Teaching, Planning, Curriculum Readjustment/ Notes
My Principles of Second Language Teaching & Learning
How Do I Provide Comprehensible Input?
New CI Strategies Tried in 2017-18
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I make notes in my plan book, in my electronic files, and on Rubicon Atlas. As a PLC, we've grown SO MUCH and have been a great deal more collaborative. Using Rubicon Atlas as well as Google Drive folders have allowed us to share resources very easily. Our conversations are more organic, authentic and more of a focus on student learning than ever before!
Badges on Canvas
Evidence of Students' Learning
Notebook for "evidence of learning" contains anecdotal information as well as assessment results (formal and informal) about each student. I also note trends and put my evaluation criteria for various assessments.
Picture Rosters from Teacher Access Center
Spanish Club Attendance
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I keep my Spanish Club roster, attendance and accounting on a Google Spreadsheet. This allows me to share the information with anyone who helps me with the club. Students are responsible for checking themselves in during each meeting. The roster allowed for easier creation of email lists for parents and students.
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Teacher Access Center to Document Student Behavior
Keeping Track of 504 Plans in Microsoft Outlook Folders
I decided to rely more on the seating chart function in eSchool. Having a pictorial seating chart is necessary given our flexible seating arrangement. It's also helpful in emergencies or for substitutes to have a paper copy of the seating chart available. I've utilized eSchool to keep behavioral documentation as well. I like having anecdotal records in my evidence of learning notebook. I feel that when I notice trends, I can use this data to modify my instruction. Keeping track of student data can be a daunting task, but I feel that I manage well by keeping on top of paperwork and having a common sense system in place. Work smarter, not harder.
Canvas to Post Lesson Plans
This year I started posting my lesson plans to Canvas. Originally I wanted a student to be in charge of keeping track of each lesson, but it did not work out. I moved to posting my lesson plans (an outline) as well as any class stories and pertinent links/ files. This has been great for students who have missed class.
Email
I've included two separate email chains. The one on the left was in reference to holiday cards that our students made for elementary school students in Harrisburg School District. I discovered that the mother of one of my 8th grade students is an ESL teacher at one of the schools. I received great feedback from the administrators and teachers in Harrisburg and our students and parents. The second email exchange was with the mother of an 8th grade student. The student had been missing homework, and I know from having had him last year that his organization skills are...a work in progress. It's so easy for parents to get frustrated (and for teachers to be frustrated with parents). Why not let parents know that we're all working towards the same goals?
Being transparent with grading, sharing classroom happenings, and being positive with email exchanges all help to make a richer relationship between school and home. Parents (and kids) want to know what is going on, and they feel comfort in transparency.
My Department/ PLC
Professional Organizations
In years past, I focused more on myself in this domain. Given the changes in my PLC, I thought it to be more appropriate to focus on the needs of the group. How could I make their lives easier? How could what I learned on social media help me to accomplish this? How could I get support from other teachers of Comprehensible Input using these tools? Selfishly, if my department members' school lives are easier, my life is easier. Keeping everyone informed has been KEY to this! I need to keep in mind that everyone in the department is passionate.
PLC Goals - 2017-18
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Social Media
Co-Presenter at District Conference Day
Professional Reading & Learning
I love to learn, and I love to read. I often think about the possibilities - which is both a blessing and a curse. I wonder how we can improve, to take our department to the "next level" within the parameters of staff turnover, high school demands, the culture of our school and community at large. I still get excited to try new strategies.
Participating in School Events
Middle School World Language Department Coordinator
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Mentor to Rebekah Frey
(and informally to Lorena Brown) |
My main goals this year were to find and try new instructional strategies and to be mindful of students' screen time while in class. I have been able to implement some strategies that I will add to my repertoire and others that I won't use again. I love being able to try and succeed but also to try and fumble or fail.