#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 October 13, 2016
Lots of folks at conferences all around the country!
Who's joining tonight? What do you teach, what levels, and where in the world are you?
Hi ! Im Keli Head of Content for We are in the middle of beta testing, but I'm glad to take a break n chat w teachers!
I love the image tonight! BEEEE-U-TI-FUL!
Chris, Latin 1-4, Erie, PA; I've done collaboration across disciplines before so I'm happy to contribute to tonight!
Hola! from Central IA - I teach Spanish 1+2 currently. Glad to have time for tonight!
I'm Kris. Teaching French 9-12 in Nashville
Bonsoir! C'est moi, Rebecca: French 7 & 8 outside Boston.
Jen from Lexington, KY. I teach K-5 Spanish.
Ginger from Albuquerque French HS 1-5AP
Leslie--MS Spanish in Indianapolis
I'm Kathy Griffith, a Spanish teacher of all levels in rural Rocky Mount, VA.
Joining from SJ, Costa Rica! Studying to be a Spanish teacher, current TESOL teacher 🍎
So glad to see familiar and new faces join in!
We'll tackle five Q's tonight. Remember to put A1, A2, etc in your replies. Q1..coming up
Hi! Meredith White here in GA, high school Spanish teacher. Excited for !
I'm Bethanie in NC, & this year I'm teaching Spanish 1-AP Lit
Hi . Megan, French, Detroit.
QR code scavenger hunt station: going code to code (4) around school and scanning with snapchat's QR scan… https://t.co/pC7ZJojTtA
Bonsoir! Donna, world language curriculum and instruction, Annapolis, MD.
Jill from No Virginia - leaving soon as need to get up early to go to Richmond to present at VAIS conference.
John Miller, Chief Academic Officer at outside of Charleston, SC
Marci MS French Ann Arbor, MI
A1: I love the idea of studying politics of target culture! Great for upper level and future gov't types!
A1 Ecotourism: Science/World Language
Hi , Sara-Elizabeth lurking about from KY. I teach Spanish.
Coded Jenga block station - BEFORE pulling the block, they must consult the key/legend and express accord… https://t.co/gGd7jTBsoA
A1 I've had good luck with history & literature! Would love to incorporate more science, collaborate w/ our in-school restaurant.
¡Hola! I'm Cristina from Miami ☀️🌴I teach Spanish to young learners.
A1 Music and Art: when I taught MS I worked with the Ts in these subjects and created memorable projects!
A1 Cuisine. Cooking crêpes with the culinary arts class is a highlight of our year.
A1: I've also dreamed of collaborating with our Foods/Family teacher to do some culture food units tied to target holidays.
Bonsoir! Jennifer. French 1-4. St. Louis.
A1: I've done a unit on flamenco w/ other special area teachers. Arts are always a good go to for collab.
A1: I think of all the AP themes and how they easily relate to other disciplines: science, social studies, art
A1 I've done some cool collaboration with our art teacher, too, for any unit
A1 So far I've only managed to collaborate on teaching skills (writing, interpretive reading) with colleagues - no content.
Geography, art, cuisine...
A1: Love this idea to get physical! Gym T just walked by eyes wide, smiling as we did El Hokey Pokey en… https://t.co/zGSoeB4ftr
A1: I've done a unit on flamenco w/ other special area teachers. Arts are always a good go to for collab.
A1 It's not a topic but the projects in PBLL are a great place to team up w/other disciplines
A1: Right now I'm incorporating science w/ butterfly migration, research w/ conservation, and technology&art as they make posters
Hola. I'm Mark, HS Spanish teacher & Instructional Technologist in the Boston area. I'll follow along for the first part of .
A1: I like to have MS/HS students donate money to as a way of understanding realities of life in Latin America
A1: previous science T was going to study sustainability when I taught Sp. 3 a sustainability IPA... but never happened! :(
A1 I love combining my food unit with nutrition unit from health/science class!
A1 With Music 8th graders created a musical based on the Odyssey with classic rock soundtrack, songs composed in ancient modes
A1 all units in WL can be connected to other disciplines through music, art, literature, biographies, math, technology, &
science
So right! This may be a recurrent theme tonight!
Salvete, omnes! Ginny Lindzey here, signing in late. I teach Latin 1, 3, & 4 SW of Austin TX. Hoping to get good ideas tonight.
Nice! https://t.co/NeNjj22M97
A1: Love this idea to get physical! Gym T just walked by eyes wide, smiling as we did El Hokey Pokey en… https://t.co/zGSoeB4ftr
A1: I've done a unit on flamenco w/ other special area teachers. Arts are always a good go to for collab.
We have these arts integration academies in KY & we got to learn from a pro&plan a unit all in one week. So much fun!
A1 With Art, 8th graders painted a current event in the style of Greek pottery, with a Latin inscription describing it
A1: History, beauty, families, dance, music, science, technology. It's all worth the collaboration!
Perhaps A1a... what's the hardest subject to intertwine with?
A1: So far, I think I've seen everything but math. Any WL and math collaboration?
A1: I admit to chastising the physics teacher today when I discovered they had made catapults and were measuring trajectories.
A1 The only thing I have done with math is limited...mayan numbers, and it's been a long time...
I've shied away from math b/c last school had some horrible anti-math disease. I swear it was in the H20!
A1: any subject as long as ss are interested and teachers are willing to collab!
A1 I have also collaborated with a Computer Apps teacher; Ss made presentations or iMovies about famous Romans
Mayan numbers is a cool idea! I wonder if Math teachers ever teach about alternative systems...?
a1 I've collaborated with math but mostly methodology-wise, and not content. But we often compare our processes.
Love the positive, S-centered attitude. https://t.co/K13QeEuCoZ
A1: any subject as long as ss are interested and teachers are willing to collab!
Yeah but we need to do more than etymology or no one will take Latin seriously for CI. https://t.co/FNHRVN8Jz1
Especially for Latin, History is a good one. Science and Math would be useful too to show Ss the etymology of commo… https://t.co/BUKXJezmu7
A1 believe language can be used & connected with any other discipline. You can always make a connection w/authentic communication!
Love the integration of culture!
A1) Art, literature, history, geography...all these are great ways to put content 1st and supercharge language learning.
A1: My kinders are learning about Joan Miro now. And my 2nd grdrs will be doing Picasso later this year. Art is a big one for me
A1 good question! I think I will ask some of my Math teacher friends tomorrow!
This is true. All my great collaborations were before discovering CI. How do we make it work?
I'm hoping to pull in some programming/web development students for our "show off our city" tourism website
Ai my students did a unit on education for girls as a link to history and current events.
Interesting! While I'm not a Latin T, I've found collab is easier as a CI T b/c I'm less restricted!
don't know; that's why I am here!
Running late! Courtney, Span teacher from Arkansas
A1: What doesn't make for a good opp to collab?
A1 Roman numerals, Greek & Roman Art History, History of the Roman Empire, Geography, Volcanic eruptions, Literary Terms/Devices
A1) Tomorrow we're beginning a project to design & 3D print "artefacts" from Ss' original myths based on Mesoamerican motifs.
Wow this sounds deep! I'd love to hear more about it! Do you have info on it somewhere?
I think the greater Q is how to collaborate on cultural projects and use the TL comprehensibly.
A1 I'm working on an education unit now, dealing with who goes to school, who does not, and why
I might be taking that idea- I would love to see my Spanish students using tech to create videos!
Exactly, thinking of maybe how could we use Newton, etc with upper levels...
A2: I personally find educator's desire to complete collab the most important thing in past experience.
Math is my foreign language, not French. Does that count? ;) https://t.co/hjoMe0S7DW
A1: So far, I think I've seen everything but math. Any WL and math collaboration?
A2: Resources are key-we have arts integration academies in KY which have helped me. Programs like Journey North are awesome too.
A2 I think that administrators need to build in more time for collaboration among colleagues.
A2: shared time, willingness, projects or inquiry based framework
A2: clear expectations of hoped outcomes
A2 A common meeting point in both curricula.
A2: Definitely collegial rapport and respect and no fear of ulterior motives. Sounds silly but seriously.
A2: Timing is another element. Perhaps 1 T lays ground work in Eng for your unit, or you work @ same time for deeper undrstndng
A2: One big problem: not knowing what other teachers are teaching, like my not knowing about the physics assignment w/catapults.
A2 - planning time together; willingness to find common threads in the curriculum. I tried to do a topic on weather but no takers!
A2: administrators who encourage this sort of thing
I have been so lucky in having awesome colleagues.
It's my first time through, inspired by my colleague . I'll keep careful notes and hopefully blog about it
A2: Start with the end product- what is the goal? Then how do we scaffold to make sure both subjs get what they need
Yes!! https://t.co/7wbH6H8Blx
A2: Start with the end product- what is the goal? Then how do we scaffold to make sure both subjs get what they need
A2: Definitely lack of time.
A2 A common interest between teachers of various subjects.
A2: Willingness to work together, review curriculum standards, desired outcomes and serious planning.
A2: Strong desire to reap the benefits of student is key to finding time and resources
A2Something else that could be an element is student driven connectionsmaybe letting them determine the crosscurricular connection
I recently thought of an idea where students could collaborate on a project Xing SS with Spanish to create a timeline and maps
A2: Drake's "Know/Be/Do" model for integrated curriculum is a great guide
A2: Our willingness to switch units around to be able to collaborate with other disciplines really helps
Found excellent resources on UNICEF education site.
A2: yes!! Access to others' pacing guides so we can plan. Huge!
Sooo important to recognize in finding connections! https://t.co/Kiz4uPST6X
A2Something else that could be an element is student driven connectionsmaybe letting them determine the crosscurricular connection
A2 Sounds interesting...can you explain?
A2 - 1 thing that's deterred this for me is that it was rare for my students to all have a class w/Teacher A.
A2: Seems that PBL opens the door for us to invite other experts (colleagues) to weigh in.
A2: time! Teachers need time to plan things, talk to each other... Time in a school to develop rapport with other teachers too
A2 GoogleDocs allow for easy collaboration
Great resources on UNICEF in education section. We worked no that and reasons gave students great perspectives.
OK, yes. SO WHAT CAN WE DO ABOUT THIS? That's an excellent point. https://t.co/FF0HTA8kke
A2 - 1 thing that's deterred this for me is that it was rare for my students to all have a class w/Teacher A.
A2) Shared goals, shared language, shared resources, shared struggles. Too often Ts do amazing things in isolation. Share, people!
A2: INIATIVE- Couldn't have said it better https://t.co/AlGXlLvtYC
A2: Our willingness to switch units around to be able to collaborate with other disciplines really helps
A2 I have this challenge, too.
A short snippit: find stndrds & enduring understandings across subj areas; decide what Ss will know, do, "be"
My personal response has been to do Content-Based Units, but not necessarily a true collab w/another T in my opinion.
A2: That is challening, not all AP art students take French & not all French Ss take AP art, right? https://t.co/juFkqYtDJy
A2 - 1 thing that's deterred this for me is that it was rare for my students to all have a class w/Teacher A.
A2 - I wonder if the issue of sharing students is easier for elementary world lang Ts?
I think it's exciting - opening Ss up to new disciplines!
But does that stop us dead in our tracks? Why not push ahead?
A2 Yep! Sometimes we are the ones to take the initiative and observe others, strike up content convos, etc., to get ball rolling.
LOVE IT!!!! Colleagues like make positive change! https://t.co/crULDQfbkw
But does that stop us dead in our tracks? Why not push ahead?
A2: our school is fostering teachers observing teachers this year. This can probably lead to these future collaborations.
Probably. All of my Ss have the same teachers. Our issue is time-we don't get enough of it.
Off topic interruption: Any German teachers interested in curriculum collaboration? Message me LATER. Back to
I've modified by making my units Content-Based b/c I can control. I think it depends on level of [1/2]
desired interconnectedness between the 2 T's unit/project/etc. [2/2]
Consider collaborating w/ LA tchrs to teach their Latin etymology unit using CI
Maybe students in AP Art can partner with someone NOT in AP Art..., etc? That's a possible solution. https://t.co/PhJW5OSqD2
A2: That is challening, not all AP art students take French & not all French Ss take AP art, right? https://t.co/juFkqYtDJy
A2 - 1 thing that's deterred this for me is that it was rare for my students to all have a class w/Teacher A.
A3: I think offering to teach their content is a good opener.
A3 - SHOW INTEREST IN THEIR SUBJECT! They love knowing you're interested!
A3: Open the doors to collaboration with lots of questions- wow, that's really cool that you do that? How do you make that happen?
A3 infectious enthusiasm, respect for other's work, flattery :)
A3: Being interested in their disciplines, treating them as experts in their field.
A3 Chupa Chups!!!! jajaja Selling the idea that together we are stronger than our individual strengths
A3 Let them know how your subject coincides with theirs, and come up with ideas from there. https://t.co/WyA3TahzKZ
A3 - SHOW INTEREST IN THEIR SUBJECT! They love knowing you're interested!
A3 Dare I say by making it seem easy? No one wants extra work to do on top of everything else!
A3 - if it's new to them, try to make it as easy as possible (perhaps, plan around them if able!).
A3: Ideally, there would be a culture of that did not require incentives... call me a dreamer!
A3 "Let" them serve as chaperones for our amazing field trips, nearby & abroad
Q3: Remind our colleagues we aren't taking away from their class, but adding to it & reinforcing student learning in content area
A3: Students are the bridge, THEY are in these classes.
A3: Point out similarities in your curriculum topics. They may have never realized it!
Ooooh, great idea!!! https://t.co/VWp1HAOUAv
A3 "Let" them serve as chaperones for our amazing field trips, nearby & abroad
A3 Transfer of knowledge from one discipline to another. This is key! https://t.co/sGfXv9U9q2
Q3: Remind our colleagues we aren't taking away from their class, but adding to it & reinforcing student learning in content area
A3 assisting with chaperoning international trips and domestic field trips
A3: Coming up with a good essential question to get the ball rolling and then work together to refine the question
A3: Show how collaboration on that particular topic can benefit both students & the curriculum.
A3 - remind them it's really good for the students. Everything should be about what's best for students!
I can't help but think of my amazing colleague She chaperoned an 18 hour trip to State WLAN Comp!
A3 Make ourselves and our languages more present and active in the wider school community.
A3 - I use to employ my students & have them ask so they knew students wanted it.
A3: Eavesdrop on what Ss are studying/liking in other classes and then echo it in the TL...word will get back.
A3 I always start the dingo esp if I don't know them w the great things I've heard from Ss.
A3 THIS TOO! https://t.co/nVACu4pxRl
A3 Make ourselves and our languages more present and active in the wider school community.
A3 Much easier to do in MS when enquiry and time are more flexible. People are focused on time and coverage at HS levels.
And you are doing a marvelous job of that! So glad you joined us this year! https://t.co/VtKO9vV7H0
A3 Make ourselves and our languages more present and active in the wider school community.
A3: another idea is working smarter, not harder. Fashion T & I discovered we have overlap, so why plan 2 lessons? 1 combo is good
A4 Classroom management techniques.
A4 I have learned a lot about different ways of delivering material from non-WL colleagues
A4:I've learned a lot of classroom mgt&organization techniques from non-WL tchrs.
A4 - my favorite thing to observe w/other Ts is how the kids are in their room. I learn a LOT about my own students.
Do they have rocks and sticks there?!?
A4 How they have students collaborate, intro new vocab, reading practices/techniques, flow of a lesson.
Need to leave early to review presentation ONE more time! Great ideas - thanks for the inspiration to keep collaborating.
A4: 90% of everything I do, I learned from a teacher of a different content area
A4: I don't know BUT I'm gonna find out ! (We start our observations of each other soon.) I will report back.
Yes, seeing how they behave/interact in other classrooms is always helpful!
A4 - sometimes I like to just sit there and be a student, too, so I can learn something new.
https://t.co/ECOh9kE0XL
A4 - sometimes I like to just sit there and be a student, too, so I can learn something new.
A4 I enjoy hearing about their brain break and Socrative ideas!
A4: learn from us: teaching vocab in context
A4: methods, engagement techniques, questioning, enthusiasm: good teaching is fun to watch, doesn't matter who's doing it.
¡Hola! Newbie here. A1 Have done Spanish explorers w/7th grade Social Studies teachers.
Q4: we can learn to take ourselves seriously! As Wrld Lang tchs we need to realize we too are important and our subjects valuable
A4 I'm always intrigued/inspired by the blog posts by you teachers saying "I got this idea from my ____ colleague"
A4: I am always stealing classroom management ideas from other content area T's. They borrow movement ideas from me
A4 kinda shallow but I stole decore ideas to make my room more friendly (lamps, plants, etc.)
A4: Sat in on a Holocaust class skype session with famous author today. Wow, , talk about cool!
A4 my nonWL colleagues taught me tech tricks galore
A4: I love to see how other teachers are modernizing their rooms with classroom technologies. Anyone using any good tech?
NOT shallow. Students LIKE rooms with character, that are distinctive, and feel welcoming.
A4: Class mgmt., new techie sites & apps I've never seen. Share with them: same
A4: You learn how much their classroom dynamics vary from your WL environment & understand & accept those differences 😆
A4: we can both show the kids we're MULTI-dimensional. Math teacher who, as it happens, ALSO speaks French.
any apps, student blogging/twitter, or video creations? Would love to hear experiences both good & bad!
I think this is great! . https://t.co/VWegUeeWbC
A4 kinda shallow but I stole decore ideas to make my room more friendly (lamps, plants, etc.)
A4: class mgmt., new sites & apps, classroom setup & organization. Share with them: same
I regularly use . is always a goody. I'm experimenting with for novels.
Isn't this the truth?! Our students need to know that well-rounded really is key! https://t.co/9J8PhmagS6
A4: we can both show the kids we're MULTI-dimensional. Math teacher who, as it happens, ALSO speaks French.
I use for retells. I also whipped out in Spanish today.
Yes! I saw an art teacher do this one time and she didn't even realize she was doing it! https://t.co/gnxWrbu0pZ
A4 Maybe they can learn how to use a CI form of English to make their material more understandable to students… https://t.co/5r7yVIOlaK
Quizizz is like Kahoot, but allows Ss to move at their own pace!
I use all those plus . great as well esp 1:1 class
A4: colleagues might see what Ss CAN DO, and be 3rd party impressed!
Thanks for the suggestions! Familiar with but will def be looking up soon!
I suddenly want to go to everyone's class (art included!) to observe and get inspiration.
I'm starting to use SeeSaw - an digital journal. Trying to get LA teachers to get to know it. If you haven't tried I highly recc.
Alright, , time's a running...Q5 coming up.
that is great to hear! Familiarizing myself with them too. Best of luck I look forward to any tips you'll have to give
I always looked at my colleagues' rooms for desk arrangement ideas - I've gone deskless, so they're coming to me
don't forget padlet. Great to publish, comment, survey...all in one spot. Use it often!
A5: You've said: class mgmt, tech, engagement, strategies
A5: The hidden curriculum. All teachers need to lead the effort in creating a positive environment that nurtures diversity!
My school uses AIW and we evaluate our group's lessons, tasks, student work. GREAT convo starter A5
A5 Showing how Latin connects to so many different subjects.
- LOVE Padlet! https://t.co/euFjESnV4P
don't forget padlet. Great to publish, comment, survey...all in one spot. Use it often!
A5 - perhaps collabing on school event/project not tied to class.
A5 At our MS there are established catch-phrases in ELA to help students read & write that I can borrow from & build on.
A5: How about just two educators who want to help Ss in neither discipline? I'm thinking of all the other hats we wear.
A5: Service learning. Come together to teach kids how to BE the change.
A5 multicultural nights, dual language poetry contest/night, just some ideas...
A5: Coaching, sponsoring, mentoring, advising, chaperoning
A5: Find ways to make ourselves and languages more visible in the local community.
just made Voicethread albums w recorded comments for penpals overseas who will visit in spring. They view, question & we answer
I have a "blackboard" (actually just black contact paper) outside my room for highlighting holidays, HHM etc.
A5 I like this idea for all languages! https://t.co/xyN3JzDgzr
A5: Find ways to make ourselves and languages more visible in the local community.
A5: I would love to see examples where entire school takes on service project that utilizes WL skills! Anyone know of any?
We do a lot of team building with our 7th graders. Right now it's a heated Penny Wars!
A5 service projects i.e. To help Haiti after quake or hurricane
I've heard of them but don't have specifics. Usually like a WL day and tends to be in bigger schools
TA Collaboration with teachers in every discipline is important for creating a more well-rounded education for all students.
TA: I need to be MORE collaborative
Great to hear from a variety of voices--new & veteran! Thanks for your collaboration tonight. Don't forget to follow each other!
TA: We need to make an effort to observe colleagues, to make those connections. Prep & grading can wait if we want BIGGER IMPACT
A5:Inviting other colleagues to join their Ss for casual lunch with their Spanish teachers & friends during "almuerza y conversa"
TA: I need to push my comfortability from Content Based lessons in my room to TRUE collab w/other classes!
Thanks and sorry i've been away too long!
Like the High School Musical song: We're all in this together!
TA: Collaboration is what makes schools EFFECTIVE. Our school = our village
Yes! Keeping space in our day for BigPicture! https://t.co/b0Wbmuz1nq
TA: We need to make an effort to observe colleagues, to make those connections. Prep & grading can wait if we want BIGGER IMPACT
This was a GREAT topic! Thanks to whoever suggested it.
Thanks to and for moderating with me tonight!
On topic- WL teachers, photography, web design, etc: join a "show our city" tourism website project! https://t.co/jdCWvvZ2JR
I second this. Always love working in interdisciplinary situations. https://t.co/aKHswmJpBa
This was a GREAT topic! Thanks to whoever suggested it.
I suggest Urgent Action letters for Amnesty International. Around Dec holidays a campaign to send cards.
Thank you, PLN, for making my Thursday night so great, every week!
TA- collaboration should be encouraged inside AND outside of the classroom. It builds community- live the standards
Thank you to & for moderating tonight!
No worries! Still great opportunity to raise awareness! Thanks! https://t.co/5dT95ECGea
Oh sorry - these are usually within the school walls.
