tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8374442551074629372024-03-14T10:08:48.015-05:00The Other Side of the Spanish ClassroomTeachers never stop learning. I'm a second year Spanish teacher but starting a new year with a new job. Check back often for lesson ideas and my thoughts on the (Spanish) teaching profession.K. Zhanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09268295200382331511noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-837444255107462937.post-66711033845620229992014-10-17T10:58:00.000-05:002014-10-17T10:58:00.249-05:00Binders Galore 2Time for post #2 about binders. This binder is now for my substitute teacher! This is the first year that I have a made a substitute binder. I've always though that it was a great idea but never created one until my administration told us we had to have one. I looked online (mainly pinterest and teacherspayteachers) for some examples before creating my own. Here are some of the examples I based mine off of:<br />
<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Substitute-Teacher-Binder-122317">http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Substitute-Teacher-Binder-122317</a><br />
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/alicia_eyer/substitute-teaching/">http://www.pinterest.com/alicia_eyer/substitute-teaching/</a><br />
<a href="http://organized-chaos-teaching.blogspot.com/2012/02/sub-binders.html">http://organized-chaos-teaching.blogspot.com/2012/02/sub-binders.html</a> (this one I liked the best)<br />
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I've used it twice so far and I think it may have overwhelmed one sub but the other one loved having all the information organized for her. So I think I'll keep it at least a little while longer. (Sorry the pictures are sideways! When I open them up to rotate, they are right-side-up and I don't know how to rotate in this blog. If you know, please leave a comment and let me know how!) I put pictures of some of the pages but all of my sections are listed in the table of contents.<br />
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<b>Cover of 3-ring binder</b></div>
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<b><u>Table of Contents</u></b><br />
<b>1. Introduction</b><br />
<b>2. Schedule/school map</b><br />
<b>3. Lesson Plans</b> (not prepared ahead of time, only use this section if I know I'll be absent)<br />
<b>4. Emergency Lesson Plans </b>(pre-planned lessons so if I suddenly get ill or have to leave, I don't have to worry about lesson plans because I already wrote them down!<br />
<b>5. Classroom Management</b><br />
<b>6. Class lists</b><br />
<b>7. Seating Charts</b> (I need to be better about updating this.)<br />
<b>8. Emergency Procedures</b><br />
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<span style="text-align: right;"><b> 9. Student Information</b> (IEPs at a glance)</span></div>
<b>10. Notes for me!</b><br />
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<b>Introduction</b><br />
<span style="text-align: right;">Talks about what my job looks like, thanks the sub for coming, etc.</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb-sBUnKgQkaQrAFURpByGT2V9UI0K0r6h0M-WbrZpD91WipKPAUT89Tk59HM20Cdrjy2WW3q6ykZvIDq0YiPhC8jU3TTsxvCSWxK8MAlo3yEwhoEt1gHryYxY2twK-2ku5abRQ1TUxGCp/s1600/sub3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: right;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb-sBUnKgQkaQrAFURpByGT2V9UI0K0r6h0M-WbrZpD91WipKPAUT89Tk59HM20Cdrjy2WW3q6ykZvIDq0YiPhC8jU3TTsxvCSWxK8MAlo3yEwhoEt1gHryYxY2twK-2ku5abRQ1TUxGCp/s1600/sub3.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
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<b>Classroom Management</b></div>
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By grade level. What I do and what the school does. Also procedures for leaving the classroom.<br />
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<b>Emergency Procedures</b><br />
Fire/Tornado/Etc.<br />
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<b>Notes for Me</b></div>
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A place for the sub to leave notes about what went well and what didn't, and who helped or distracted.</div>
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What do you do for your sub binder? Do you use one? Should I change anything about mine?</div>
<br />K. Zhanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09268295200382331511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-837444255107462937.post-89196860731136082982014-09-26T05:59:00.002-05:002014-09-26T07:11:35.714-05:00SER/ESTAR/TENERI've always taught my students ser and estar, but this is the first year I did it together. I also taught tener at the same time, pointing out the fact that although the verb means "to have" we use it like "to be" for age and "needs" (tener expressions). I introduced the concept (none of verbs were new to my 7th graders) and we practiced for about a week before the quiz. My students took the quiz and.... well let's just say that score is not going in the gradebook. I've never had a quiz go that poorly for so many people before so I reflected on how I taught the lesson and realized that this was one of the first times I didn't have a rhyme or song or actions to help my students remember. So, I went searching on the internet and found <a href="http://www.carla.umn.edu/strategies/sp_grammar/strategies/form/serandestar/whentouseestar.html">this</a>. Because I teach tener with ser and estar, I added my own verse to the end. Here's the whole thing:<br />
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For how you <b>feel</b> or <b>where</b> you are, </div>
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use the verb <b>ESTAR</b>.</div>
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For <b>who</b> you are or where you're<b> from</b>,</div>
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use <b>SER</b>, the other one.</div>
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For your <b>age</b> or what you <b>"need</b>,<b>"</b></div>
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then use <b>TENER</b>, if you please!</div>
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After students wrote down the rhyme, we broke down the categories more specifically.<br />
- Feel - temporary feeligns<br />
- Where - location, location, location!<br />
- Who - colors, adjectives, jobs<br />
- From - where you grew up/were born<br />
- Age - (self-explanatory)<br />
- "Needs" - tener expressions like hunger, thirst, luck, hurry, etc...<br />
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They'll take another quiz next week. I hope it goes better!K. Zhanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09268295200382331511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-837444255107462937.post-17192704986529284462014-09-11T06:40:00.002-05:002014-09-21T13:50:30.688-05:00Binders galoreI love binders! Know why? Because they make organization so easy. I have 2 binders that I use and my students have their own Spanish binder as well. Here's my first binder. Look for future posts to see my sub binder and my students' binders.<br />
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<u>My Lesson Plan Binder</u><br />
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I am on a cart which means that my schedule changes every day. So I put my schedule on the outside of my LP binder since I take it everywhere anyway. That way, I don't show up to the wrong place at the wrong time. (It's only happened once in 2 years so that's not too bad!) Plus, I put my schedule in Spanish so that if I ever lose it, it comes back to me pretty quickly. The kids think it's cool too.<br />
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When I first started my lesson plan binder, I had like 8 different sections. I've narrowed it down to three now, but added two extra in case I feel like I'm missing anything. The three sections are weekly calendar, yearly calendar, and grades/class lists/IEPs.<br />
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My <b>weekly calendar</b> inclues my lesson plans and any special events during the week. I love to be color coded so the blue stands for days when I miss classes (and I include the reason so I remember). The pink helps me differentiate between my 8th hour classes because one is M/W/F and the other is T/Th. Anything highlighted in green is a staff meeting. I also write at the top of the day if there are any after school activities such as concerts or open houses. With my lesson plans (bullet points), I read over them at the end of the day and if something needs to get changed for next year, I leave myself a post-it note so it will pop out at me when I review my lesson plans.</div>
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The <b>yearly calendar</b> is something the deans at my school put out and it's amazing. Any school events (after-school, assembly, testing, etc.) that are already planned are written on a calendar and passed out. This is helpful to me for a quick at-a-glance or when I transfer the activities to my weekly plans.<br />
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The last section (and there is no picture, sorry) is my <b>class lists/grades/IEP </b>section. I print off class lists and write their Spanish names next to their English names to help me learn both. Then I also put their grades right on these papers. I like to hand write them first so I have a paper record before transfering them to the computer. Something new that I am going to add this year is IEPs. A fellow teacher in my school puts all the IEP at-a-glance for each class right behind the class list so it's all together. Instead of carrying around my SPED binder and my LP binder, now I just need one!<br />
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I hope this helps anyone looking to set up your own lesson plan binder! I prefer setting one up than getting a pre-made one because I can make it my own. My stuff isn't super cute but it is organized and color coded and that's what I like. Is there something that you include in your binder that's not in my that you find helpful? Let me know!<br />
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<strong><u>UPDATE (as of 9/21/14)</u></strong><br />
I added one more section to my teacher binder labeled "meeting notes." I stole this idea from a fellow co-worker because it's a great way to keep important information from any and all staff meetings in one place. At my school, I have a weekly meeting with my dean, an every-other-weekly meeting with the middle school staff, and an almost-every-other-weekly meeting with the whole school. While agendas are typically passed out at meetings, my new notes spot in my binder allows me to write down any pertinent information to me and jot down any questions I may need to follow up on in the future without needed to keep track of an agenda. K. Zhanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09268295200382331511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-837444255107462937.post-85287769433819125632014-09-03T13:14:00.000-05:002014-09-21T13:51:05.447-05:00Another new year...!How is it that as a first year teacher I had time to write a blog, but it's taken me 2 years and the start of my 4th year teaching to get back to it? Wow, time sure does fly! I hope to be better about posting this year. It's my third year at the same school so I feel like I'm finally getting my feet under me. In fact, my introduction lesson I have now taught over 40 times! This lesson is a great way for the students to get to know me, for me to learn how to say their names (without messing up!), and to review vocabulary.<br />
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On the first day of class, I always start out by saying hola/buenos dias/buenas tardes, depending on the time of day. After a few introductory things (such as my name, how often Spanish meets, and what they need to have on their desk (nothing! for today), I do the following activities for a 40-minute class.<br />
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<strong><u>Introduction powerpoint</u></strong><br />
I choose 3-5 pictures of myself and put them on separate slides. Then, I describe each picture in Spanish and the students have to guess what I'm saying. I change the complexity of my sentences depending on the level of Spanish that I am teaching. <br />
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For this picture I might say...<br />
<em>Esto es mi perro. Mi perro se llama Bo. Mi perro Bo es muy muy loco! Es blanco y cafe. (This is my dog. My dog's name is Bo. My dog Bo is really, really crazy! He's white and brown.)</em><br />
For a higher group, I'll add in my details.<br />
<em>Esto es mi perro. Mi perro se llama Bo. Mi perro Bo es muy muy loco! Es blanco y tiene ojos y orejas cafes. Le gusta correr y jugar en el parque. Despues de correr, le gusta dormir en <u>mi</u> cama! Pero, es muy lindo, por eso no puedo decir no.(This is my dog. My dog's name is Bo. My dog Bo is really, really crazy! He's white and has brown eyes and ears. He likes to run and play in the park. After running, he likes to sleep in <u>my</u> bed! But, he's so cute, so I can't say no.)</em><br />
No matter the level, I am always pointing to the picture and acting out verbs. <br />
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<strong><u>Name ball toss</u></strong><br />
Ball tosses are one of my favorite activities because it gets everybody talking. Plus, if you have someone new to the language, they can copy what the other people are saying. I start by asking how to say "what is your name" and "my name is" in the target language, and write the phrases on the board. I have the class repeat after me and make sure they know how to say it. Next, everybody stands up. <br />
Then you can do the ball toss one of two ways:<br />
1. The teacher throws the ball to a student and asks the question. The student answers, throws the ball back, and sits down. The teacher continues to throw to individual students until everyone has had a turn.<br />
2. The teacher throws the ball to a student and asks the question. The student answers, then throws the ball to another student, and asks the question. After asking the question, the first student sits down. The second student gives an answer, and tosses to a new student.<br />
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Sometimes I'll do it both ways and challenge them to do #2 faster than we did #1.<br />
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<strong><u>Review game</u></strong><br />
For classes that have had at least one year of Spanish, I like to start the first day with a low-pressure review game to see how much they remember. I separate them into groups (people they are sitting by, no more than 5 in a group) and give each group a whiteboard and expo marker. (Paper and pen would work just fine.) I give a category, such as colores, and students have to work together to write down as many Spanish words in that category as possible. Spelling doesn't count and they can't use notes. I put a 2 minute timer on the board and when the timer is up, students go group by group and say one word on their list. If someone says a word on your list, you erase the word so there are no repeats. Continue the game for the rest of class. K. Zhanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09268295200382331511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-837444255107462937.post-31272502118652083252012-09-09T20:32:00.000-05:002012-09-09T20:32:46.541-05:00First week of a new school!Week one at my new school is done! It was a whirlwind and just flew by. Teaching 4th-8th grade is very different than just 3rd-5th grade even though two of the grades are the same. My 4th graders are learning Spanish for the first time and it is so fun to watch them experiment with the language. On the other hand, my 8th graders are in their 5th year and I am their third teacher in three years. They're still trying to see who I am and what class is going to look like for them this year. So far so good, I think :) I was very nervous to start with the middle schoolers but they really are quite a lot of fun! Quick refresher... I see my 4th-6th graders twice a week of 40 minutes. I see my 7th and 8th graders every day for 40 minutes but only 9 weeks out of the year.<br />
<br />
I started each class basically the same way... shake everyone's hand while they say their name (me llamo ___. - yes even the 4th graders did this!) We shared good news from the summer (required bit from <a href="http://www.flippengroup.com/education/ckh.html">Capturing Kinds Hearts</a>... great program if you've never heard of it) then I showed a picture slideshow of myself and my family. I spoke about every picture in Spanish and then had the students translate (or guess for the 4th graders) what I said. Even the 4th graders picked up on almost everything I said. Then we did a ball toss and for the middle schoolers, we also played a quick review game. Day 1, done! Day 2 was all about picking out Spanish names (am I crazy for making myself learn twice as many names as I already have to?) and practicing asking/answering questions about names. Middle schoolers played another review game. Up next comes a quick communication unit with classroom commands and useful phrases for all grades but the vocabulary is different in each of the grade. I am reviewing the basic 4th grade vocab in every grade though to make sure everyone knows what I want them to know.<br />
<br />
Many of the teachers in my school have children in the school and I am lucky enough to teach most of them (no pressure... right?) So far though, many of those parents have come up to me saying that their kids are really enjoying Spanish (yay!). That makes me feel good. Plus, my assistant principal and principal have both stopped in my class at least once and left with smiles on their faces. My principal even speaks Spanish! How awesome (and rare) is that?!?<br />
<br />
I have so many ideas flowing through my mind about what I want to do and how that it is difficult to organize my thoughts right now. I will still be updating my blog regularly (though maybe not as regularly at first as I adjust to my new school) so be on the lookout for lesson ideas and my thoughts on the (Spanish) teaching profession!K. Zhanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09268295200382331511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-837444255107462937.post-63989530561071611282012-06-10T06:08:00.002-05:002012-06-10T06:08:49.746-05:00The end of the beginning<b id="internal-source-marker_0.9394716441165656" style="font-weight: normal;"></b><br />
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<b id="internal-source-marker_0.9394716441165656" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It’s over. My first year of teaching is officially over. My first job is officially over. And it doesn’t feel real. It doesn’t feel like when I go to work tomorrow, I can go in an hour later because I don’t have to plan. I have curriculum meetings 8-3 this week and then that’s it. It’s surreal. I can’t believe it’s June! This year went by so fast. Every year since I can remember just keeps speeding up and now it feels like I’m just flying through life. Last year at this time I was substitute teaching, planning for a wedding and a honeymoon, and getting ready to move to a new city. This year, I am preparing to go to China in a week (yay family!), putting offers on houses, and getting ready for my new job (in an old city - the one where I grew up) where I’ll have my second, first-year of teaching. If the University of Michigan taught me anything, it’s that changes are good and exciting;they are just new opportunities to explore this world and myself in a different light. I am sad that this chapter of my life has ended but am looking forward to the future. Check back on this blog over the summer and next year as I continue to explore the wonderful world of education as a Spanish teacher. Have a great summer everyone!</span></span></b></div>K. Zhanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09268295200382331511noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-837444255107462937.post-61364398685958262382012-06-05T12:58:00.001-05:002012-06-05T12:58:16.021-05:00More fire alarmsUpdate... (no I did not set up the fire alarm again). The fire alarm has gone off 3 or 4 more times since I set it off all by different people. It always goes off for the same reason; either something in the oven or burnt popcorn in a not-so-great microwave. I'm just proud of myself that I set it off when there were fewer kids in school (because it was after school) and it was a nice day. We've had to stand outside pretty long some days in the cold and wind while waiting for the firemen to give the okay the other times it has gone off.K. Zhanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09268295200382331511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-837444255107462937.post-64445151711413080952012-05-29T19:14:00.002-05:002012-05-29T19:16:22.098-05:00Hey girlThe end of the year is pretty difficult. Students are check-out and ready for summer and I'm getting there as well. So while I was on facebook, one of my friends mom's posted <a href="http://heygirlteacher.tumblr.com/page/3">this</a> on her page and I clicked the link. It's kind of weird but made me smile. Sorry guys, this blog is just for female teachers but is still entertaining whenever you need a pick-me-up. Check it out!K. Zhanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09268295200382331511noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-837444255107462937.post-76162307684406159172012-05-25T09:58:00.000-05:002012-06-05T12:49:11.954-05:00"Standardized" testing in Spanish<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans', 'Lucida Grande', Tahoma, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px;">My 5th graders this week get to do something that no other 5th grade class has done before in Lake Bluff. We are taking online computer assessments, in Spanish! (They were not pleased with me when I told them that was the surprise for class this week haha.) The test is called the STAMP4SE (for grades 3-6; grades 6-12+ take the STAMP4S) and you can find more information on</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans', 'Lucida Grande', Tahoma, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans', 'Lucida Grande', Tahoma, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px;"><a href="http://www.avantassessment.com/stamp" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">this website</span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans', 'Lucida Grande', Tahoma, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px;">. Basically, it is just a way to measure language proficiency in our school. Since this is the first year, there are still working out a few technicalities in the assessment so not everyone finished everything but it will be taken every spring from this year forward. This is not an assessment that needs any studying ahead of time and it doesn't count for a grade. It is just a way for the world language team to see how much Spanish our students are soaking in. There are 4 parts to this test; reading, writing, listening, and speaking, however, I am only giving the last two sections this year. In the future, 5th graders may take all 4 sections, who knows. The data we get this year from the assessments will be used to help in the redesign of the curriculum over the summer. Here are a few things that I've noticed about the test:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans', 'Lucida Grande', Tahoma, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans', 'Lucida Grande', Tahoma, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px;">1. It takes almost 15-20 minutes for elementary kids to get logged in to the test after testing the headphone/microphone, downloading the directions documents from my dropbox, and entering the test codes, passwords, and usernames. And it really helps to have the tech person or just an extra pair of hands to help during this set-up.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans', 'Lucida Grande', Tahoma, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px;">2. The listening section is like 20 minutes. (The number of questions varies on how much Spanish you know.... the more Spanish you know, the more questions you take.) But the sound cuts in and out so the kids can't always hear the whole question. After day 2, we figured out that you can just refresh the page but sometimes that doesn't even work.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans', 'Lucida Grande', Tahoma, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px;">3. You can't go straight from listening to speaking. Instead, you have to log out of the test, quit safari, turn the airport off.... then turn it back on and log in again. Otherwise, the test stops working during the first speaking question. This si weird and annoying but something I can deal with now that I know it happens.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans', 'Lucida Grande', Tahoma, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px;">4. Kids get nervous during the speaking sections. They speak super quiet into the microphone because they're afraid of speaking in front of their peers even though we do multiple speaking activities every lesson.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans', 'Lucida Grande', Tahoma, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px;">5. Some kids asked me if it was okay that they spoke a little bit of English during the speaking section because they didn't know a word.... I just shook my head and sighed. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans', 'Lucida Grande', Tahoma, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px;">6. New pages (questions) take forever to load. Sometimes it just stops loading and you have the quit and turn the airport off to pick up where you left off.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans', 'Lucida Grande', Tahoma, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans', 'Lucida Grande', Tahoma, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans', 'Lucida Grande', Tahoma, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px;">I'd love to give this test at my new job but I have no idea how the curriculum and/or budget works at NHA. That'll be something that I have to figure out this summer or next fall. I like the idea of giving this national test because it is aligned with the ACTFL oral proficiency targets. (I'll do a post about those a little later.) </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans', 'Lucida Grande', Tahoma, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans', 'Lucida Grande', Tahoma, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px;">I am excited (and nervous) to see the results!</span>K. Zhanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09268295200382331511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-837444255107462937.post-80161353991331664432012-05-22T10:04:00.001-05:002012-05-22T10:04:02.919-05:00Free online resources for studentsThis <a href="http://webtech.kennesaw.edu/jcheek3/spanish.htm">website</a> has a list (and explanation) of a bunch of websites that are kid-friendly. I haven't really looked through the list yet but thought I would share it. From a glance, they seem pretty good.K. Zhanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09268295200382331511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-837444255107462937.post-51833279218939924702012-05-22T10:02:00.002-05:002012-05-22T10:04:14.221-05:00Free online resources for educatorsYou ever have that moment when you realized that you somehow forgot to plan your next lesson (life happens)? Or when you're just at a loss for an activity because the kids need more practice with the vocabulary because you're sick of doing the same thing? Or you need an easy sub plan that's NOT a worksheet? Then check out this <a href="http://www.toolsforeducators.com/fruit_vegetables.php">website</a>! It works for any language because you type in the words but it has all the templates, pictures, and directions for game boards, dominoes, bingo, crosswords, word searches, etc (yes I realize some of those are worksheets, but not most of them!). This list is endless! I just stumbled upon this website this morning and immediately book marked it for the future. I hope you find it as useful as I do!K. Zhanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09268295200382331511noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-837444255107462937.post-42415414743584134422012-05-16T05:03:00.002-05:002012-05-16T05:03:38.711-05:00Job Hunt is Officially Over :)Last night I accepted an offer from <a href="http://www.nhaschools.com/schools/excel/Pages/default.aspx"> Excel Charter Academy</a>! I will be teaching Spanish grades 4-8 and couldn't be more excited. I am happy to still be teaching elementary school but will also be able to use my skills with middle schoolers. Excel is just one of many schools associated with <a href="http://www.nhaschools.com/Pages/default.aspx">National Heritage Academies</a>. I have a friend who works for this charter network on this east side of the state and she loves her job so I can't wait to get started!K. Zhanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09268295200382331511noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-837444255107462937.post-25553968214109069132012-05-06T09:45:00.000-05:002012-05-06T09:45:54.690-05:00Buen ProvechoLunch club is still going strong. After a few kids initially dropped out, I combined traditional and multiage so that everyone gets the chance to eat at lunch club every week if they want too. This is much more beneficial for my students rather than every other week. Kids can come and go as they please from week to week, as long as I know ahead of time. I still take attendance every week and there are probably about 30 kids who come consistently. My principal was a guest at one of the lunch clubs last week and even though she doesn't speak Spanish, she had a lot of fun. She sat with a group of 5th grade girls who were trying to teach her some words so that she could participate as well. It was a lot of fun. And I'm not the only school doing this! Check out <a href="http://gazebonews.com/2012/05/03/buen-provecho-for-lunch/">this article</a> about a private school in a nearby community from where I teach in Lake Bluff, Illinois.K. Zhanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09268295200382331511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-837444255107462937.post-90875087120345956812012-05-05T14:25:00.000-05:002012-05-05T14:25:34.926-05:00Making Tamales<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">In my cooking class this past week, we made Mexican tamales. Now, I need to be perfectly honest with everyone. I've never actually eaten a tamale that I've enjoyed, mostly because of the corn dough in the middle of the corn husks. Also because I've never had an authentic tamale and really haven't tried too many in my life. However, when one of my co-workers mentioned that she used to make tamales all the time with her family and my students had been talking about tamales in previous classes, I decided to give it another try. Plus a rule in my class is that you have to take and least 2 bites of every food we cook but you don't have to finish it. My coworker gave me an authentic recipe that she used with her family and guess what? They were delicious :) I have extra corn husks so I'm excited to make some at home for my husband in the near future. Here's how you make it!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><u>Mexican Tamales</u></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #424242;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">1.</span><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><span style="color: #424242;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">If
using corn husks, soak them in enough warm water to completely cover for
several hours or overnight to soften. Pat corn husks with paper towel to remove
excess moisture. Otherwise you can just use aluminum foil. The corn husks are more fun though. </span></span></div>
<span style="color: #424242;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #424242;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span style="color: #424242;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">2.</span><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><span style="color: #424242;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Combine 1 1/2 cups masa harina and 1 cup warm water. Mix well. Cover and let stand 20 minutes.</span></span></span></div>
</span><span style="color: #424242;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span style="color: #424242;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">3.</span><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><span style="color: #424242;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Meanwhile,
in a large saucepan, cook 1 chopped onion in 2 tbsp butter till onion is just
tender.</span></span></span></div>
</span><span style="color: #424242;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span style="color: #424242;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">4.</span><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><span style="color: #424242;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Blend
in the 2 tbsp flour and 1/4 tsp salt. Then add 1 cup chicken broth. Cook and stir till
mixture is thickened and bubbly.</span></span></span></div>
</span><span style="color: #424242;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span style="color: #424242;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">5.</span><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><span style="color: #424242;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Stir
in 1 1/2 cups diced chicken, 1/3 cup raisins, 1/3 cup toasted almonds, 1 tbsp vinegar, 1 tbsp parsley, and 1/2 tsp ground
cinnamon. Set aside to cool slightly.</span></span></span></div>
</span><span style="color: #424242;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span style="color: #424242;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">6.</span><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><span style="color: #424242;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">In
another small bowl, beat 1/2 cup shortening and 1/2 tsp salt until fluffy. Beat in masa harina
mixture until well combined.</span></span></span></div>
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #424242;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBIzB8qHectA_hNo-hD4OxEiz7fnhEzXBT8x6NCRFp74PkCFgDZbbrYoej5QnIzxTYJGn6yoeIsqEM2h2O3MSDdRmnU37xda1V6KzZtAr2jCcvBr2P1p_U64qCM_-dFOXASpNaU_U6QRG-/s1600/photo+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBIzB8qHectA_hNo-hD4OxEiz7fnhEzXBT8x6NCRFp74PkCFgDZbbrYoej5QnIzxTYJGn6yoeIsqEM2h2O3MSDdRmnU37xda1V6KzZtAr2jCcvBr2P1p_U64qCM_-dFOXASpNaU_U6QRG-/s320/photo+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</span><span style="color: #424242;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span style="color: #424242;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">7.</span><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #424242;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Measure 3 tablespoons dough onto each tamale wrapper. With wet fingers, spread dough to form a rectangle.</span></span></span></div>
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #424242;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRos2xKAWmYr-RqQjD2JFXJ47Cb1dCRapTVMRVDzssWCyfrhaZKHKC8cK-YnN5AH6MmN3hCsdNeaocTVVBf7qF-Q19-HBfla_S2SWeMBy8NjCKxNt-8tmcPPSEVvg9vsAtxi8x5WTHcnS3/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRos2xKAWmYr-RqQjD2JFXJ47Cb1dCRapTVMRVDzssWCyfrhaZKHKC8cK-YnN5AH6MmN3hCsdNeaocTVVBf7qF-Q19-HBfla_S2SWeMBy8NjCKxNt-8tmcPPSEVvg9vsAtxi8x5WTHcnS3/s320/photo+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="color: #424242;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">8.</span><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="color: #424242;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Place about 2 tablespoons chicken-raisin filling, lengthwise, on each tamale rectangle.</span></span></span></span></span></div>
</span><span style="color: #424242;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span style="color: #424242;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">9.</span><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #424242;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Tightly roll tamales jelly-roll style starting with the edge nearest filling.</span></span></span></div>
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #424242;"><div style="text-align: left;">
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</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh48xNat-AalOoQKeFmQGv2SgHjPGazQsPjKovyrMT9P_mcOw3I-SmSiHm3xvlViHVIZ_8qmIdFjzfCdm4nt05OnvuS3R6qCrAgJlycZ118axSeeSy0fLE8dD_EBEGMeKM8FY3ibVMELHzz/s1600/photo+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh48xNat-AalOoQKeFmQGv2SgHjPGazQsPjKovyrMT9P_mcOw3I-SmSiHm3xvlViHVIZ_8qmIdFjzfCdm4nt05OnvuS3R6qCrAgJlycZ118axSeeSy0fLE8dD_EBEGMeKM8FY3ibVMELHzz/s320/photo+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span style="color: #424242;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">10.</span></span><span style="color: #424242;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Tie ends securely with strings of corn husk or string. Or you can fold ends under.</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span style="color: #424242;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">11.</span><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #424242;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Place the tamales on rack in a large steamer or electric skillet. Add water to just below the rack level. Cover and steam 40-45 minutes or until a tamale pulls away from its wrapper when gently unrolled. Serve immediately and enjoy! (Don’t eat the corn husk!)</span></span></span></div>
</span>K. Zhanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09268295200382331511noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-837444255107462937.post-28585344973981589052012-04-27T11:49:00.000-05:002012-04-27T11:49:09.262-05:00Guatemalan Worry DollsThis week with my crafts club we made Guatemalan Worry Dolls. <a href="http://www.worrydoll.com/servlet/StoreFront">Worry dolls</a> are given to children to help them deal with difficult times. They are stored in a special box or bag until nighttime. Then, just before going to sleep, children take out the worry dolls and tell one worry to each dolls. The dolls then spend the night under the children's pillows until going back in the box the next morning. Worry dolls are a lot like dream catchers. You can certainly <a href="http://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=guatemalan+worry+dolls&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8#q=guatemalan+worry+dolls&hl=en&client=safari&rls=en&prmd=imvns&source=univ&tbm=shop&tbo=u&sa=X&ei=48qaT9irEoPW2gX9mJ3rDg&ved=0CGwQrQQ&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.r_qf.,cf.osb&fp=3d1e63585558539c&biw=1280&bih=618">buy them</a> or you can make them yourself using pipe cleaners and yarn!<br />
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<b>How to make your own worry dolls:</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggeCuYRZX0zkULQFe_0_rn424HtkTMfQHv8izTSvLWbQhx6n79D3kkdI4WJ7QFzQ7twdi4mzOUpIBV-VXrcouSMsvDzMaZ_lDfO8mit-5weg9_lBXvVgR5iTO7v39vRW6F3h7yBmD5xX3r/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggeCuYRZX0zkULQFe_0_rn424HtkTMfQHv8izTSvLWbQhx6n79D3kkdI4WJ7QFzQ7twdi4mzOUpIBV-VXrcouSMsvDzMaZ_lDfO8mit-5weg9_lBXvVgR5iTO7v39vRW6F3h7yBmD5xX3r/s200/photo+1.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoDFDImbbRqQ_8SpkGOplVECVSelT7ZpAwxG8Vq9D5-UW0qJ1OwOGgp9GzbkwEplRkirjDL1dNkXUxEpYhUrV5RbZRHsmJP0CpP1TidvihU3mLWh8wBnz8KJmVJsgystr3fpMCl445AQkD/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoDFDImbbRqQ_8SpkGOplVECVSelT7ZpAwxG8Vq9D5-UW0qJ1OwOGgp9GzbkwEplRkirjDL1dNkXUxEpYhUrV5RbZRHsmJP0CpP1TidvihU3mLWh8wBnz8KJmVJsgystr3fpMCl445AQkD/s200/photo+2.JPG" width="200" /></a>Materials: 2 or 3 wire twist-ties (or pipe-cleaners), 4 inches long; colored yarn or string; scraps of colored paper; scissors; glue; makers<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoXZiyTNgbweJDS1RzuXPO7UrVjhstNAMRmbnWTKBlJhtwzQ8gf6bhiHFep36muGdj407IDo3ZNpLmEK2mgii_h9Gxp_Y_XnRQpuBw7XQ2AUC9NzV3uolDD1e7XTOBAWSRoKI_SAsuJ8uw/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoXZiyTNgbweJDS1RzuXPO7UrVjhstNAMRmbnWTKBlJhtwzQ8gf6bhiHFep36muGdj407IDo3ZNpLmEK2mgii_h9Gxp_Y_XnRQpuBw7XQ2AUC9NzV3uolDD1e7XTOBAWSRoKI_SAsuJ8uw/s320/photo+3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Step 1) For a bigger doll, use 3 pieces of pipe-cleaner. Twist two together, about an inch from the top. Keep the short ends together (for the head later) but separate the long ends (for the legs). </div>
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Step 2) Wrap the third piece around the body for the arms. Make sure they are even lengths. Bend the hands and feet.</div>
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*NOTE* For a smaller doll, use only 2 pieces. Fold one in half and separate the ends. Wrap the second piece around the body to make the arms.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1iJqwIjmeZx_5_hSGwgG1Q3h8BxHxVeu0T_h25kXuWJYbGubtIk-hZPYca_ruavCAhP-rU5ffps2r03tI2DO_gsiSNF4wgVS1S_afcrLvm9Q24VFT-fdjMsbTRqSC3l86TcZjuHarcu74/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1iJqwIjmeZx_5_hSGwgG1Q3h8BxHxVeu0T_h25kXuWJYbGubtIk-hZPYca_ruavCAhP-rU5ffps2r03tI2DO_gsiSNF4wgVS1S_afcrLvm9Q24VFT-fdjMsbTRqSC3l86TcZjuHarcu74/s320/photo+4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Step 3) Knot a piece of yarn to the pipe-cleaners where they cross. With the loose end of the yarn, wrap it around the body and down one leg. Then wind the yarn back up the same leg. Do the other leg the same way. Then, wrap the arms in the same fashion. To finish, crisscross the yarn over the shoulders and under the armpits (my students couldn't stop laughing any time I said armpits... not sure why it's so funny but they were fun to watch). Cut the yarn and glue the end to the doll's back.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvaEpqUnL7qOFnh8D1T3yhKTHIxWK5-FTkgyZzGCxsG8RZ8NnOC-zSQAzH7aw948xNhZIbT0fDcnl1RI3ZywnXmJaHwo8pryTRuT-708Dz9VJsPYIlnL7CQKUZ5I1SOGuHy5tR9fQWihbi/s1600/photo+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvaEpqUnL7qOFnh8D1T3yhKTHIxWK5-FTkgyZzGCxsG8RZ8NnOC-zSQAzH7aw948xNhZIbT0fDcnl1RI3ZywnXmJaHwo8pryTRuT-708Dz9VJsPYIlnL7CQKUZ5I1SOGuHy5tR9fQWihbi/s320/photo+5.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Step 4) Cut a colored paper rectangle larger than the head. Fold it in half to make a square and round out the edges with scissors. Glue the paper around the doll's head and draw a face. You can add hair if you want as well. This is a picture of dolls that my students made. Aren't they great?</div>
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<i>Want to do more? </i>During this activity we also practiced saying colors and body parts. You could also practice adjectives by having children present their dolls to the class as they describe their dolls. You could take this activity to the next level by have the children make the dolls interact with each other and have short conversations. Students could perform their "puppet show" in front of the class or other groups of friends.</div>K. Zhanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09268295200382331511noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-837444255107462937.post-11376588617737463322012-04-26T12:52:00.001-05:002012-04-26T12:52:24.034-05:00I have a challenge for you...<a href="http://www.donorschoose.org/">Donors Choose</a> is a great organization that allows you to connect to classrooms in need by donating money through their online charity. Teachers post requests for money to buy school supplies or to start enrichment programs, or even go on study abroad trips with their students. Gracious people donate their money and the students benefit enormously! I haven't posted any requests but some of my friends at charter schools have and it has really helped them to be able to provide a quality education for their students. I have donated before, and this is how.<br />
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I was on a search for technology useful to the classroom when I came across <a href="http://education.skype.com/">education.skype.com</a> (see this previous blog <a href="http://theothersideofthespanishclassroom.blogspot.com/2012/04/making-most-with-what-youve-got.html">post</a> for more information). The really neat thing was that after I signed up, skype gave me a $25 credit to use on donors choose! How awesome is that? So I searched through all the different projects and chose to sponsor a <a href="http://www.donorschoose.org/project/supplies-for-costa-rica-trip/785285/">study-abroad trip</a> for a group of students to go to Costa Rica. I'd rather go on the trip than just donate (who wouldn't) but I'm so happy I'm able to help them enrich their Spanish experience. There are so many different types of projects from which to choose. It was a very difficult, yet fun, decision. And good news! The project just became fully funded as of 5 hours ago! Yay!<br />
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Here's my challenge to anyone who reads this blog. I challenge you to make a positive difference in someone's education.There are three different ways to accomplish this challenge. Option 1) If you have a skype account, sign up for education.skype.com. You don't have to plan on using it; you don't even have to be a teacher. Just sign up so that you can get the credit and then DONATE to Donors choose! Option 2) If you don't have a skype account, sign up for that first, then continue for directions under option 1. Option 3) Donate your own money! All the projects on this website are for a really great cause and all of these kids deserve our support. So now the question isn't whether or not you'll accept my challenge... the question is, to which project will you donate?K. Zhanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09268295200382331511noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-837444255107462937.post-70299088757462007352012-04-26T08:26:00.000-05:002012-04-26T08:26:53.303-05:00We made it to the next step!I have had two curriculum meetings in the past two weeks with the foreign language team in my school district. We met last week just as a team of 4 to continue creating can-do statements and thematic webs for each of 6 units in every grade. We've been stuck on this step for awhile - since the fall - and it's been a little frustrating. We come up with something we think is awesome and then we look at it the next meeting and hate it. So we change it. And then change it again. We spent a lot of time of elementary units, which made me feel a little bad for the middle school teachers. You can't know what to teach in middle school though if you don't know what you're teaching in elementary school so it was necessary to start from the youngest grade and work our way up. However last week, we finally got to middle school! And I must say, the middle school units look pretty awesome. There's one on communication, both face-to-face and with technology (ie learning how to text in Spanish :) ), and there's another one of love and relationships, and another one on how to communicate with medical professionals.... just to name a few. They all sound like so much fun to teach and will actually be useful to students if (hopefully when) they ever go abroad.<br />
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Yesterday was our second meeting and we finally finished all (well, most of) the overview of the units! We also had the smiling approval of our wonderful curriculum consultant, Helena Curtain. We finally made it to the next step in the curriculum process. At the end of yesterday, we wrote essential questions (EQ) for almost every grade; we just have grades 3-5 left. Our next meeting isn't until late May but at that meeting, we'll finish the EQs and then get a refresher course on how to write a UPI (unit plan inventory). After that, we need to go through the current Spanish 1 and 2 curriculum and make sure we hit all the grammar points in the new curriculum. Then, we can start writing assessments, creating lessons, and gathering materials! There's definitely still a lot to do, but we can see a light at the end of the tunnel now. It's been a long, slow process but is totally worth it. Even the small changes we are currently making in our classrooms are showing such a difference in how our students can communicate orally. They have so much more confidence now than at the beginning of the year and it makes me so proud to me my students succeeding in the ways that they are.K. Zhanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09268295200382331511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-837444255107462937.post-39428050051422260332012-04-17T12:35:00.000-05:002012-04-17T12:35:40.402-05:00Weaving with strawsWhen I went to Peru a few years ago, I went as part of a volunteer group to promote awareness about the weaving culture. My volunteer group consisted of 15 undergraduate students and 1 professor. While we all spoke Spanish in the group, only our professor had any previous knowledge about weaving. We worked with the <a href="http://www.incas.org/SPChinchero.htm">Cusco Center of Textiles</a> and met a lot of incredible people. I had such an amazing time learning how to weave and communicating and connecting with my weaving mentor. We learned all about the weaving process; from shearing the animals to washing the wool (this process sent me to the emergency eye doctor after some detergent scratched my cornea - I had to wear an eye patch for 3 days!). We also learned how to dye the wool using natural products like leaves, berries, and sticks. Finally, we learned how to spin the wool to make it nice and fine for weaving. Then came actually learning how to weave, which was very difficult, but a lot of fun. In the end, my peers and I made bracelets, belts, hats, and purses. We felt very accomplished. I can't imagine that being my lifestyle though and spending every day of my life weaving to survive. The weavers were very proud of their work and you could see it in their lit-up eyes as they spoke about it. My peers and I were very impressed with their creations of ponchos, blankets, place mats, and table-runners, just to name a few.<br />
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I've been trying to figure out a way to share this experience with my classes. There wasn't room in the curriculum this year to add in a full unit and I wasn't sure what I'd even do. So, instead I just shared this experience with my Spanish crafts after-school club. I showed them my weavings and balls of yarn and then we did our own weaving project that I found in a Spanish crafts book. The weaving project went... okay. I didn't test it out ahead of time (fatal mistake, I should have known better - my mom would be disappointed especially since I helped her test out so many experiments and activities ahead of time for her class) so I was trying to figure it out as we went along. That meant that I didn't have the answers for my students so they became frustrated which made me more frustrated which was just a vicious circle. After thinking about it more last night and this morning, I have come up with ways to improve this project for next time. It still needs improvement because this new process isn't perfect either. However, every day is a learning experience, right? Here's the process, with updated directions.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTEe-qsPDKjQ_x47Tx-Iw_OoZykFn4NLw2yBGSba-0v8sPulBJZYpv4mwjtZ7ZJRLv_g3ttiCHRi0SpHTACTR2bC-Rw90qe9B7bDe4nim42c-Qt-bt5VoLj25_4ada-2CuwWeMtINvl9gU/s1600/photo+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTEe-qsPDKjQ_x47Tx-Iw_OoZykFn4NLw2yBGSba-0v8sPulBJZYpv4mwjtZ7ZJRLv_g3ttiCHRi0SpHTACTR2bC-Rw90qe9B7bDe4nim42c-Qt-bt5VoLj25_4ada-2CuwWeMtINvl9gU/s200/photo+2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Materials: Yarn, ruler (or measuring tape), straws, scissors<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGbIH7La94CfjDLQMORKsjZ1fVLCTelUfz5XWD86yDHCddfznCHiJasztlrDQDSZJWD8QEd7-kIh7QN4AMuFRdrshOI7elUaixuPnI1y8f2cHwVCWqlAq3aAJSimdgPWD5cdWF-7SA_7Q7/s1600/photo+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGbIH7La94CfjDLQMORKsjZ1fVLCTelUfz5XWD86yDHCddfznCHiJasztlrDQDSZJWD8QEd7-kIh7QN4AMuFRdrshOI7elUaixuPnI1y8f2cHwVCWqlAq3aAJSimdgPWD5cdWF-7SA_7Q7/s200/photo+1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Step 1: Cut 2 equal strings about 30 inches each. (2 for a bracelet, 4 for a belt)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Step 2: Cut 1/2 inch off the top of each straw and feed one string through each tiny piece of straw.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoVU-SyOV9q6u3yu2iXNoNcOae4dOwHTYo2wsMyyfv9wJ8Atd923aL401rsFTj1Z8zqEe9Y737vjkuZvRjETBm3QwphIkUdrfFPYE07mtr7Q-aoy3KtGM-Fe2SXNaFKr4sektnFo1cRkJH/s1600/photo+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoVU-SyOV9q6u3yu2iXNoNcOae4dOwHTYo2wsMyyfv9wJ8Atd923aL401rsFTj1Z8zqEe9Y737vjkuZvRjETBm3QwphIkUdrfFPYE07mtr7Q-aoy3KtGM-Fe2SXNaFKr4sektnFo1cRkJH/s200/photo+2.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Step 3: Thread both parts of the string through the long part of the straw. LOOSELY knot the ends of the string together. (You will be untying this later.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp8RhPleHCoGivN7zWOeuu3_cVg156oEBBDFzbLw4EOd2OyTdJSfuRexBX6osOF5nm2nUlU6wMXI53Gc-9IpT4zDbRVMSTvOwRh4mcdIn_CZW-q6Q-Ef3sRu9tEWE6yOCLc8sGAaTuLNK3/s1600/photo+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp8RhPleHCoGivN7zWOeuu3_cVg156oEBBDFzbLw4EOd2OyTdJSfuRexBX6osOF5nm2nUlU6wMXI53Gc-9IpT4zDbRVMSTvOwRh4mcdIn_CZW-q6Q-Ef3sRu9tEWE6yOCLc8sGAaTuLNK3/s200/photo+3.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Step 4: Start weaving! Grab the end of the skein of yarn and tie a know around the bottom of one of the straws. Wrap the yarn around one straw, then drop it through the middle, then wrap around the other straw. Go back and forth, making sure everything stays tight together. When you fill up the straws, gently push the woven part off the bottom of the straw and continue weaving.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvI2hXrdu1efs4GPpyWGC-zVJQtYE-zD6Lf27zl_OqNHXzdBKoH47RGjS1vTdC_cA_m4Baqs60gBpU_niZZSALfuLgXZJPh_WS6VTdJRD5ayyxkdrjgleq0ebyyY2w5X70gm7zKn4nnNmd/s1600/photo+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvI2hXrdu1efs4GPpyWGC-zVJQtYE-zD6Lf27zl_OqNHXzdBKoH47RGjS1vTdC_cA_m4Baqs60gBpU_niZZSALfuLgXZJPh_WS6VTdJRD5ayyxkdrjgleq0ebyyY2w5X70gm7zKn4nnNmd/s200/photo+4.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Step 5: When your project looks long enough, cut the yarn from the skein and carefully knot the yarn to the straw. Then, cut the little pieces of straw off the yarn. Next, slowly slide the straws out from the yarn.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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Step 6: Untie the loose knotted end of your bracelet and then tie the two ends together. Admire the beauty of the project you just created!<br />
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<span id="goog_191808245"></span><span id="goog_191808246"></span>K. Zhanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09268295200382331511noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-837444255107462937.post-44051774507016793972012-04-16T14:43:00.000-05:002012-04-16T14:43:34.415-05:00Online pop-up books<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I was having difficulties trying to come up with a fun and different way to introduce vocabulary to my students. I've read books, although most times those don't quite align with what I want to teach. In those cases, I've created my own "books" using power point and prezi (check out </span><a href="http://theothersideofthespanishclassroom.blogspot.com/2012/02/monster-eats-everything.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">this post</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> about prezi). I've shown little video clips and made my own (using xtranormal... read </span><a href="http://theothersideofthespanishclassroom.blogspot.com/2012/03/but-theyre-talking-so-fast.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">this post</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> for more information). I've shown big, printed-off clip-art pictures and matched the pictures to labels. I've used props, like classroom objects or stuffed animals, and had the kids pass the objects around the class. I've done all these ways many times before during this year and I wanted something new for my 3rd graders unit on school subjects. I wanted something different but didn't know what to do...</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Luckily, the technology person at my school just showed me this awesome new website a few weeks ago. It's this awesome website called </span><a href="http://www.zooburst.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Zoo Burst</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> that allows you to make online pop-up books! It's different, it's fun, and it's easy to make! You can sign up for a free account (which I did) which has plenty of options for characters, backgrounds, and extra props. If you pay for an account (which the technology person did) then it also comes with a voice feature. I think if I worked with students that had and brought their laptops with them to every class, paying for this service would be totally worth it. I can just imagine students creating their own children's story and recording themselves telling the story. What a great oral assessment! However, my students don't have their own laptops, so I just signed up for the free version. It's very simple to create the scenes; you can upload your own pictures or use their clipart for characters, props, and background. Each character can say whatever you want it to, and there is also a narration caption for the page itself. There is a limit of 10 pages (may be more for the paid version, I'm not sure) and I found that to be plenty. Here is my </span><a href="http://www.zooburst.com/zb_books-viewer.php?book=zb03_4f7ca441e00e2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">example</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">You're probably wondering what my students thought. Well, they loved it! They smiled and giggled every time a new character popped up and even started reading some of the words themselves. It made for a fun and interactive lesson. We read it through once while I asked them questions in Spanish about the content of the book (Do you use a calculator in math? Do you run in music class?). The second time reading, I asked them who taught each subject and gave ridiculous examples to help them understand what I was asking. All in all, it was a very successful and engaging day.</span>K. Zhanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09268295200382331511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-837444255107462937.post-52867367029735303602012-04-13T11:10:00.001-05:002012-04-13T11:11:23.056-05:00Hot chocolate like you've never tasted<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">This is another recipe that I used with my after-school cooking club. Again, it was the first day so I don't have pictures but this is a delicious recipe. This hot chocolate is not like the swiss miss envelope packets at all. It is so much better than that and totally worth the effort. I got this recipe from my host family when I stayed in Peru during college.</span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;"><b><span style="color: #424242;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Hot Chocolate (Peru)<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;"><i><span style="color: #424242;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Ingredients:<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;"><span style="color: #424242;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">4 oz </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">chocolate de taza</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">, or semisweet chocolate, chopped</span></span><span style="color: #424242;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;"><span style="color: #424242;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">3 cups water</span></span><span style="color: #424242;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;"><span style="color: #424242;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">4 cloves </span></span><span style="color: #424242;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;"><span style="color: #424242;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">2 sticks cinnamon</span></span><span style="color: #424242;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;"><span style="color: #424242;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">1 can unsweetened evaporated milk</span></span><span style="color: #424242;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;"><span style="color: #424242;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Sugar to taste</span></span><span style="color: #424242;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;"><span style="color: #424242;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">2 teaspoons vanilla extract</span></span><span style="color: #424242;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;"><span style="color: #424242;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">½ teaspoon nutmeg, grated</span></span><span style="color: #424242;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;"><span style="color: #424242;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">whipped cream (optional)</span></span><span style="color: #424242;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;"><span style="color: #424242;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Oats (optional)</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 14.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 14.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><i><span style="color: #424242;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Preparation:</span></span></i><i><span style="color: #424242;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 14.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="color: #424242;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">1.</span><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #424242;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Bring the water to boil with the cinnamon and cloves, for 10 minutes.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 14.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="color: #424242;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">2.</span><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #424242;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Add the chopped chocolate, stirring until melted. </span></span><span style="color: #424242;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 14.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="color: #424242;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">3.</span><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #424242;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Add evaporated milk, sugar to taste, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. </span></span><span style="color: #424242;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 14.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="color: #424242;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">4.</span><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #424242;">Serve immediately with a dollop of whipped cream if desired, and a sprinkling of ground cinnamon or grated chocolate. You can also put oats in the hot chocolate to give it a little bit of texture. My host family from Peru taught me that :)</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 14.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #424242;"><br />
</span></div>K. Zhanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09268295200382331511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-837444255107462937.post-81249608785538685392012-04-13T10:08:00.002-05:002012-04-13T11:11:56.060-05:00Colombian Coconut Cake<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Here's another recipe from something I made with my Horizons class. We made this the first day so I forgot to take pictures. It was a lot of fun and very easy to make. I got this recipe from a friend whose boyfriend is Colombian.</span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Pastel de Macarena<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Ingredients:<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">2 sticks butter (softened)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">¾ can coconut cream<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">¼ cup vanilla yogurt<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">½ box vanilla wafers<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">1 cup hot chocolate<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">12 oz mini chocolate chips<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">½ bag shredded coconut<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Preparation:<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">1.</span><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Make hot chocolate and set aside to let cool.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">2.</span><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Beat 2 sticks of butter in a medium bowl. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">3.</span><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Add about 3/4 a can of coconut cream and 1/4 cup of yogurt. Beat this all together. Set the coconut mixture aside. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">4.</span><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Dip the vanilla wafers in the hot chocolate, then line the bottom of the pan with the soaked wafers.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">5.</span><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Spread a layer of the coconut mixture over the wafers.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">6.</span><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Cover the mixture with shredded coconut.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">7.</span><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Sprinkle chocolate chips over the coconut.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">8.</span><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Repeat steps 4-7 for as many layers as you would like.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">9.</span><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Put the finished cake in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes to let everything set up. Enjoy!</span><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>K. Zhanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09268295200382331511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-837444255107462937.post-58409408765393066502012-04-13T07:35:00.000-05:002012-04-13T07:35:50.597-05:00Fire alarms and fun<div style="background-color: transparent;"><b id="internal-source-marker_0.24751415918581188" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I had my first super embarrassing moment at school yesterday. My after school cooking club and I were making Mexican corn cookies in the teachers' kitchen. Something was (already - I swear it was already there) on the bottom of the oven and when I opened the door to check on the cookies... smoke started billowing out! One of the kids said, “It would be funny if the fire alarm went off right now.” Guess what happened 10 seconds later.... Yup, the fire alarm started screeching and the lights started flashing. Everyone in the school evacuated, I told the principal what happened, and then had to show the cops/firemen (who were fully dressed in their gear by the way, complete with axes) where the problem was and explain it. Highly embarrassing. Even though I wanted to cry (I didn’t, go me!) I tried to make light of the situation with the other staff members. That wasn’t too hard since they were busy cracking jokes and mocking me (in a friendly way). I think my reputation at this school after I leave will be “Remember when that first year Spanish teacher had the school evacuated because of something she was baking?” At least it’s a great story. Oh and on the upside? The cookies turned out perfect!</span></span></b></div><div style="background-color: transparent;"><b id="internal-source-marker_0.24751415918581188" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></b></div><div style="background-color: transparent; text-align: center;"><b id="internal-source-marker_0.24751415918581188"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Mexican Corn Masa Cookies</span></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAgKE5KqWOaKTLRX-wgNgQNiHMX2npVlYew17m4dtjK6cENdTUr0-_VDfd8jFuAKFaZ0ZebPTP7RtRBCXiaxqcUIzmLa2clZNNCE3fhKee1w0kyvF8VQwQEyzDyzURx1pa0bD-iV1pWTpC/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAgKE5KqWOaKTLRX-wgNgQNiHMX2npVlYew17m4dtjK6cENdTUr0-_VDfd8jFuAKFaZ0ZebPTP7RtRBCXiaxqcUIzmLa2clZNNCE3fhKee1w0kyvF8VQwQEyzDyzURx1pa0bD-iV1pWTpC/s320/photo+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Combine 4 cups instant corn masa mix, 1 1/2 cups sugar, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a large bowl.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Step 2: In another bowl, beat 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening and 1/2 butter together. (At room temperature)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPaQs95zI1BoVaBgOEqtU9Bc_YjDYp_oj2_KIXGL44wQR3KIeQH8UId9bPS1dpR0PZJBagkOUIDj9Jp9NA7tsqVHhENM4b6sb152d97Wpq5IDLIn3qjs98ELi6-cGRnwcQc-dqM04J6woO/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPaQs95zI1BoVaBgOEqtU9Bc_YjDYp_oj2_KIXGL44wQR3KIeQH8UId9bPS1dpR0PZJBagkOUIDj9Jp9NA7tsqVHhENM4b6sb152d97Wpq5IDLIn3qjs98ELi6-cGRnwcQc-dqM04J6woO/s320/photo+2.JPG" width="320" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPaQs95zI1BoVaBgOEqtU9Bc_YjDYp_oj2_KIXGL44wQR3KIeQH8UId9bPS1dpR0PZJBagkOUIDj9Jp9NA7tsqVHhENM4b6sb152d97Wpq5IDLIn3qjs98ELi6-cGRnwcQc-dqM04J6woO/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Step 3: Beat dry ingredients into butter mixture with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a firm but pliable dough. (I ended up not using all the dry mixture and mixing with my hands.) Work in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioO_SGY61GSF1B6p63L1zCyI_ANo6V7zIf3nK4rUK0N80qVKigmKWepa7NlX6kNwzqH-L0blfBeUU102YKHf-0iF8GoWZBZKZ-1qPw040qXXbCsmn5_uB-jU4iq4uAPnOOt7Mblpup0DaU/s1600/photo+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioO_SGY61GSF1B6p63L1zCyI_ANo6V7zIf3nK4rUK0N80qVKigmKWepa7NlX6kNwzqH-L0blfBeUU102YKHf-0iF8GoWZBZKZ-1qPw040qXXbCsmn5_uB-jU4iq4uAPnOOt7Mblpup0DaU/s320/photo+3.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Step 4: Pinch off walnut-sized pieces of dough, shape into balls, and press onto ungreased baking sheet. Press 5-6 pumpkin seeds (I used sunflower seeds since I couldn't find pumpkin seeds in the store) in a petal form on each cookie. You can use a cinnamon candy as the center.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI_w19f5dhv5WPX-5KqXv_Es2mC72ia7_Yd6Lb8mlfCdFlSMpkbZvP_xyhhu8SkLdSi22Tx1GdLpHL1GQoH8aygFhKIhyuOMeBEKzd98SKNEctoLfVARjGhX8bpyd8_2mj1iCA-hC8GD6O/s1600/photo+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI_w19f5dhv5WPX-5KqXv_Es2mC72ia7_Yd6Lb8mlfCdFlSMpkbZvP_xyhhu8SkLdSi22Tx1GdLpHL1GQoH8aygFhKIhyuOMeBEKzd98SKNEctoLfVARjGhX8bpyd8_2mj1iCA-hC8GD6O/s320/photo+4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Step 5: Bake 10-13 minutes and enjoy! This is a picture of a cookie pre-baking time. I didn't get a picture afterwards because of all of the excitement from the fire alarm. It looked the same though, just a little more golden-brown. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've never had these before but I would make them again! Next time, I'll be sure to clean the oven before I turn it on.</div><div style="background-color: transparent;"><b id="internal-source-marker_0.24751415918581188" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></b></div>K. Zhanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09268295200382331511noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-837444255107462937.post-72597314383950032332012-04-12T10:17:00.000-05:002012-04-12T10:17:12.336-05:00"Making the Most With What You've Got"While reading this season's issue of <u>One Day</u> (TFA's alum magazine), I came across a really fantastic article called "Ed Tech 101: Making the Most With What You've Got" by Lewis Leiboh. One of the reasons I like this article so much is that it doesn't just name different ways to use technology in the classroom; it not only explains how to use these tools and gives examples, but also says what you need to be successful.<br />
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The first part of the article "Skype's the Limit" talks about different ways to use video chat. Leiboh suggests video chatting with "the author of a book... an expert scientist... <b>a classroom from another community or country</b>... a friend or professor... join a college class." I bolded my favorite because I've had this idea before. I just don't know where to get started. He suggests going to <a href="http://education.skype.com/">http://education.skype.com/</a> for project ideas. I did a little searching and found <a href="http://education.skype.com/projects">tons of people</a> reaching out! This is a great way to get started with connections. I don't think I'll do anything this year but I look forward to incorporating Skype in my future classrooms. My eventual goal is to establish a relationship with one or two teachers and maintain that relationship throughout the years. That way, our students are always receiving this great experience and the other teacher(s) and I are perfecting the project each year. In addition to a laptops with webcam (or perhaps ipads) and speakers, a projector, and a videochat service that Leiboh recommends using, I would also suggest an activity of some sort so that the kids have an idea of what they should be doing while talking. This will help deter any awkward silences that may arise if you just want the kids to talk about whatever. As relationships and language skills develop, I think it'd be a great idea to just have conversations every now and then, and have the students write about what they said after the conversations.<br />
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The second part of the article is "Get Your Head in the Cloud." This one talks a lot about using class websites and eliminating the use of paper. This not only helps absent students and families stay in touch but also allows students to go back and review something if they need a little extra support. Leiboh suggests using "tools like Google Sites... [and] edmodo.com [which is] a private classroom social network."I don't really have experience with this and don't have the time with my 27-minute elementary classes, but think it is a great idea for a high school or middle school, especially if there is a 1-1 laptop ratio.<br />
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The last part of the article "Go Island Hopping" I love, mostly because I love stations. And I love how Leiboh calls them islands instead of stations... it's just so much more whimsical. I struggle with stations in my short time period, but have still made it work. Leiboh has a whole week of lesson plans for stations that goes as follows:<br />
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Monday: Whole group lesson, no islands<br />
Tuesday-Thursday: 3 stations=1 station/day - the stations are 1) "instruction island" with is a small group with the teacher; 2) "independence island" which is 2 smaller groups for independent practice exercises and 3) "study island" where students use <a href="http://www.studyisland.com/">online tools</a> at their own pace to master the content. You could change the study island sessions to include any online tool that you want, not just Leiboh's suggestion.<br />
Friday: Wrap-up and quiz<br />
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He doesn't use the islands every week but it does break it up. Other ideas for islands include "watch instructional videos, practice fluency by having students record themselves reading out loud [and] complete group activities using a SmartBoard." I think these are all great ideas and there are so many more great ideas out there as well. This can be adapted for any age or grade level. Maybe one of the islands could even be FaceTime with another class and combine the first and third part of this article!K. Zhanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09268295200382331511noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-837444255107462937.post-52515812990140940022012-04-12T09:34:00.000-05:002012-04-12T09:34:37.623-05:00Teaching in the Target LanguageWhile reading this season's print of the <u>Foreign Language Annals</u>, I came across something truly awesome. This particular project studied "The Effect of Target Language (TL) and Code-Switching on the Grammatical Performance and Perceptions of Elementary-Level College French Students."I believe that this project can be adapted to any language as well as any age. There would have to be some adjustments in teaching to create age appropriate lessons, but the overall effect would be the same. I think reading the abstract sums up pretty well why it is important to stay in the TL.<br />
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<i>"Grammar instruction is at the center of the TL and code-switching debate. Discussion revolves around whether grammar should be taught in the TL or using the TL and the native language (L1). This study investigated the effects of French-only grammar instruction and French/English grammar instruction on elementary-level students' grammar performance. The study also examined students' instructional preference and perceptions of the use of either approach to teach grammar and French in general. G<b>rammar test score increases were significantly greater for the French-only condition, and posttest grammar scores were significantly higher for the French-only conditions.</b> Qualitative findings suggested that although a majority of students expressed a preference for learning French grammar with the support of English, they recognized the benefits of a TL approach."</i><br />
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Yes, it is harder to teach while only staying in the TL. Yes, it may be slower and more frustrating. But this is proof that it is worth it and students will have a better grasp on the language after such a program. This is why I teach the way I do (both staying as much as possible in the TL and sometimes breaking down to student wishes and supporting my lessons with English). This is why I am going to strive to break into English less often. My goal has been and will continue to be 90% or more in the TL during my lessons. I want my students to be surprised that I can speak English just as well as them (I have gotten that comment before and I smile every time). This should be every language teacher's goal.K. Zhanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09268295200382331511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-837444255107462937.post-61359097879608833042012-04-12T08:09:00.000-05:002012-04-12T08:09:58.286-05:00At-home professional developmentI don't think it's a secret that I love my job. I love teaching. I love watching kids learn. I love watching kids succeed after struggling with a concept. I love watching kids understand something right away and just get it. I love my job. However, I am not an expert. I am not perfect. My lessons aren't perfect. I am a good teacher, but not a great one. Not yet anyway. This is my first year of teaching and I am still learning a LOT.<br />
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Because I'm not perfect, I try to get my hands on any type of professional development reading that I can. This includes books like Helena Curtain's <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Languages-Children-Making-Match-Learners-Edition/dp/0205366759">Making the Match</a>, Harry Wong's <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-First-Days-School-Effective/dp/0962936022">The First Days of School</a>, Doug Lemov's <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=teach+like+a+champion">Teach Like A Champion</a>, and Neila Connors' <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dont-Feed-Teachers-They-Students/dp/0865304572/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1334233514&sr=1-1">If You Don't Feed the Teachers, They Eat the Students!</a> It also includes education magazines, like the TFA alum magazine <u>One Day</u> (I'm not TFA alum but my husband is) or the National Education Association's magazine <u>NEA Today</u>. I also read the <u>Foreign Language Annals</u> which is a scholarly journal produced by The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). The annals are a collection of articles on different research projects about teaching and learning a second language.<br />
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There are a lot more resources out there... different blogs, internet collaboration sites, more books, more magazines, more scholarly journals, etc. I love that I have time during my train commute to stay up-to-date on the foreign language world. Next year, I probably won't have this luxury (yes, this is my positive spin on my over-an-hour commute each way) so I'll be sure to make time to read. I think staying current with teaching styles and methods is a very important part of what I do and it definitely helps make me a better teacher.K. Zhanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09268295200382331511noreply@blogger.com0