#langchat Archive
#LangChat is dedicated to the discussion of topics associated with issues and trends in world language instruction and learning. Educators, administrators, learners, and aficionados of world languages are encouraged to participate and share their experiences and input on various topics such as new ways to teach vocabulary, using music in the language classroom, and making standards-based grading valid. This chat is also unique in that it brings together language educators worldwide and from different contexts (elementary, secondary, higher education, etc.) and languages.
Thursday September 22, 2016
Hola , Tayler from Iowa Spanish I-IV.
Glad to see you 'round these parts!
What's going down right now? ! Get in on this convo but if you can't make it, come back on Sat for the… https://t.co/gtDsyVrh67
Evening ! Dorie, Spanish teacher grades 1-5 in Connecticut. I'll be in and out tonight.
Waiting for parents to arrive at 7:00 for curriculum night in Washington!
Good evening ! I'm Sara-Elizabeth teaching Spanish in Kentucky.
Hola , Michelle from CT here. I am finishing my first month teaching middle school Spanish
Hi! Laura from NC - French k-12. In the midst of unit planning!
world language question asker (tks ) from Kentucky but peeking in from FLL tonight
Hi ! Blair, I teach Spanish 1 and 2 in south Alabama.
Abby from Indiana here! I teach Spanish :)
maybe you need a new one. well today is your lucky (and last day) to order a new shirt. right ?
Hi . Megan, French 2-AP, Detroit. Lurking tonight...first back to school cold. Blech!
Amanda from Lawrence, KS. Spanish
Has ever trended nationally before? That would be cool..
Emily from Va, middle school Spanish. Hi everyone!
Hi . Matthew from NJ. I teach French.
Tonight's topic: How can we maintain student interest in the midst of routines that facilitate our teaching?
Already ordered one as my anniversary present. 😎
Glad to see such an awesome crowd tonight at :)
I am a Spanish teacher candidate and currently teaching community courses for both adults and kids in ASL
Interesting note, all 3 questions polled this week for were "strong thirds" in previous polls
I’m Charlotte. I teach Japanese levels 1-4 in Oregon. Me, too!!
It was a tight vote but it looks like you wanted to give the dilemma of booooooring but needed routines a go this time!
Hi ! Allison, grades 7-12 as Spanish in Iowa
I know it's gonna be a good when I've followed 3 new teachers and we're not to Q1 yet...
Here's Q1! Let's clarify our big Q: what routines facilitate but maybe bore the kids/hijack the learning? https://t.co/eG2fM3GK3u
Hola I'm Carrie from PA and I teach Spanish
A1 Giving instructions/activity set up
Uuuuuggghhh giving instructions is my BIGGEST achilles' heel
I agree...I've noticed some check out while describing activities
Q1: Having bellwork ready so I can take attendence. My good intros have videos, but then I can't take attendance.
A1: asking about date, weather, etc. So often boring
A1: reminders to clean up, put away technology correctly, etc
A1 distributing/collecting materials & papers
yes, I really hate bell ringers...I've actually ditched them for the password at the door thing
A1: Definitely bellringers! and our Admins LOVE them. Encourage them. Live by them.
A1 do nows. I have to do them, but I switch between written practices & essential question partner talks.
A1 Homework. Several of us know my stance on HW, but others' insistence on giving HW hijacks the learning.
A1 Its a form of a bellringer, but asking what Ss did on the weekends or are going to do in order to get reps in
saaaame! The clarifying questions...then questions to clarify the clarifications
Melanie, KS, Spanish 7-12.
A1 routines are valuable, especially w/ novice learners. We go through a warm up/date/weather each day. Actually helps Ss regroup
Yes! I love the bellringer check in with each kid for homework/cómo estás but you cant keep them all engaged for that!
Yes! My kids are already feeling done with saying the date.
What's a bellringer? This is new terminology for me from Oz?
How can foreign languages be incorporated into a general elementary classroom?
A1: that's one scary first question.
a bellringer is supposed to be an activity that stops when the bell rings, gets kids in and quiet
Definitely overassessing presentational mode!
good evening friends, Elena from NJ - high school Spanish levels 1 & honors 2
has turned into something that goes until I'm done with attendance, etc.
HW is a tough one. I give assignments to practice mastery. If they can demonstrate the skill, then I don't make them do HW.
A1 bellringers can be dull but w/ being a department of 1 with 5 preps they help me stay organized while I set up for class.
A1 transitions from activity to activity. I need a song or something that signals "moving on to next thing!"
Hi! Melissa from Chicago, high school Spanish teacher. It's been a while !
Hi, hola, bonsoir-Donna from Maryland. Joining a few minutes late, but excited to catch up!
A1: Vocabulary introduction - I always try new ways and variety, but just run out of good ideas
I mix it up. A desk calendar is my best friend for planning so I can make sure I'm not only hitting 1 mode.
has some good songs for these transitions. Songs are definitely a great idea.
A1 school-wide routines: Fire drill practice, bathroom sign outs, intro to initiatives (level 0-3 voices for example)
you are very good at these processes if I recall correctly.
I also have some of the same prompts that they may talk about in int'pers and help them transition to pres.
There is no end to the A1 answers for
. I've been considering giving a wireless doorbell a try.
Yes! I feel like I have the same 5 activities and I beat them into the ground until they aren't fun anymore.
A1 How about getting everyone quiet during transitions? I get bored quickly of diff silent signals to bring us back together
A1- Bell ringer/warm up. Trying to change with more input first but seems like Ss need to get to work right away to settle down
About ready for Q2 ? Ready to get to some solution ideas?
A1: assessments especially when Ss have to write. They don't get super pumped about those
A1 explaining expectations for assessments, especially in my level 1 classes
Bonsoir, ! Joining late and catching up as fast as I can.
- conquering fears since, you know, right now!
It's so frustrating! I want it to be engaging, but some of them just start glazing over after new activities run out
I taught my kids to respond "sí" when I say clase. Never thought it would work. It's been amazing.
I would love a that shared activities
A1 reviewing daily learning objective helps ss see the goal for the day and the bigger picture.
Here's Q2- first, how do we establish trust? So students know our decisions are the right ones? https://t.co/iNaxT1Lsc9
that's not necessarily a bad thing in my book. (well the having five activities.
Is that the technique. I agree, surprisingly effective! Simple is best.
agreed! Im trying to allow Ss to explore and find vocab on their own but its hard!
Thanks! Seems so simple - do you find yourself repeating it, or do they really respond well?
I brought my own cookies to tonight's . or at least I bought some at the green mermaid.
True, but in the age of instant information and constant engagement, things get "old" quickly!
A2: By keeping the content novel and relative. Aren't routines supposed to create a "safe and stable environment"
A2 ask for a volunteer to lead the routine (once you believe they know it well). Once they see they can lead, they're proud!
I've tried a narrow whole class list & allow students to expand with their "want to knows"
Q2 I think explaining the WHY behind our everyday routines at beginning of year is important.
A2: explain the routines to them. don't just establish it, build it with the students and demonstrate purpose.
A2 it helps when they see us cut out or change a routine that's obviously not beneficial.
A2 I'm not above having a second language acquisition conversation with my students. "What you're asking for does not work."
A2 give the context for everything. there has to be a well-defined, greater purpose or they will not see value in routines
Q2 Also allow students to suggest tweaks to routines if they aren’t working
A2 I compliment on Ss' hair, nails, backpacks, shoes, lang choices before/during/after the lesson. Builds trust & helps reassure.
A2: Be consistent, routines so they become comfortable (especially with speaking) model & create culture of acceptance in class
I couldn't put my finger on it but I think this might be the best answer! https://t.co/WZV9JYZQBp
A2 it helps when they see us cut out or change a routine that's obviously not beneficial.
A2- help ss see the connections between routines and performance. Show them the method behind the madness-
"jein" ... routine doesn't preclude engagement. think binge watching the same show.
A2 this one is hard - I had a student say that we should do less brain breaks! If they can't trust fun decisions - yikes!
I agree, but this in itself is one of those boring (but needed) routines from Q1. https://t.co/deEtywbMWs
Q2 I think explaining the WHY behind our everyday routines at beginning of year is important.
I think I refer to "my method behind the madness" daily https://t.co/hAcNplxQxn
A2- help ss see the connections between routines and performance. Show them the method behind the madness-
Agreed! We do that on the first day of level 1 - not sure how effective it is to only hit the topic once though
A2 Emphasizing/explaing why we're doing certain activities. I also think asking for/acting on Ss feedback helps with trust too
and when asked to provide the feedback that helps make that decision. https://t.co/g8TZ1Gvo26
A2 it helps when they see us cut out or change a routine that's obviously not beneficial.
A2 I actually have heard from Ss that they like knowing what to expect at the start of each class. Routines can be great
A2. I agree, it is important to tell kids WHY it is important & HOW it can help them be successful.
A2: I love this Q. I think that it is the heart of the matter.
Joining late and catching up on questions!
A2 show them how it makes our time together more pleasant and conducive
Yes!! This is how we make date/weather at the beginning of class less boring. A diff S introduces the class everyday
A2 maybe we could limit our routines to only the ones that have a clear purpose to the Ss
A2 for daily objective and activities I ask them why they think I'm hving them do "X"
A2 Give opportunities for Ss to write a reflection on their learning daily. You'll be amazed at the input they give you.
A2 When a routine is a mangeable component of a performance goal (I can) it is worthwhile and Ss tend to buy in.
A lot depends on our attitudes as Ts. If we do a "boring" part of the routine w/ a bored look, Ss mimic that.
Yeah I don't think so at all! The kids recognize if a routine isn't working
I have music blasting in Spanish everyday as Ss walk in which helps make the starting routine more fun
A2: love them like they are your children, sacrifice yourself for them, even the strugglers will know you care
I work in urban ed. This is so true. Especially as we're asking them to take challenges and make mistakes.
A1: repasos work for getting students started immediately upon walking in, but does that really engage them in the TL?
A1 Vary activities every 5-7 min. Include all modalities, use S's as facilitators and do stations. Make it relevant!
Agree. Routine does not preclude originality or enthusiasm.
Especially novice level in front of whole class. https://t.co/azwtMn4hAM
Definitely overassessing presentational mode!
A2: Growth-mindset helps lower fear of mistakes, can engender more trust
Who knew I had so much to say about routines?!
A2: I had my Ss set their goals for Spanish class from day 1. We are revisiting next week as the first grading period ends.
Doing some with my students helped them discover this more.
A2 cont: we will discuss, where are we on our journey towards achieving our goals and how can we help each other get there?
Q3: How do you accomplish routine "administrivia" in a way that minimizes distraction from learning? https://t.co/w3Fz1mj9Vw
This is one reason why is so important. https://t.co/F0ORT0QZ5k
Yes! I feel like I have the same 5 activities and I beat them into the ground until they aren't fun anymore.
Particularly sympathetic on Q3 for those of you required by admin to do attendance in first X minutes when brain power highest
Yes! I do this too. Also finding music that has phrases that Ss use often helps build proficiency.
A3: I ignore it. Wrote some code that allowed me 2 send attendance with one click, was the only administrivia I couldn't ignore.
At beginning of class we have a S leader. The “why” is because that is how students do it in Japan - it’s culture
A3 We sometimes time attendance taking - compete across classes for fastest time in TL
Hahahahahaha "Déjà vu." "What did you say? It's a glitch in the Matrix.
Hahahahahaha "Déjà vu." "What did you say? It's a glitch in the Matrix.
good question! I first heard the term from Greg Duncan- attendance, homework, etc
A3: We take English Time 3 times a year for this purpose. Not sure if this is part of it, but we take English Time 3 times a year
music is power! Part of my routine IS music! Best part is when I see Ss lip syncing to the song once they know it!
attendance is great task for a student. they always know who is missing much faster than the teacher does.
Now that I know Ss, I try to give an independent task and take attendance. Not so engaging, but works. https://t.co/yV2OqNNe52
Particularly sympathetic on Q3 for those of you required by admin to do attendance in first X minutes when brain power highest
wrap those routines in TL & movement for sts.
A3, use Ss as assistants, use seating chart for attendance, establish routines for picking up handouts, etc. Ss are happy to help
A3 If I need to collect/check something, I often do it during small group / downtime task
A3 In Japan, teachers often use attendance as opportunity to ask about students' health/wellbeing.
Q3: not awesome, I ask the class how they are, etc while I take attendance then u jump in
A3 I try to do that when the Ss are working on something
A3 Been doing interpretive activities as a warm up while I check hw/take attendance with choice boards https://t.co/3JT9ccTeay
Helps that I have an iPad so I don't have to be tied to my desk
A3 also if another T or counselor needs to invade, I try to schedule it NOT at the beginning of class
A3: I would say S helpers w/ exception of attendance. We're not allowed to outsource attendance taking for legal reasons
or establish a routine (boxes, baskets, folders) that students complete as they arrive/transition to class
Ha, I should say "tried" - in an informal teaching situation now I do not have much of this Q3 problem
Q3 Instead of a bell ringer we do a warm-up after the bell and after the day’s agenda. That’s when I take attendance.
A3 almost all elem classes assign Ss jobs. I let them have the same rolls (messenger, paper passer, attendance, teacher helper)
A3 For homework try Quizizz if you haven't already and if Ss have access to computers. Super engaging game they can do as hw
this is also great to give those active students a chance to stretch their legs, always good to keep them moving.
Yes!! Love when that happens! Music helps them retain so much vocabulary.
I also have a student leader start the class in a circle to practice vocab and actions while I send attendance.
A3: for missing Ss, we imagine a story the Ss create: Il n'est pas là? in TL Did he go on a trip? Where did he go?, etc.
Be real. Use language to talk to them, share. not just for curriculum content. https://t.co/p0l51sK0ec
A2 I compliment on Ss' hair, nails, backpacks, shoes, lang choices before/during/after the lesson. Builds trust & helps reassure.
A3 Keep the administrivia routine the same each time. It goes faster and students feel comfortable when they know what to expect.
100% for moving moving moving!
, yes, I feel like giving Ss an agenda establishes goals for the day. Ss appreciate the "road map"
A3: I ask Ss to distribute materials and they report back on who is missing. Makes attendance move quickly and we're ready start
A3 I keep a tight timer on activities so there's no lag time. I had new tech installed this week & lag time's been an issue it.
A3 every class starts w/interpersonal "café". Fun topics keeps them chatting and gives me time to do administrative stuff.
A3 To cut down on distractions during class, I have Ss put their bags and all non-needed materials in back of room.
A3: working on smoothing the attendance taking process. If I do it during the first 5 min, it gets done, if not it's at the end.
A3: I would love suggestions on refining the process
we can learn so much from . somehow all those teaching things get lost for "content" as students move up.
A3: have 1 student from each table gather supplies, pick up handouts etc
Yes! Also, the talkative ones are the ones that grow in quickly! As long it's the I'm thrilled! :)
Me too. Actually, everything that is not needed stays on racks outside the classroom...don't even bring them in!
Now for Q4: What about the less "interesting" but vital instruction? What about student interest then? https://t.co/KwtiHGD0D3
Love this idea. Do you give them questions to keep them going in the TL?
I think we may sound off on A4 for a while... my first follow-up Q is opinions on whether "less interesting" can also be "vital"
Fun idea, can you give an example?
A4: Give me an example of less interesting but vital? Make it student driven some how is my response.
A4 I try to be as loud & dynamic as I can. Try to make the un exciting at least verbally interesting. Walking around, etc.
A4 i try to include them and ask questions so they stay active.
A4: SHARED purpose, with trust they'll stomach less interesting if WE say vital, esp if WE will allow their interest, TOO
A4 Giving instructions in new activity: act out as much as possible And Ss know I’ll call on one person to repeat directions
A4: what is vital that isn't interesting?!?
I learn sooooo much from the elementary classroom teachers. From pedagogy to routines. https://t.co/lUesTHAm7F
we can learn so much from . somehow all those teaching things get lost for "content" as students move up.
A4- I'm assuming this is something like giving directions. I try to keep it as concise as possible.
A4 For students who routinely ask for the "why" behind a phrase/verb, if I ignore them I will lose their trust. So I answer.
A4 I always struggle with this when we lead up to our standardized exams. Have to help them pass, but not always proficiency based
A4- Ss stay cooperative during "boring" moments if they know they will be able to practice what they are being taught SOON!
A4: eh, I think most people know my answer to this.
A4 but I give kids who don't care about grammar a 2-minute "tune me out" pass, creates trust among us all I think
I literally just heard about Quizlet Live today, plan to use it tomorrow to review and also introduce vocab. I hear it's great!
For me the vital that is less interesting is my target area for improvement. How can I make it better next time?
grds 1-3 they get a ? of the day they have to ask as many people as possible. Grds 3-5 get topic they have to sustain
A4- in middle school, teachers must become an entertainer! Keep them laughing and keep them moving- Student centered is key!
A4 give them opportunities to share their voice throughout lesson so they are taking an active role. ie whiteboards
Nothing wrong with a little pop up grammar now and then. My Ss would go crazy if I didn't give them that structure
Still wondering WHAT is the vital/less interesting? Skills are what matters not the content...
In community of learners, T is the experienced one and Lang Acqusition guru, Ss may need our guidance, right?
Becaues they are used to it? I bet if they weren't, it wouldn't make them crazy. Maybe?
A4 first i tell them the purpose/what interactive tasks will follow after/why they need it in general
A4 I have LOVED the idea of "Table Talk" with my best Brooklyn accent, which lets the Ss process the info b/f we all go over it.
A4 bursts of "boring" teacher punctuated w sts using content in TL with each new puzzle piece
YES! 10o times retweet! https://t.co/BvGiauPOPV
A4- in middle school, teachers must become an entertainer! Keep them laughing and keep them moving- Student centered is key!
A4 What if students hate presentational mode. Is it okay to kick out "vital" routines like that?
I should start giving these passes at my workshops.
Very cool - are 3-5 walking around talking to diff people or are they sitting with partners/groups?
A4 I would say frequent presentational "practice" is one "vital" routine that disengages students in
A4: Personalize it! Make it matter, beacuse it matters to them.
A4: Personalize it! Make it matter, beacuse it matters to them.
I would of course ask "why" do they hate it. and I'll be glad to kick it out for you.
It might be because mine are middle-schoolers. They always want to know "but WHY is it like that"
I'm approaching novice low in Russian and I'm constantly thinking BUT WHYYYY
would love to know more. I think my middle schoolers are just happy to use it.
A4 I think this goes back to everyone's responses to an earlier question - Ss need to know the "why"/purpose of the lesson
howdy lady! I'm making it my goal to participate this year! may need to keep me accountable
How can you be approaching NL? Aren't we all NL in Russian (if we don't know any?)
in all the grades they are up &moving around. It's a little loud, but I love hearing all the L2 while I'm setting up.
It's a paradigm shift and we, the language educators have to be that change. https://t.co/ggVE2Jj0LQ
Nothing wrong with a little pop up grammar now and then. My Ss would go crazy if I didn't give them that structure
A4 I agree - I feel like I need to overemphasize presentational leading up to exams. They get bored, but it's needed
yes! And make them accountable by having them review and reflect on what they've done- keep a journal or blog it!
YES, sounds amazing. Thanks for sharing, very cool!
I think so, but not EVERY lesson, the big picture is enough, and trusting the journey as well as you.
that means you not getting "aha" moments through checks for understanding.
A5 I specifically want to see all the links to y'all's great posts on Persona Especial! (yes I did say y'all's )
I'll write a quick blog post on it soon to share.
Right. They feel prepped and confident the day of the test instead of feeling uncomfortable with a prompt
Q5: Frequent partner and group changes.
A5: find an elementary school teacher friend or follow . they got this down! would drown without routines.
Q5: I don't think "routines" are super engaging. It's when you break the routine a little bit. The environment engages.
A5. I have started giving jobs. Really helps...except when I forget & do things myself 😬
Students know that we do a little handshake/greeting when we have a new group and then they listen for prompt.
Students know that we do a little handshake/greeting when we have a new group and then they listen for prompt.
I just finished Who Owns the Learning & am trying some student jobs
A5 As much TL use as possible. I gradually add things they must say in TL, by end of year they have a ton of phrases memorized
A5 making activities fun for Ss - challenge your partner/group & timed competitions
A5: Just the structure of the circle and always coming back to that after different tasks is our main routine.
A5-using last 5 minutes for a digital exit slip thru Kahoot or Quizizz games They love games and you get data to drive Instruction
A5: 100% TL on Spanish Days (All but 3 weeks of school).
A5: in my sp1 class I start with a goofy song. Middle schoolers ❤️ to hate him and sing to the top of their lungs
A5: ClassDojo table talk; speed friending, whiteboard challenges, classroom cloze on lyricstraining
A5: Context and community for communicating in a 100% TL classroom.
A5 I'm coming back to "Table Talk"--let's the Ss engage w/ each other on their level w/o mean ol' Profe hanging over them.
A5: Class password helps Ss get in "Spanish mode" before they even walk in the door. Love hearing them discuss it in hallway
YES! Starting every class with 15, 20-minute TL input is our go-to routine A5
YES!! I'm always surprised when they roll their eyes and then scream the words. So funny
A5- using apps line pick a student helps keep Ss on their toes and ready to answer questions. Keep em guessing!
A5: routines are important in any class, but especially in . don't need Ss to guess the how along with the what and why
Regular exposure to authentic materials helps when it comes time for summative assessment. No more freak outs.
How does the password routine work?
Have you used ClassDojo. It adds a way to give positive feeback...They like the DING!!
A5 except in , using similar graphic organizers across any interpretive source has been great routine for us
Do you have trouble keeping them in the TL if you aren't hanging over them? How do you hold them to it? Just curious!
A5 My HS Latin teacher made us say a word in Latin from flashcards in hall before entering class, I do it now & Ss actually <3 it
I have used ClassDojo in the past, but it's one more thing to login and use, where they already use blogs and e-mail.
I'm not opposed, but maybe it wasn't the time for me.
they literally are like ugh we hate this 😡😡😡 but then 💃🎤🎤🎼💃
A5 I totally agree. Once you have it established, one less thing they're confused about. Learning a lang can be scary!
TA. I want to start class differently, maybe throw in a table talk/chat next week.
I tried this idea. Choose 1 ss, put name in envelope on board. If that ss stays in TL whole class play game
I circulate through the class anyhow, which keeps them honest. Proximity is still a friend in a WL class.
This was my first ever twitter chat outside of a grad class I'm taking and I loved it! Plan to come back for more WL advice!
Hahaha PERFECT illustrations there, totally agree :)
SS don't know whose name is in envelope so everyone works to stay in TL. Great collaborative activity.
