you haven't had the opportunity to use "Extra" in your Spanish classroom, you are missing out. I learned about Extra my second year of teaching and it's a huge huge part of my instruction, assessment, and I use it to "fulfill" authentic listening components.
So what is Extra? Extra is a Spanish learning series that uses episodes like a TV show. It's perfect for classrooms because it's engaging, age-appropriate, and hilarious. The kids will love it and probably want to watch an episode everyday. I try to show an episode about once or twice a week. The episodes are about 25 minutes long, and the possibilities are endless with what you can do with them.
For years, I did nothing except had my students watch. This summer I got really inspired and wanted to create some watch guides with an additional activity that allowed them to reflect and practice their listening skills.
So, that is where I am right now with my "watch guides" I have been asked a ton if I will share these and allow them to be bought. And like I promised this summer, of course. My goal is to have them up by this weekend. (Not going to lie...I might have underestimated the workload it would take to get these ready...oh my geez is all!)
If you don't want your students to do anything, except watch, then no big at all.
Okay, so how do you get to Extra? I have been "told" that some of the episodes "might" be on YouTube. I never use this option but by all means, go for it.
Update: all episodes ARE on YouTube.
The safer way is to call your librarian and ask if your school has a KET Encyclomedia/Discovery Education user code. Schools SHOULD have one. If not, you can easily register and you can go online and watch all the episodes on the website. This is safer because YouTube could pull them any time if they wanted.
Easy steps:
Google "KET Encyclomedia"
Click the first option
Find the area that says "Discovery Education" & log in (if you have user name)
At the top, type in "Extra Spanish"
Scroll down and you'll see lots of videos. Find episode #1 "The Arrival of Sam"
Click the episode & play for your class :)
French teachers, do the same except type in French instead of SPANISH :)
Hope you all can get it working & give it a try!!! It's so awesome and so much fun!
Episodes 1 - 6 watch guide/activity sheets coming asap (by Sunday for sure) :)
God Bless & Thank You all For your awesomeness!
Britt B.
So if you haven't had the opportunity to use "Extra" in your Spanish classroom, you are missing out. I learned about Extra my second year of teaching and it's a huge huge part of my instruction, assessment, and I use it to "fulfill" authentic listening components.
So what is Extra? Extra is a Spanish learning series that uses episodes like a TV show. It's perfect for classrooms because it's engaging, age-appropriate, and hilarious. The kids will love it and probably want to watch an episode everyday. I try to show an episode about once or twice a week. The episodes are about 25 minutes long, and the possibilities are endless with what you can do with them.
For years, I did nothing except had my students watch. This summer I got really inspired and wanted to create some watch guides with an additional activity that allowed them to reflect and practice their listening skills.
So, that is where I am right now with my "watch guides" I have been asked a ton if I will share these and allow them to be bought. And like I promised this summer, of course. My goal is to have them up by this weekend. (Not going to lie...I might have underestimated the workload it would take to get these ready...oh my geez is all!)
If you don't want your students to do anything, except watch, then no big at all.
Okay, so how do you get to Extra? I have been "told" that some of the episodes "might" be on YouTube. I never use this option but by all means, go for it.
Update: all episodes ARE on YouTube.
The safer way is to call your librarian and ask if your school has a KET Encyclomedia/Discovery Education user code. Schools SHOULD have one. If not, you can easily register and you can go online and watch all the episodes on the website. This is safer because YouTube could pull them any time if they wanted.
Easy steps:
Google "KET Encyclomedia"
Click the first option
Find the area that says "Discovery Education" & log in (if you have user name)
At the top, type in "Extra Spanish"
Scroll down and you'll see lots of videos. Find episode #1 "The Arrival of Sam"
Click the episode & play for your class :)
French teachers, do the same except type in French instead of SPANISH :)
Hope you all can get it working & give it a try!!! It's so awesome and so much fun!
Episodes 1 - 6 watch guide/activity sheets coming asap (by Sunday for sure) :)
God Bless & Thank You all For your awesomeness!
Britt B.
Friday, August 19, 2016
The Bang Cup - The Game of Ultimate Engagement & Proficiency
My Spanish 2A kiddos have been working so hard this week. I ALWAYS ALWAYS like to review, review, review because it could have more than 7 months since they LAST had a Spanish class with the way our scheduling works at school.
Honestly, even after the summer coming from Spanish 1...my kiddos have forgot A LOT! I so hate this, but it gives me the opportunity to see what they really know, my chance to reteach, and an opportunity to stick it back in their mind (maybe stronger this time).
I always like to "reteach" the Present Tense because this is a HUGE concept taught in IB, but there is also a HUGE chance...they forgot it ALL!
This week I have been working these kids to the bone. We have wrote, spoke, conjugated, listened, read, and when they come in today (Friday)...I could tell they wanted something...different. Luckily for them, I had a fun little game planned out that would give them a bit of a break from the traditional classwork they have been doing.
It's called "The Bang Cup" (I will get to why it's the "BANG" cup later). Anyways this game is pretty easy...teams, points, practicing whatever concept you are practicing. But it's also alliances, enemies, taking, giving, and even some back-stabbing! hehe!
What makes this game fun is the fact you can steal points if you get a certain color, you can GIVE points to your alliances, or you risk your whole livelihood and lose everything...hence "BANG". When this happens, it's a very sad moment...or funny...and the kids will yell "Bang" (it's kind of like ha-ha).
The best part about this game is that it can be played with any concept, with any class, with any subject, and any level. All you have to do is switch the game sheets out. The games sheets are number 1 - 18 (determined by dice rolls) and each number is a "task" (I can statement, verb conjugation, #, something to do/say, ask, etc.) You could always give your kiddos more die (4 instead of 3) and bump the tasks up to 24. Make sense?
I have literally created a whole folder on my computer called "Bang Cup Game Sheets" which focus on different vocabulary concepts: colors, #'s, adjectives, family members. (I had someone ask if I would be willing to put that on TPT, and yes, I can do that). You can do this too with your classes with whatever you teach. If you teach science, and you are studying photosynthesis...think of all the different questions you could ask. The possibilities are endless. Also, you can MAKE your review the game sheets (# each task) and have the students go find the answers (alone, partner, with their group...up to you). Then, post the review as the game sheet which a number by each task.
It's not the content that makes the game fun, but the fact the kids are getting to be evil (or kind) to each other in the game. It's also kind of funny when they negotiate with each other, make bribes, etc.
Each color represents what will happen if they pull the stick: red, green, blue, and even pulling a blank stick all mean something!
(Check out my student's face below when he pulled the RED!)
I had one kid give a whole pack of Spearmint gum to his buddy for giving him points!!!
It's minimum prep (get the supplies together), clean up after quickly, and everything between that is just fun - hands on proficiency.
Hope you guys enjoy & feel free to add this to your classroom.
If you would like to purchase the game already completed with the rules, procedures, supply list, color-code keys that can be given to your teams, the link is below. BY THE WAY, the product comes with two editable Present Tense practice game sheets for Spanish teachers.
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/The-Bang-Cup-Game-Perfect-for-all-HS-Classes-2740087
God Bless & You All Take Care!
Thursday, August 11, 2016
Boost the Confidence Level of Spanish on Day 1
So...we all get those kids...who, let's face it...they don't want to take Spanish. They don't see the point. They're incredibly nervous. Their parents may even be a little hesitant about them taking a language. Or...they.simply.don't.care! Why do I have to learn Spanish? We all hear it, we've all been there.
A lot of the times I have noticed with my own kiddos that it's not that they HATE Spanish, it's simply they are totally UNAWARE. They are unaware of the possibilities, they are unaware of how similar it is to their English language, and they are unaware of they great they can be with the language.
I LOVE seeing my kiddos when they get it. Let's face it...we all do or we wouldn't be doing this for the crappy pay we get, right?! We all love seeing our kids become confident in their subject, the light bulb come on, and even maybe leaning towards LIKING what you teach! Wow, that feels great!
I learned quickly you have to take a Psychological Perspective being the teacher. You have to BOOST their confidence & this can be done on Day 1 (actually Day 2 for me because I do go over my syllabus on Day 1) :)
First, teach them what a COGNATE is...I just LOVE cognates. I have attached some fun little Powerpoints and they are free! Feel free to use them to your preference:
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/SpanishEnglish-Cognates-Powerpoint-Activity-2723770
Next, pronunciation is fun to practice when there is no pressure. Just seeing the word, guessing what it is, and then trying to say it will open up a ton of doors. The kids will probably laugh at a few because they will totally butcher them but oh well, it's fun trying!
Here are a couple free Powerpoints to use with pronunciation & you can even continue practicing cognates:
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Two-Spanish-Pronunciations-PowerPoints-2723777
So how else do we do it? READING! What? Reading? But they don't know any Spanish words? It doesn't matter...there are SO many words that LOOK like the English that they already know them. The wonderful little cognates...oh, how they hold the power!
Context Clues & Basic level reading is how you do it! I have prepared basic little paragraphs that have so many cognates, they have no choice but to fully understand the Spanish in front of them & you know what...it makes them feel pretty darn good because...it's a WHOLE paragraph! haha! So there you have it, put together some simple little paragraphs. Make sure to use "I" conjugations" and lots of vocabulary that allow them to know the meaning. You can do this on a word document or on a PPT & have fun with it!
I have prepared a fun mini packet that has 3 exercises of reading, writing, and cognates. Feel free to buy mine (link below) for 0.99 OR you can create your own exercises:
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Spanish-Confidence-Booster-Mini-Packet-First-Day-Exercises-2723738
A lot of the times I have noticed with my own kiddos that it's not that they HATE Spanish, it's simply they are totally UNAWARE. They are unaware of the possibilities, they are unaware of how similar it is to their English language, and they are unaware of they great they can be with the language.
I LOVE seeing my kiddos when they get it. Let's face it...we all do or we wouldn't be doing this for the crappy pay we get, right?! We all love seeing our kids become confident in their subject, the light bulb come on, and even maybe leaning towards LIKING what you teach! Wow, that feels great!
I learned quickly you have to take a Psychological Perspective being the teacher. You have to BOOST their confidence & this can be done on Day 1 (actually Day 2 for me because I do go over my syllabus on Day 1) :)
First, teach them what a COGNATE is...I just LOVE cognates. I have attached some fun little Powerpoints and they are free! Feel free to use them to your preference:
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/SpanishEnglish-Cognates-Powerpoint-Activity-2723770
Next, pronunciation is fun to practice when there is no pressure. Just seeing the word, guessing what it is, and then trying to say it will open up a ton of doors. The kids will probably laugh at a few because they will totally butcher them but oh well, it's fun trying!
Here are a couple free Powerpoints to use with pronunciation & you can even continue practicing cognates:
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Two-Spanish-Pronunciations-PowerPoints-2723777
So how else do we do it? READING! What? Reading? But they don't know any Spanish words? It doesn't matter...there are SO many words that LOOK like the English that they already know them. The wonderful little cognates...oh, how they hold the power!
Context Clues & Basic level reading is how you do it! I have prepared basic little paragraphs that have so many cognates, they have no choice but to fully understand the Spanish in front of them & you know what...it makes them feel pretty darn good because...it's a WHOLE paragraph! haha! So there you have it, put together some simple little paragraphs. Make sure to use "I" conjugations" and lots of vocabulary that allow them to know the meaning. You can do this on a word document or on a PPT & have fun with it!
I have prepared a fun mini packet that has 3 exercises of reading, writing, and cognates. Feel free to buy mine (link below) for 0.99 OR you can create your own exercises:
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Spanish-Confidence-Booster-Mini-Packet-First-Day-Exercises-2723738
Friday, July 22, 2016
My Top 5 Favorite Reflexive Verb YouTube Vids!!!
I love teaching reflexive verbs...there is so much content and so many FUN things you can do!
I try to ALWAYS show a few youtube videos with EVERY concept I teach. I always, FIRST, teach it myself, and then I have a few videos to "back me up" It's like my teaching squad...and it's engagement for the classroom.
Here are my TOP 5 YouTube Videos for teaching Reflexive Verbs. Under each link, I'll try to give you some advice of "when" to show it to your kiddos & what each video is...if you don't want to read my paragraphs, just skip it, and check them out yourself :)
1. Reflex Your Verby - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KATBgZ5oyIg
This fun little song video, which has A TON of views, is perfect to show immediately after you teach HOW TO CONJUGATE the reflexive verb. It's catchy, it's simple, and it's entertaining. Plus. it's to the tune of a song the kids will relate it. It's a must watch.
2. Reflexive Verbs Made Easy With a Song! (Spanish Lesson) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYFCwIfZ-s4
This video is of Senor Jordan (who is AWESOME). I will be gone on maternity leave halfway in the year & you better bet, if I don't get a Spanish speaking sub, Senor Jordan will be reinforcing EVERY lesson. He is so to the point, has a great teaching personality, and usually puts EVERYTHING to a song. If you are out, or need reinforcements to teach reflexive verbs, this video is perfect. I usually like to show it just because the song he uses is so catchy! It's to the tune of if "If You're Happy & You Know It" (and yes, my high schoolers like it...and they clap!) hehe!
The next 3 videos (in my opinion) need to be shown later on when the kids understand the basics of conjugating a reflexive verb. It's not so much about "teaching" the basics of a reflexive verb but showing daily routine. After my kiddos KNOW how to conjugate reflexive verbs, my BIG OVERALL goal is that they can talk about their own daily routine. Conjugating is the skill, talking about their day is the overall goal!
3. Verbos Reflexivos con Frida Kahlo - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmWsaZCmpw0
I am obsessed with Frida! So when I saw this video, I almost died of excitement. Of course this is a homemade mock video of Frida (she's dead but you can visit her home museum in Mexico) but this woman is so awesome & entertaining. I like that it puts the sub-titles! So not only does she say & do her daily routine but the students get to see the Spanish on the screen. I love teaching culture so I always give a 5 minute little lecture of WHO Frida was. The kids are amazed with Frida because she was such a different character! Two birds with one stone: culture & grammar! :)
4. Mi Rutina Diaria - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSblebrx6ng
This video is of a little boy getting ready & it takes you through his daily routine. He is ADORABLE! Your girls will go "awwww" He goes through his daily routine and the sub-titles are on the screen (double cha-ching)! It does a great job of showing a completed "Mi Rutina Diaria" Like I said, make sure the kids are very familiar with the reflexive verbs (they know lavarse, ducharse, blah blah) and they know how to conjugate well before you show this video.
5. Mi Rutina Diaria Subtitles - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6IV2xTA5QHU
This song is sooooo catchy! I like to show this when the kids are walking in to class before the bell rings. It's to a known song & the kids will be dancing (well, they will WANT to). Make sure, your kiddos know the basics: know reflexive verbs, how to conjugate, and they are "starting" to understand their overall goal of creating a daily routine. I would say this video definitely shows the most skill but after watching it, your kids will know what is expected of them. Plus, they can sing along!
Happy YouTube Watching! Hope these videos help you out in the classroom!
God Bless!
~Britt B.
I try to ALWAYS show a few youtube videos with EVERY concept I teach. I always, FIRST, teach it myself, and then I have a few videos to "back me up" It's like my teaching squad...and it's engagement for the classroom.
Here are my TOP 5 YouTube Videos for teaching Reflexive Verbs. Under each link, I'll try to give you some advice of "when" to show it to your kiddos & what each video is...if you don't want to read my paragraphs, just skip it, and check them out yourself :)
1. Reflex Your Verby - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KATBgZ5oyIg
This fun little song video, which has A TON of views, is perfect to show immediately after you teach HOW TO CONJUGATE the reflexive verb. It's catchy, it's simple, and it's entertaining. Plus. it's to the tune of a song the kids will relate it. It's a must watch.
2. Reflexive Verbs Made Easy With a Song! (Spanish Lesson) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYFCwIfZ-s4
This video is of Senor Jordan (who is AWESOME). I will be gone on maternity leave halfway in the year & you better bet, if I don't get a Spanish speaking sub, Senor Jordan will be reinforcing EVERY lesson. He is so to the point, has a great teaching personality, and usually puts EVERYTHING to a song. If you are out, or need reinforcements to teach reflexive verbs, this video is perfect. I usually like to show it just because the song he uses is so catchy! It's to the tune of if "If You're Happy & You Know It" (and yes, my high schoolers like it...and they clap!) hehe!
The next 3 videos (in my opinion) need to be shown later on when the kids understand the basics of conjugating a reflexive verb. It's not so much about "teaching" the basics of a reflexive verb but showing daily routine. After my kiddos KNOW how to conjugate reflexive verbs, my BIG OVERALL goal is that they can talk about their own daily routine. Conjugating is the skill, talking about their day is the overall goal!
3. Verbos Reflexivos con Frida Kahlo - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmWsaZCmpw0
I am obsessed with Frida! So when I saw this video, I almost died of excitement. Of course this is a homemade mock video of Frida (she's dead but you can visit her home museum in Mexico) but this woman is so awesome & entertaining. I like that it puts the sub-titles! So not only does she say & do her daily routine but the students get to see the Spanish on the screen. I love teaching culture so I always give a 5 minute little lecture of WHO Frida was. The kids are amazed with Frida because she was such a different character! Two birds with one stone: culture & grammar! :)
4. Mi Rutina Diaria - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSblebrx6ng
This video is of a little boy getting ready & it takes you through his daily routine. He is ADORABLE! Your girls will go "awwww" He goes through his daily routine and the sub-titles are on the screen (double cha-ching)! It does a great job of showing a completed "Mi Rutina Diaria" Like I said, make sure the kids are very familiar with the reflexive verbs (they know lavarse, ducharse, blah blah) and they know how to conjugate well before you show this video.
5. Mi Rutina Diaria Subtitles - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6IV2xTA5QHU
This song is sooooo catchy! I like to show this when the kids are walking in to class before the bell rings. It's to a known song & the kids will be dancing (well, they will WANT to). Make sure, your kiddos know the basics: know reflexive verbs, how to conjugate, and they are "starting" to understand their overall goal of creating a daily routine. I would say this video definitely shows the most skill but after watching it, your kids will know what is expected of them. Plus, they can sing along!
Happy YouTube Watching! Hope these videos help you out in the classroom!
God Bless!
~Britt B.
Thursday, July 21, 2016
Thank You for the Connections!
(Warning: this is kind of a sappy post...let's blame pregnancy!!!)
This post is nothing more than a big fat thank you! This summer has been the biggest blessing to sit back and get to connect with my readers. Many of you find me via Pinterest, get on the blog, see the Facebook Group Page (which you can like), and from there...we're forever teacher friends! I want you all to know that you have become a resource to me as much as I can be to you (Becca Lynn - you know exactly what I'm talking about: this girl has GREAT ideas!)
I can't begin to tell you how awesome it has been to get a message, and get to meet (via messenger) someone reading on the other side.
I started this blog...I think 4 years ago, WOW! I'm not a writer, blogger, or anything special with ENGLISH (hence, Spanish Teacher and all the many grammatical mistakes in my posts-oops), but it was simply an outlet to get my ideas from my brain to where someone could read them & maybe use them!
I love people. From the time I was little, I have always been a "people person". Hence the note home on my report card in the third grade: "Brittany is smart but is too much of a social butterfly!" Well sorry Mrs. C but that's just who I am. ;) I love meeting new people from all different walks of life & I think the BEST way to learn is basic human interaction. It has shaped me into who I am today, it has given me compassion for other people, and it has developed a want to always share & make each other's day easier. I truly believe that's what life is all about: having each other's backs!
So from the bottom of my teacher heart: Thank You! I pray each one of us (as we are preparing to go back here in the next few weeks-maybe some of you have a month left) that we have the best teaching year yet! I hope anything you read from this blog, even if it's the tiniest tidbit, can help you with sanity, inspiration, and passion....I promise I will keep dishing it out & letting my rambling continue if it's helping! LOL
Don't feel shy to ever chat or connect! Feel free to always message me if you have a question about anything as far as ideas, curriculum, organization. I can't promise I have the answers but in this process I have made some pretty awesome connections!
I love that we all have common ground & "get each other" (My husband often makes jokes that teachers can connect better than any other professionals out there---I believe this with all my heart!)
I'm so excited to start my 2016-2017 school year blog entries & together, we're going to enlighten our kids on the many advantages of being bilingual, meeting new cultures, and being Global Thinking Worldly Individuals!
God Bless Each One of You & Let's Rock This School Year!!!
~Britt
This post is nothing more than a big fat thank you! This summer has been the biggest blessing to sit back and get to connect with my readers. Many of you find me via Pinterest, get on the blog, see the Facebook Group Page (which you can like), and from there...we're forever teacher friends! I want you all to know that you have become a resource to me as much as I can be to you (Becca Lynn - you know exactly what I'm talking about: this girl has GREAT ideas!)
I can't begin to tell you how awesome it has been to get a message, and get to meet (via messenger) someone reading on the other side.
I started this blog...I think 4 years ago, WOW! I'm not a writer, blogger, or anything special with ENGLISH (hence, Spanish Teacher and all the many grammatical mistakes in my posts-oops), but it was simply an outlet to get my ideas from my brain to where someone could read them & maybe use them!
I love people. From the time I was little, I have always been a "people person". Hence the note home on my report card in the third grade: "Brittany is smart but is too much of a social butterfly!" Well sorry Mrs. C but that's just who I am. ;) I love meeting new people from all different walks of life & I think the BEST way to learn is basic human interaction. It has shaped me into who I am today, it has given me compassion for other people, and it has developed a want to always share & make each other's day easier. I truly believe that's what life is all about: having each other's backs!
So from the bottom of my teacher heart: Thank You! I pray each one of us (as we are preparing to go back here in the next few weeks-maybe some of you have a month left) that we have the best teaching year yet! I hope anything you read from this blog, even if it's the tiniest tidbit, can help you with sanity, inspiration, and passion....I promise I will keep dishing it out & letting my rambling continue if it's helping! LOL
Don't feel shy to ever chat or connect! Feel free to always message me if you have a question about anything as far as ideas, curriculum, organization. I can't promise I have the answers but in this process I have made some pretty awesome connections!
I love that we all have common ground & "get each other" (My husband often makes jokes that teachers can connect better than any other professionals out there---I believe this with all my heart!)
I'm so excited to start my 2016-2017 school year blog entries & together, we're going to enlighten our kids on the many advantages of being bilingual, meeting new cultures, and being Global Thinking Worldly Individuals!
God Bless Each One of You & Let's Rock This School Year!!!
~Britt
Monday, May 9, 2016
Circle Up Activity
Tis the time of year for distractions...EOC's, AP Exams, Finals, Field Trips, College Visits, you name it...it's that time of year.
Today, I want to share an activity that I use when class numbers are small & the kids have little to no motivation...best news: you get to sit...Yes, sit! :) And...NO PLANNING! Say what?!?!
I call it: Circle Up! Give the kids a break from the pen & paper and bring in some fun, interaction, and a no pressure review. Have every kid grab a chair, move the desks if needed (especially if you plan to do this all day with your classes), and make a big circle. You get to bring your nice comfy rolling chair over to the circle too (if you have one - mine is a $200 Staples Office Chair but purchased for $30 at yard sale). Sorry, I have a problem bragging about my bargains! Anyways...
Once everyone is in the circle if you have a large or rowdy class, you want to set some expectations right there. Probably not a bad idea to just do it anyways no matter what type of class you have!
I tell my kiddos:
First, do not be chatting with your friend beside you. I tell my kids everyone today will get 15 points participation grade IF you are doing the activities and paying attention. If you are talking or off task, that will come off your personal grade.
Next, tell them everyone is expected to try. None of that "Do we have to play?!" Yep, you do and if you don't, it's your participation grade. Once the kids get playing, they will bug you all the time to "Circle Up"
Finally, no screaming the answers UNLESS the teacher says so.
So what are you doing in this circle? Well, you can do all kinds of things & here are some ideas:
1. Verb Conjugation Circles - Teacher picks a verb, and the students must go around in the circle and conjugate it. Want to make it harder? Tell them to make a sentence out of it.
Example) 1st student - Yo como pollo, next: tu comes mucho, next: ella come en la clase, next: nosotros comemos pizza, etc.
You can even set a timer and see if the class can beat the timer around the room but warning: go on and write down some planned infinitives on a note card or they'll get mad at you for taking up thinking time (yes, I speak from experience).
2. Keep the conversation going - This is a fun one. One student starts the conversation and the next must reply and keep it going, then the next, and next. So yes, it can be a conversation intended for 2 people but 10 people reply to it, and keep it going. Imagine below in a circle:
Example) Hola Bob - Buenas tardes Johnny - Como estas hoy? - Estoy muy bien, y tu - Estoy mal - por que - tengo examen en mi clase - lo siento - si es muy dificil.
(Sorry no accents - that drives me a little crazy) but anyways this is a really fun one and puts a lot of pressure (but fun pressure) to keep it going. I told the kids if they could keep it going around the whole class one day, I would bring them candy the next day. Yes, they did it and I bought Jolly Ranchers for everyone!
3. Pasa el sombrero - Get a cheap straw sombrero (Dollar Tree) or ball, or any item really and play some music. I usually use a dock (I found a cheap one at a yard sale for $2 - BARGAIN) and I use my phone since I don't want to get up and keep running to my computer. Once the music stops, whoever is holding the hat, ball, whatever...must answer a review question (feel free to prepare them beforehand, use your review already made, or pull them from the top of your head) or have them answer a Spanish question.
Example) Cuantos anos (oops) tienes? - I mean years, years, years...not the other word LOL
Anyways, they must answer or they get another question.
4. Rojo VS. Azul - Make it competitive and assign each kid a color. Go in order & make them say it - rojo, azul, rojo, azul, rojo, azul, etc. You can now make it a competition whether it's answering a questions, keeping the conversation going, etc.
5. Listening Challenge - Speak in Spanish telling a mini story then attach a question to the story & the kids must answer the question that went along with your story. I usually like to do about 5 questions for each little story. This is a good idea to go on and prepare the listening stories beforehand or you'll be scratching your head in that moment. If you're playing team games if the person does not know the answer, they can use a "Ask a friend" lifeline...this allows to get the "other" side of the circle involved.
6. Numbers Challenge - Need a number practice day? Tell the kids the range of numbers 1- 100 and counting by 10's or 1 - 30 counting by 1's, the 100's...etc.
Example) uno - dos - tres, cuatro - cinco, etc.
Whoever forgets their number is out - I make the kids sit on the back of their chairs or on the floor in front of their chair when they are out. You should have two kids left battling it out for the ultimate victory.
7. Infinitive Blast - Did your kiddos learn lots of verbs this year? Put them to the test with Infinitive Blast. Circle up, first kid says an infinitive "Comer" and the next kid must do a conjugation of the infinitive "ellos comen" then the third kid would say another infinitive "bailar" and the fourth kid would say a conjugation of bailar "yo bailo" and so one.
The possibilities are endless with Circle Up & like I said...you get to sit, enjoy your kiddos, and NO planning. Have an idea of which activities you would like to do and depending on the personalities of your class...it can get REALLY fun!
Either way, it makes for an easy day & lots of learning and also it's great to show YOU what your kids know!!! :)
Have a great rest of the year readers!
God Bless Each of You,
Britt B.
SIDE NOTE: If you made it all the way down here, congratulations because that was a huge post but I didn't want to seem lazy saying "Hey, you get to sit all day" Sitting for me is amazing because well, I will be welcoming baby #2 in December!!!
Sorry, not being lazy, just being comfortable! But some days...it's nice to be able to rest our feet :)
Today, I want to share an activity that I use when class numbers are small & the kids have little to no motivation...best news: you get to sit...Yes, sit! :) And...NO PLANNING! Say what?!?!
I call it: Circle Up! Give the kids a break from the pen & paper and bring in some fun, interaction, and a no pressure review. Have every kid grab a chair, move the desks if needed (especially if you plan to do this all day with your classes), and make a big circle. You get to bring your nice comfy rolling chair over to the circle too (if you have one - mine is a $200 Staples Office Chair but purchased for $30 at yard sale). Sorry, I have a problem bragging about my bargains! Anyways...
Once everyone is in the circle if you have a large or rowdy class, you want to set some expectations right there. Probably not a bad idea to just do it anyways no matter what type of class you have!
I tell my kiddos:
First, do not be chatting with your friend beside you. I tell my kids everyone today will get 15 points participation grade IF you are doing the activities and paying attention. If you are talking or off task, that will come off your personal grade.
Next, tell them everyone is expected to try. None of that "Do we have to play?!" Yep, you do and if you don't, it's your participation grade. Once the kids get playing, they will bug you all the time to "Circle Up"
Finally, no screaming the answers UNLESS the teacher says so.
So what are you doing in this circle? Well, you can do all kinds of things & here are some ideas:
1. Verb Conjugation Circles - Teacher picks a verb, and the students must go around in the circle and conjugate it. Want to make it harder? Tell them to make a sentence out of it.
Example) 1st student - Yo como pollo, next: tu comes mucho, next: ella come en la clase, next: nosotros comemos pizza, etc.
You can even set a timer and see if the class can beat the timer around the room but warning: go on and write down some planned infinitives on a note card or they'll get mad at you for taking up thinking time (yes, I speak from experience).
2. Keep the conversation going - This is a fun one. One student starts the conversation and the next must reply and keep it going, then the next, and next. So yes, it can be a conversation intended for 2 people but 10 people reply to it, and keep it going. Imagine below in a circle:
Example) Hola Bob - Buenas tardes Johnny - Como estas hoy? - Estoy muy bien, y tu - Estoy mal - por que - tengo examen en mi clase - lo siento - si es muy dificil.
(Sorry no accents - that drives me a little crazy) but anyways this is a really fun one and puts a lot of pressure (but fun pressure) to keep it going. I told the kids if they could keep it going around the whole class one day, I would bring them candy the next day. Yes, they did it and I bought Jolly Ranchers for everyone!
3. Pasa el sombrero - Get a cheap straw sombrero (Dollar Tree) or ball, or any item really and play some music. I usually use a dock (I found a cheap one at a yard sale for $2 - BARGAIN) and I use my phone since I don't want to get up and keep running to my computer. Once the music stops, whoever is holding the hat, ball, whatever...must answer a review question (feel free to prepare them beforehand, use your review already made, or pull them from the top of your head) or have them answer a Spanish question.
Example) Cuantos anos (oops) tienes? - I mean years, years, years...not the other word LOL
Anyways, they must answer or they get another question.
4. Rojo VS. Azul - Make it competitive and assign each kid a color. Go in order & make them say it - rojo, azul, rojo, azul, rojo, azul, etc. You can now make it a competition whether it's answering a questions, keeping the conversation going, etc.
5. Listening Challenge - Speak in Spanish telling a mini story then attach a question to the story & the kids must answer the question that went along with your story. I usually like to do about 5 questions for each little story. This is a good idea to go on and prepare the listening stories beforehand or you'll be scratching your head in that moment. If you're playing team games if the person does not know the answer, they can use a "Ask a friend" lifeline...this allows to get the "other" side of the circle involved.
6. Numbers Challenge - Need a number practice day? Tell the kids the range of numbers 1- 100 and counting by 10's or 1 - 30 counting by 1's, the 100's...etc.
Example) uno - dos - tres, cuatro - cinco, etc.
Whoever forgets their number is out - I make the kids sit on the back of their chairs or on the floor in front of their chair when they are out. You should have two kids left battling it out for the ultimate victory.
7. Infinitive Blast - Did your kiddos learn lots of verbs this year? Put them to the test with Infinitive Blast. Circle up, first kid says an infinitive "Comer" and the next kid must do a conjugation of the infinitive "ellos comen" then the third kid would say another infinitive "bailar" and the fourth kid would say a conjugation of bailar "yo bailo" and so one.
The possibilities are endless with Circle Up & like I said...you get to sit, enjoy your kiddos, and NO planning. Have an idea of which activities you would like to do and depending on the personalities of your class...it can get REALLY fun!
Either way, it makes for an easy day & lots of learning and also it's great to show YOU what your kids know!!! :)
Have a great rest of the year readers!
God Bless Each of You,
Britt B.
SIDE NOTE: If you made it all the way down here, congratulations because that was a huge post but I didn't want to seem lazy saying "Hey, you get to sit all day" Sitting for me is amazing because well, I will be welcoming baby #2 in December!!!
Sorry, not being lazy, just being comfortable! But some days...it's nice to be able to rest our feet :)
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