#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.
Hey, #langchat'ers! Welcome to our first #langchat of the 2018-19 SY! Let's get started with introductions - who / where / levels / language(s) / etc.
I'm Meredith, metro ATL, Spanish I & II (HS), and I'm moderating tonight's topic: Back to school! Let's do this!
I am a freshman at Indiana University studying Secondary Spanish Education! I am participating in this TwitterChat for a "technology in education" course that I am currently enrolled in! #langchat
HEY! #langchat I am Annabelle (La Maestra Loca) at Bricolage Academy in New Orleans, LA. I teach 3-5th grade Spanish this year! and I am BUILDING THE PROGRAM from SCRATCH this year! #YAY
For the next 30-60 minutes, I will be tweeting about #langchat!
Je me présente- Dawn Michael, French, all HS levels, central Ohio, proficiency warrior and I will throw down for equitable language instruction for ALL students!
Great introductions! Here comes Question 1 (Q1)! Make sure to put A1 in your tweet (stands for Answer 1) so we know what question your answer pertains to! #langchat
Howdy, #langchat! Tonight's my school's open house, so I may not make it until late if at all, but I wanted to say hi! (Madeleine Sexton, Spanish 2/4 Pre-AP, Louisville, KY)
Hola hola #langchat my name is Michelle, I teach 7th, 8th, & 11th grade Spanish in a rural town in the Finger Lakes region of NY! Estoy súperrrrr emocionada porque me encanta charlar 😁😁😁
#langchat
A1: For the first days back to school I think its important to get to know your students. They are still transitioning from summer time so throwing hard content at them probably won't be very helpful!
A1 Get to know your students. I did Card Talk today in all my classes. We continue tomorrow with it. Asked the 1s what are things they like and the 2s and 3s what they did in the summer. Great way to build community. #langchat
A1 Using French! @MmeBlouwolff coined the phrase "TL warm fuzzies" a few years ago and it's always in mind mind on those first school day - help them have fun and be successful from day 1! #langchat
I view several things essential for the first days of school, no matter what grade you teach! The first days are when the foundation begins to built between you and your Ss. Reviewing the expectations and rules is essential too. #langchat
A1: Creating community in the class, establishing tone & routine, letting students see firsthand that language acquisition is not difficult if they do their 50% #langchat
A1 setting the tone for the year with activities and convos that reflect expectations...and getting students to use the TL after a long summer away. #LANGCHAT
#langchat A1 These first days we did very simple stuff like school tour, introduce ourselves, I did not do human bingo, but probably will in the next couple of days.
A1: Essentials for "la rentrée" = establish norms, empower students to use language asap - accessible activities with low affect. Unfortunately in Ohio we have to give pre-assessments for evals, so that throws a wrench into the 'feel good stuff...' #langchat
A1: Taking the time to really get to know my Ss and start forming a community in the classroom. The one question I always ask my Ss is what is one thing you really wish your teachers knew. It really lets you know a lot about each student. #langchat
A1: Icebreakers are essential for me. I want the kids to build a community. I also have them do stations to learn the expectations so they are engaged and interacting. #langchat
A1: I wonder how students would answer that question. my daughter was excited about going back to school but dreaded the first week of school #langchat
Love you all! I’m taking some time to rest from school and PD etc. tonight. Although I’m so tempted to join you. I’ll check in on all the amazingness tomorrow. I’m Ashley in MA, MS Spanish teacher and creator/host of #inspiredproficiency podcast. #langchat
#langchat A1 I also talked to them about be making the class as comprehensible as possible. I read the first page of a book of one of our CI novels and had them beat on the desk when they heard a cognate, afterwards, they felt much better about the class.
A1 - THIS IS IMPORTANT! Explain that my classroom is about PROFICIENCY - too many ss come in from accuracy/grammar focused classroom and have high anxiety. Reassure them that they are now in a SAFE PLACE! #langchat
A1: the first few days are essential for RELATIONSHIPS, helping ALL students find SUCCESS, and building a strong classroom COMMUNITY where students can TAKE RISKS, HAVE FUN, & are set up to ACQUIRE the language! #langchat
A1 Starting small with new (to me) routines even if I wasn't extremely confident in executing them. Special Person Interviews and Passwords, for example #langchat
I played around with Write and Discuss and I like how it grounded our class discussions! Can't wait to read more about it and play around more. #langchat
A1 Getting Ss familiar with the classroom- where things are, what they do and don't need permission for, and how to interact with me and each other. I try to have each student talk with every other student at least once in the first week or so. #langchat
A1: Second answer... Is that allowed?? Today WAS my first day... 30 mins a class. It was tough, but we spent a lot of time just learning how to come in the room! :) #Routine and I introduced myself too! i can't expect them to share about THEMSELVES if I don't model! :) #langchat
A1 my goals for the first few days: making expectations clear, gauging where students are, modeling TL, promoting positive attitude, creating CONNECTIONS with every kid! #langchat
#langchat as a former spanish student I wish my high school would have been better at creating a comfortable environment in spanish classrooms. sometimes I felt like students were afraid to speak
We've done a highlight-what-you-know in an authentic reading and students felt so empowered & impressed with themselves over what they understood. #CanDo#Langchat
A1: I also do an activity explaining what a good language learner is in English and later put it in practice by talking about me and my family in Spanish using visuals, gestures and cognates #langchat
#langchat
A2: I think it is important to let the students know that you are flexible, and you are there to work with them and help them learn, not to fail them or stress them out.
A2: I get to know them as people. We do some Blobs and Lines activity from @cultofpedagogy and I dive into Persona Especial. I am seriously in love with it! #langchat
A1 - sharing my own journey towards proficiency. Including my "embarrassing embarazada" story from my Spanish 1 class my freshman year of high school. 😂 Showing my students I've been in their seats has always been a good start to our relationships. #langchat
A2 I told my Latin 1 kids this today: We all have a voice. We all work together. Everyone contributes. Next week we start our year-long class story. That's when the real magic happens. #langchat
A1: Second answer... Is that allowed?? Today WAS my first day... 30 mins a class. It was tough, but we spent a lot of time just learning how to come in the room! :) #Routine and I introduced myself too! i can't expect them to share about THEMSELVES if I don't model! :) #langchat
A2 As #earlylang, I'm lucky to know my kiddos for *six* years. I joke with them, they throw it right back, I forgive within seconds, & praise them mightily in front of everyone. #langchat
A2: I am trying (It's only happened once so far :( ) to utilize Tech days/individual work time to go around and talk with students 1 on 1 #langchat But I should be doing that tomorrow :) Which is much needed, gotta have some individual discussions with some students #langchat
I am a strong believer in developing strong relationships with your Ss from day one! I always appreciated teachers what were approachable and acceptable of questions, no matter from whom. I will try to make this a part of my classroom too! #langchat
A2 Find out what their interests are. Talk about them. Remember them for next time. Call them by their name EVERY time you see them. Smile. Say their name again. Smile bigger. Act like you are excited to see/know them. #langchat
OT: just want to notice and name that ideas practices and strategies that would have been outliers just 15 years ago are now the consensus for just about everyone in this conversation.
How far we've come! #langchat
Thank you, Katie! I knew you’d know! Is there anything you use for applications other than docs/slides on Chromebooks? I’ve tried an extension or two but feel like there’s got to be something better than the ones I experimented with. #langchat
I am starting this, this year. I can't wait to do Persona Especial... I do PQA ALL day every day and didn't realize how different and special Star of the day was until @sabjanczak modeled it! I CANNOT WAIT! #langchat
In reply to
@SraWilliams3, @cultofpedagogy, @sabjanczak
A2: I have all levels do some sort of 'fiche' to learn about them. Level 1 does it i English so I can find out about family, interests, what they like in a teacher. Levels 2 & 3 do it in French. And my Question du jour - I try to elicit personal info that way too. #langchat
A1: I've done it both ways in my 3 yrs teaching. In yrs 1 & 2, I started w FRENCH (JENGA review games, icebreakers, etc.) but I prefer @lamaestraloca's suggestion to use English in week 1. I already can tell that my classes are going to operate more smoothly this year. #langchat
A2 I used nametags à la Circling with Balls. It helped me see Ss interests and hobbies from the beginning of the year. Making a comment to each S about their passion creates a connection that builds rapport. #langchat
A2: remember that for most teachers, your students have 4,5,6 other teachers who are trying to do the same thing. how can you be different and make your class the one the reason they go to school each day? #langchat
A2- I don’t have very many new to me students, so I build on the rapports I have already. But I like to find out what they are interested in,’go to games/events, take an interest in life beyond French class #langchat
A2: I try to get to know THEM. I ask their parents to write a letter to me about them, I ask them to fill out some questionaires, we play icebreakers and games. I just give them a clean slate and try to learn about them as people. #langchat
A2: I did a #teach4ic inspired activity today: what makes your culture? We classified products, practices and perspectives, I told funny stories from France, and they shared their own. Learning and hilarity ensued. #langchat
A2. Let them know that not only am I understandable and will work with them to reach their goal. I join in the group work and partner work with my students. They get to know me because my daughters are in a couple of my classes as well, so interesting stories. #langchat
A2: Take time to really get to know your Ss as individuals. Greet each one at the door and have a chat with them. You never know how far that smile and greeting will go. #langchat
Here is what we did yesterday. Literally a few sentences-it does not need to be overwhelming for u or sts, but so much value. #langchathttps://t.co/Dwr4FTHeLS
In reply to
@Marishawkins, @MmeFarab, @welangley, @magisterb480
A2: be the teacher that cares about them as a PERSON not just a STUDENT. bammm, there is purpose, curriculum and assessment for your language class. #langchat
#langchat A1 Getting to know them as people, not just pupils. I asked students today about the languages they speak, and want to learn. Many want to learn Latin and Sign Language! I also learned that our class is linguistically plural!
A2: Build strong connections by sharing about my background + language experience, and then learning about them! They also select TL names to use in my class, it's great for building rapport with humor, and they carry it outside the classroom too #langchat
A2: Listen. Tell them I care then walk the talk. Also, accepting late work is apparently saintly in college.
My slightly longer answer: https://t.co/0wAdoqFQAc#langchat
A2. Also celebrate their smallest victories early in the year. So many have forgotten things they were exposed to, so when they try, I like to celebrate the smallest victory. #langchat
A2: This year I am also making more time to just CHAT in Spanish. Today we talked about tonight’s volleyball game & next week’s theme dress up up days for homecoming. Making it what they care about...but in Spanish #LangChat
A2: I agree about addressing them by name. I think it makes a difference. And they love it when you can remember their name after the first day or so- I think it makes them feel special! #langchat
A2 Ask about their goals and expectations for the course- this helps me know who is in for college requirements, who wants to better communicate with friends or family, and who might especially need some early success to build confidence. #langchat
A2 Also, standing at the door to greet them, shake hands, first bump, chicken wing, whatever! And being e x c i t e d to see them!!! That stuff is contagious and so worth sacrificing those 5 minutes I'd spend at my desk not really accomplishing anything anyway. #langchat
I love this so much and it's why I am totally non-targeted now.... I love #makingitup with them everyday... Just natural, authentic, organic conversation.... it means it is ALWAYS compelling!!! #YES#langchat
A2: This year I am also making more time to just CHAT in Spanish. Today we talked about tonight’s volleyball game & next week’s theme dress up up days for homecoming. Making it what they care about...but in Spanish #LangChat
Every time I see a former student in the hallway, I address them by name. We had a PD once that said some kids go ENTIRE school days without hearing their name and I am here to combat that sad truth. #langchat
They really notice when you take the time to go to their sports games, concerts, plays, etc. It shows them that you really do care about them and are more than just their French teacher. #langchat
They really notice when you take the time to go to their sports games, concerts, plays, etc. It shows them that you really do care about them and are more than just their French teacher. #langchat
Isn't it heartbreaking? I want them to know that I care about them, even years later, and that I remember them. It's obvious for those in my class, but not always for those who move up. #langchat
A:2 I don't think it is a competition with other teachers, but the opposite. We want our students to go to school because they feel safe and they love to learn. I don't really care whether I'm the reason for them to come to school or another teacher.#langchat
#langchat A1: We do various ice breakers, group work, and games the first week so we all feel comfortable speaking in class. Also, students post pic and intro on Blackboard.
This is why I love to greet them everyday. At least they will have one Tch who will look them in the eye and sincerely ask them how they are and give them a smile. #langchat
We know greeting students at the door is a best practice. We know it's easy to do.
And we know it's one of the easiest things to tell ourselves we don't have time to do. #LangChat
#langchat A2 I want to start using @BryceHedstrom passwords and some call and response prompts like "Qué pasa calabaza, nada, nada limonada". I tried that 1 with my 4s, and they loved it. They look around at each other and laugh, with is rapport all the way around.
A3: Circumlocution practice!! Got myself some sweet @lamaestraloca posters to hang in my room (and a personal copy in Spanish to work on my L3 skills with my Spanish colleagues :) #langchat
A3. I plan to continue my Flipped videos. I am also going to continue to use my Conversation cards with them on a class basis. I'm on the A/B block schedule. #langchat
A3: I will continue to implement stories and story asking with my kids. We had such a great time last year doing it together and it became a connection for us. Inside jokes and all! #langchat
what a great life skill! think how much better our world would be if we called each other by our names all day outside of school. every time I do it at Starbucks, on a plane, with a waiter, they freak out ... in a really really good way. #langchat
A2: Another thing- kids who have had me already usually end up with some sort of nickname from me. They have their own special goofy name from Madame. And I tell them they can call me Tatie (auntie) if they like. #langchat
A3: I'd like to continue learning from all of the great teachers out there! There are so many language teachers that I get inspiration from and I love trying out their ideas in my classroom. #langchat#SVVSDtechbingo@SVVSDdts
I hyped up missing a student who didn’t sign up for Sp3 daily seeing him in the hall. A week in he begged the counselor to let him change his schedule. I got him in Sp3 😊😍 #LangChat
In reply to
@Marishawkins, @MmeFarab, @MmeGreening
#langchat A2 Survey as well. I have a "Todo sobre mí" activity that allows them to share things about themselves, their passions, and hang up in lives. I tend to have a good memory and bring this up in convo.
A3: I will individually talk to all my special education Ss to give them an extra pep talk that they can do it and I will do everything to support them! #langchat
A3:Welp... first day was TODAY, so what's worked previously that I will keep?? After meeting these kids, and remembering how squirmy 5th graders are!? Brain Breaks... OH MY GOSH do they need them! (we ALL need them) #langchat#BrainBreaks#realtalk
A3 Once again, creating a story with the class the whole year. We're doing it in Latin 1 as always and for the first time, in Latin 2! It really brings the kids together and still teaches them all the stuff they need to know. #langchat
A3: I will continue to implement the workshop model & student choice. I also like the work I've started with #authres thanks to the inspiration of @SrtaWalpole#langchat
true, it's not a competition and of course I didn't mean it that way but I do think language teachers have a special opportunity to provide something special for students. #langchat
A3- I’m so excited to read “Le petit prince” in level 3. They are already asking. Our ESL reads it too, so I’m sensing some collaboration this year #langchat
I sponsor a pep bus and take as many kids as I can fit on the bus and we go to all the away games. It’s a great way to support our teams and I get to know the Ss outside of class. #langchat
A3 - Flooding input - authentic docs/adapted sometimes for reading, Edpuzzles almost daily for listening. Tons of scaffolded activities for presentational (inspiration @gianfrancocont9 ) Kids are so empowered when they can use AUTHENTIC LANGUAGE! #langchat
A3 Songs! I used to be really good using them regularly but then dropped off. I started this year with one and now on #2. It takes a second day for my kids to get into it, but they seem to enjoy. #langchat
I need to channel my inner "Maestra Loca" and get better at these! I attended a session with you at IFLT 2017 and was mesmerized by brainbreaks!!!!! #langchat
A3: 🎵 MÚSICA 🎵 I loved getting student emails over the summer like “i heard SOY YO in Starbucks” or “what was that song with the roller skating lady?” This shows they are thinking, listening, appreciating, and loving the culture outside my room #langchat
A3) Since I will be a first year teacher in about 3 years, I plan to incorporate some of the aspects of the classrooms that I have been a part of recently! I am open to any and all ideas about enhancing the learning environment for all Ss! #langchat
Yup! look at it to see where there are any misunderstandings, but if they completed it to the best of their ability they get a check off. (10% of overall grade) #langchat
Oooh, good question! We tried to keep it positive and that one could have gotten negatively quickly ... but we'll accept answers to it as they come! #langchat
A3 Songs! I used to be really good using them regularly but then dropped off. I started this year with one and now on #2. It takes a second day for my kids to get into it, but they seem to enjoy. #langchat
Q3 I’m super excited to continue implementing a classroom jobs system! I’ve loved seeing the students lead their peers and start depending on one another. #langchat
A3. So much this. We listened to a playlist today that included a lot of past songs. There was much singing along and discussion of why this one should or shouldn’t have won! #langchat
A3: Answer 3 for Q3! Sorry I like this one... I will also continue authentic, organic conversations about whatever they're feeling in the moment.... because this is powerful, which means being SUPER flexible sometimes and ditching the awesome #movietalk I had planned! #langchat
Wow it looks like there's tons of great stuff out there! I have been using https://t.co/2uCalMMTDT for fun class timers but also fun name / group choosers #langchat
A3 We are abt 3 wks in and based on individual convos, my kiddos are feeling good about understanding what to do and being able to recall & use some things from last year. The initial nerves seem to be settling. #langchat
A3: My good language learner activity and "Todo sobre mí" will be a keeper. Also talk to beginners about their favorite things all in the target language. Everything else can go #langchat
A3: I will continue giving my Ss opportunities to speak with native speakers through my partnership with the @lyceebazin. My Ss love connecting with their peers in France. #langchat
#langchat A2 Novels, Conversation Circle (loved this), Series (El Internado or El Barco, Gran Hotel). Students really loved watching and discussing the characters.
#langchat A2: I learn names immediately &encourage students to learn each other's names; promise that any activity I ask them to do, I will do & any question I ask them they may ask me.(incl. Cuántos años tiene?) Survey on hobbies, music, teams, movies, to tailor conversations
A3 I'm also looking forward to the practices I'm ditching: anything multiple choice, vocab quizzes, interpretive assessments, homework. A student's grade is based on what they can produce. #langchat
Yes! Use formative assessments to give feedback + help w progress monitoring.
I want grades on the report card to reflect what students
Can Do
and how
Proficient
they are (according to the standards) when given the opportunity to demonstrate on summative assessments #langchat
A3 I had plans to redo my first grade curriculum with a classroom teacher buddy because it is DULL AS WALLPAPER PASTE #langchat & first grade should be unicorns and smiles #earlylang
#langchat A3 My students loved March Madness! @spanishplans it was the first time I had included it, and I realized that I deprived them of some great culture and fun!
mehhhh Just breathing before reacting. Point and Pause at rules has NOT been effective. I get to feel too bad for the students who have to wait on their peers. #langchat
A4) I will try to maintain an open-mind to all new ideas for my future classroom. I love interactive and hands-on learning environments especially tailored to specific learners! #langchat
A4. This year I am trying Choice boards and STEM projects for various units. I also plan on showing them how to use Screecastify with @Flipgrid for some of their topics. #langchat
A4 Well I've chickened out in week 2, but I'm really planning to try a more discovery-based, from-the-students approach to choosing common vocabulary. #langchat
A4: I would love to try to incorporate musica miercoles and IPAs but haven't quite committed yet. I'm not sure the hesitation but I'm contemplating. #langchat
A4: I’m jumping into creating stories through the One Word Images. Started the end of last year, can’t wait to use them again throughout the year. Students OWN their characters and I can’t wait to see what we create! #langchat
A4 Planning with another human! We hired a third French teacher and we share a prep. It helps that we went to college together, too! #loveandhonor#langchat
A4- Goal check-ins. Created a survey with objectives and had students rank themselves. Will check in at the end of the unit to see if there is growth. #langchat
A4- video vendredi with French 4. I always have a list of things I want to use (tv5monde, you tubers, things i find on Facebook) but I forget. I decided if I do vidéo vendredi, i should remember to intentionally plan it in there! #langchat
A4 New district. New team. New PLC. New curriculum. Basically new me. 😂 All assessments are speaking or writing, presentational or interpersonal. And we meet every week and PLC together. I absolutely live it. Ss can switch classes and teachers and learn the same. #langchat
A4: I am SUPER excited about starting Persona especial or Star of the week this year... I was never interested because I felt like ALL I do is personalize all day every day but now I understand this is truly something special... #langchat
A4: I feel like I am CONSTANTLY tweaking and trying new things BECAUSE of this great PLN, and I can't even point to specifics, my practices are always developing,
Trying to add more interpersonal this year, in particular... #langchat
A4: After attending the SPCD program @cavilamvichy, I am hoping to incorporate more creative games and activities in the classroom that really allow the Ss to produce and generate in the target language. #langchat
A4 I'm doing a whole new experiment with piloting a proficiency-based curr in 3rd year with over half the kids who only have traditional classroom exp - lots of trial & error (more than 1 & 2 pilots) #langchat
Some of my high schoolers don't particularly care. Standing by them works, but I'm having trouble maintaining comprehensibility while I am behind students. Maybe try a U shape... #langchat
A4: Today I tried out Story Listening for the first time - why have I not done this sooner?!! I THOROUGHLY enjoyed it, & students were greatly engaged! #langchat
#langchat A4: I am trying the practice of "SLOWING DOWN". My class was so chill today, and the kids were engaged, and I was not running around like a crazy person, losing stuff (like the remote, my keys, etc).
A4 More actively involving Ss in assessing proficiency levels and guiding them in reflecting on progress and setting goals more frequently-- at least every other week. @alenord and @SECottrell inspired me to share indicators in S friendly lang #langchat
SCILT is helping schools across Scotland to celebrate European Day of Languages on 26 September. We have free resources and lots of ideas on our website https://t.co/fIgxJX65CZ
#langchat A5 Picture talk as well. SOOO MANY POSSIBILITIES WITH THE LANGUAGE! We did a picture talk yesterday and it last 45 minutes with all of the scaffolding activities!
The same amount. But it requires me to shout, "café?" and find a student who can point out my cold cup. I move so much, but my coffee is unfortunately immobile. #langchat
A4: To be honest. This year for the first year ever. There are no plans of grand changes. I am going to instead work on incremental positive improvements. #LangChat
Hey #Langchat friends! If you are a PK-8 educator, come join the #Earlylang chat next Wednesday 9/12 from 8-9 p.m. Our topic is goal setting for both teachers and students.
For more info, go to https://t.co/7c7G8NdlUn
A5 I have a schedule this year with built-in days off every 3 days. Those I am using for self-care and catching up on planning and other matters. #langchat
A5 My 5th grader is no longer in after school care, so I leave 30-45 minutes after school gets out. No late days for me. (Now to figure out how to get the grading done & still sleep...) #langchat
A5 - once a week planning meetings with my buddy is helping preserve work-life balance with all of the changes! maintaining consistency in the gym is a huuuge stress relief for me! #langchat
A5) I will try to enjoy each weekend, but while also keeping my classroom and Ss as top priority. The classroom life is the most important aspect to a teacher, but teachers deserve "me time" too! #langchat
A5. This is sometimes hard for me, but I have decided that I get at least an hour where I can watch Netflix and not stress about learning plans and grading. I am more organized this year and beginning to tell colleagues "No" to trivial things during my planning bell. #langchat
A5 This one will be tough for me since I worked every day my 3 day weekend. 😑 I need to just commit to using my time wisely and make myself take breaks. Also, I ordered a planner from ink+volt that incorporates reflections and journaling. #langchat
A5: hands down the number one greatest challenge for me. I SUCK at #selfcare@ProfePeplinski wrote this amazing blog about avoiding burn out and my goal is to be better about BREATHING and shutting off when Isla (SD) is awake at home with us every night. #langchat
A5 - giving feedback during class on formative work instead of collecting it to grade and mini dance parties during my plan period, of course #langchat
A5: This is key for me with autoimmune disease, and I am awful about doing it. GO TO BED EVEN WHEN THERE IS WORK LEFT TO DO. And give myself a WHOLE DAY OFF on the weekend. #langchat
OT: for anyone going to #actfl18, I'm doing another Hot for Teacher show WL edition on Saturday night. Msg me if you're interested in performing. You get an awesome tshirt out of it! #langchat
A5 Also may I recommend a good workout of choice? Working out is the first thing dropped from a full plate but I ALWAYS feel better afterward! #langchat
And knowing that I plan to leave things at work makes me evaluate... is my grading/feedback on this going to help students improve? #langchat If it's not worth grading is it worth assigning?
#langchat A5: I am on sabbatical this year so this is easier for me to answer than usual. So, in addition to my project, I am committed to exercising more regularly and spending more time reading for pleasure
A5: I love running, hiking w/ my husband and our puppy, reading books for pleasure, and drinking coffee out of a mug, not a to-go thermos. 🙃 #langchat#selfcare
A5: In the classroom: The power of SSR every M/W/F, @senorwooly & not sweating the small stuff. At home: Leaving work at school & limiting social media on certain parts of the day and days of the week #langchat
A5 #langchat COFFEE ☕️. FAMILY. FRIENDS. REFLECTION. Also realizing that change takes time, and that I can’t put too much pressure on myself to change everything all at once!
A5: Taking time to relax and chill, enjoying a good book or Netflix, and making sure I get enough sleep. Also taking time to hang out with my awesome and supportive boyfriend and my family. I need to be sure to unplug from tech from time to time! #langchat
Coming back from my first maternity leave last year meant I wanted to leave at contractual time. I’ll never go back. I honestly don’t know what I did at school so late some days #langchat
A5 #langchat COFFEE ☕️. FAMILY. FRIENDS. REFLECTION. Also realizing that change takes time, and that I can’t put too much pressure on myself to change everything all at once!
A5: I am also promising myself LOUD, EXCITING music on EVERY drive to work... I have an old aux chord in my beater car named #BettyWhite and oh my gosh, it brings me such joy every morning! #langchat
A5: I'm also directing the drama club at school which keeps me at school until at least 5 and I want to have quality down time after that. Even if directing is a passion project :) #langchat
A5 Making time to talk with my kids and hubby about things other than chores, groceries, and teen Ubering. I have neglected this, and it needs to change. #langchat
If anyone is interested in some awesome online yoga, check out Dana Falsetti's online studio. It's pay what you can for unlimited yoga and she is AMAZING. #langchat
Yes!!! How I love getting to sit down and actually READ with my students. I have a huge stack of new readers in Spanish ready for my free reading! #langchat
I know what you mean. I’m the techie in the dept and for that matter most of the school. Everyone is always asking for help, trainings, or ideas. It’s hard to unplug and step away. #langchat
A5: Considering locking the door and hiding away from it so that I can fully focus during prep periods! Maybe then I'll leave school once in a while ;-) #langchat
Before today's test we did a 3-minute mindfulness activity focused on breathing. Have been tracking scores and average of 27% higher scores! Slows heart, reduces stress
TA: I should have done a lot more thinking before school started.
But.
I will give myself the space to do this now.
My students totally deserve the best Spanish class ever.
#langchat
I start every Monday with a mound of email a mile high because I basically haven't looked at it since Thursday night and it's worth it every time. #langchat
A5: This is key for me with autoimmune disease, and I am awful about doing it. GO TO BED EVEN WHEN THERE IS WORK LEFT TO DO. And give myself a WHOLE DAY OFF on the weekend. #langchat
Ta- everyone seems excited for a new year, and I can’t wait to see all the ideas that come from #langchat I want to try to be a more regular participant this year 😊
TA, I have found a few extra things that I want to implement; such as FVR. My biggest take away is that we work so hard from the very beginning and it is extremely rewarding but time away is needed on a regular basis. #langchat
TA: Always make your Ss learning environment and life your top priority. Always be open to new ideas and new ways of doing things. Ss and Tt relationships are crucial! #langchat
A2 still shaking everyone's hand as they enter class each day. It is obvious they look forward to this as they wait oatiently for it if I have to answer the phone or something...
TA The beginning of the year is soooo important no matter where you teach or how long you've been doing it. It's also probably the most important time to take care of ourselves so we can be amazing and excited for our kiddos. #langchat
TA: Now that I live only 8 minutes away from school I am happy I can do #langchat again! And it's great to collaborate as the school year begins. #langchat
TA: I look forward to another year of PD with this open and energetic community. Enjoyed seeing all the perspectives in tonight's chat, it leads me to be a more reflective practitioner. Merci à tous! #langchat
I wish I didn't have to bring work home. I'm mentoring two teachers this year and changing the curriculum also. I think it is not going to happen #langchat
TA: You all are such an amazing and inspiring group! I know we all will make this a great year and give our students what they need to be successful. Thanks again #langchat
Great reunion #langchat! Hope you end strong tomorrow! Pro tip to really feel good at end of day on Friday: make a couple good calls home for kids B4 leaving the building
