#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.
Let’s start with introductions! Let us know who you are, where you’re from and what you teach (and how you're keeping warm, if you're in the bomb cyclone)! #langchat
Hi #langchat! A few minutes late since I had to go downstairs for my computer cord and remembered eight other things! Meredith here in ATL, Spanish 1 and 2 teacher! SOOO exited for second semester!
Hi #langchat! So excited that we're chatting tonight! It's 36 degrees out here in the sticks, be very jealous. Viviana from Louisiana. I teach #Spanish for the #Middles
#langchat hello! Elizabeth from Central IA. I teach Spanish. I'll be popping in and out as I'm at home with my newborn after my second day back from maternity leave!
#langchat Still blizzarding here in So. Coastal Me. My own kids' school has canceled for tomorrow, still don't know about where I teach (15 miles south). MS French
As a reminder (or if you're new to #langchat), we operate in a Q1/A1 format, so please include A# in your answer and our #langchat hashtag! Q1 coming up!
#langchat A1 2018 means the beginning of a new school year here in Oz. My goal is to build a greater rapport with my students, get to know all 600+ of them a little better and go from there.
A1: Sharing my excitementand enthusiasm with the Ss. I also spend tome really getting to know my Ss . Today they made @Flipgrid videos sharing who they are and why they want to learn French. #langchat
A1 As much authentic as possible! Docs, audiovisual, communicative context. And probably more French rap and hip hop because they seem to be amazed by it. #langchat
A1 Fr. 2 is falling in love w/Martinique while we suffer through a cold, dreary winter. Fr. 3 chose their own resolution. Fr. 4/5 is reading Le Petit Prince! All in all, it hasn't been a bad 1st week! #langchat
#langchat A1 Feedback!! My motto is going to be DO IT TODAY. If I assign something, I'm writing ON IT today, giving feedback TODAY, no more excuses. I stalled on that last semester and paid for it in lack of work ethic and enthusiasm (from the kids).
A1 My Ss were thrilled to read handwritten letters in French from their ePals in the Alps yesterday, so that definitely built excitement. Now, to keep it GOING... #langchat#easiersaidthan
#langchat A1 They are soooo much more apt to work and use the language and get excited when our feedback is timely and it's transparent that we are on top of it and have our caca together. I lost sight of that last semester - le sigh.
A1: I am trying to remind students how much they KNOW to build confidence & a feeling of accomplishment (& hopefully get them to sign up for next year 😉) #langchat
A1 DUDES. The Mascota Especial worked like a CHARM. They were totally into sharing their pets and forgot they were trying to act like they forgot their Spanish! #langchathttps://t.co/TpUsdeVXVr
A1 Making language a real thing to use with real peers - we are in year four of a sister school partnership and taking our biggest group yet to France in April! #babysteps#langchat
#langchat A1 I get students excited by reminding them language learning is FUN by making it fun yet purposeful. Since I am continual learning and excited, they reap the benefits too.
This is my weak spot. I am very (too?) wary of boring strong students, which can stress the less confident ones. Any tips to keep things rolling along at a clip, yet without threat? #langchat
A1: I hope they feed off of my excitement-- I sing and dance (and I CAN'T sing or dance😂). I always ask for their input it decides our course of study. Sometimes we don't know where we'll end up, but that's ok! #langchat
I did that with brain dumps (a la @RetrieveLearn) when we returned- even I am impressed with what they remembered! (Hopefully my principal @BullisUS was too when he popped in!) #langchat
In reply to
@SraWienhold, @RetrieveLearn, @BullisUS
Seeing the tropics in snowy winter is a GREAT hook and stress-reliever! Akin to the cute pets that @SraSpanglish mentions in her most recent blog post. Unit theme as therapy! #langchat
A1: Tomorrow is our last review day before final exams, but we've been writing stories to send to an orphanage in Haiti for our writing review this week. #langchat
A1 I have all of the same students and a few new ones so I changed a few things from first semester and kids responded well! New warm up, new ways to keep them accountable! #langchat
I have found that providing extension vocabulary for each unit has challenged the strong students. Also they learn even MORE from #authres#langchat (One remembered utensilios!)
That's how I feel too. My French 3s asked me what new things I had learned since last year today. They wanted to make sure they would get to benefit from my new tech integrations. #langchat
A1 #langchat Also my students will do their 2nd free write and free talk in just a few weeks then compare their first and second. They are ALWAYS AMAZED at their progress and INSPIRED to keep going.
A2: Daily themes - kids are *actually* looking forward to Arte Martes?! I'd like to see how I can better integrate these into our regular lessons. #langchat
Oo, yes! Can't forget the music! I had them pick from my playlists ( https://t.co/Hazp79hq0k ) which song they wanted to present this semester! #langchat
Q2 For me its the PACE-method style grammar, putting the work on the Ss and introducing grammar via authres, since we do SO MUCH OF IT so quickly at college level! #langchat
A2 My students graph their proficiency/performance level after each IPA. I love the convos that take place as they discuss their progress toward proficiency! #langchat
Hi #langchat checking in from Pittsburgh, multi--chatting :) A2 #PBL was really great this year, Ss connected w/other classrooms, shared so much w/one another, so authentic
A2 modeling or including interpersonal activities in dept meetings so folks have examples to use and know where to find them online/hard copy #langchat
my students have been very open about trying new things when I learn about them via #langchat and give me good feedback. they seem to appreciate the flexibility & willingness to try new tools
A1 At the beginning of the semester, I try to get students pumped about what they will be able to do with the language by the end of the semester. We focus on that a lot during the first day. Helps all learners be optimistic from the start. #langchat
A2: Understanding that students have a lot going on in their lives and it's important to me. If that means they have to retake a quiz or take it another day I can be flexible. It also helps build community! #langchat
Man, these kids had been talking about how much they dreaded going back to Spanish (I messed up last year), but put a kitty on the board and talk about her Seafood Sensations and asthma? #GOLD#langchat
A2: My digital storytelling projects using @AdobeSpark for all levels were very successful and got great feedback from my Ss. I want to expand on these projects this semester and develop more topics. #langchat
A2 1. Continue to incorporate Flipgrid for more speaking practice/portfolio building. 2. expand the differentiated activities I have started doing #langchat
A1. The Olympics! I can’t wait to point out the French speaking athletes and discuss how muh French they will hear during the games! #oplearns#langchat
A2 Keep teaching less...less vocabulary, less grammar, fewer #authres...all with the goal of going deeper and having richer conversations about the unit theme. #langchat
Unit tool boxes with vocabulary, phrases and questions to use throughout the unit! Saw some kids pull out their toolboxes from French 1 in class today to use for Fr 2 review 🙌🏼 they kept their notes! #langchat
A2: I learned to accept that I have to treat each class like an individual being. What works well with one group completely flops w/the other. I'm going to keep the classses personality in mind & provide more choice while creating less work for myself #langchat
#langchat Jaw drop. HOW? PLEASE SHARE. My students use a guide and write reflections, but graphing is SO VISUAL and probably more impressive and impactful.
I really want to incorporate Flipgrid into my classes too! Also just started working with VoiceThread since we can integrate it into our LMS and holy cow is it cool! #langchat
In reply to
@htrude07, @Rdene915, @SraSpanglish, @Flipgrid
So true. Each class has its own unique personality. With the shifting of some schedules as happens at semester in HS, new personalities will emerge. #langchat
A3 I want to find an effective way to teach the massive amounts of material I'm expected to cover in a semester w/o sacrificing quality or CI. Still trying to figure that out! #langchat
A2: Also having conversation circles with students from other levels. We had Spanish 5 and Spanish 2 students speaking and they learned new phrases, reinforced past learning and met new friends! #langchat
#langchat A3 I need to find some sort of tutorial for Flipgrid; hear good things but have no idea how to begin using it or what is best to use it for. But am interested! We use Google Classroom which sounds very similar, though.
A3 Trying, at least once a week, to see how LITTLE school work I can get away with doing that evening. I need to show up in the family kitchen some nights! #langchat
A video response tool, you can create a prompt, record responses, use for speaking, sharing ideas, reflections, author talks, parent communication, anything, endless list! #langchat
A2 AP rubric theme discussions with student generated examples. I have been having students make corrections their own work and that of classmate, organized by rubric dimension. #langchat
They all told me how much they appreciated the syllabus calendar in checklist form - no surprises, all instructions posted on day 1, so some even worked ahead when they could. 😊 #langchat
A3: I’m going to teach a novel! Im kind of excited and nervous! I’ve been reading @MartinaBex and @SraWienhold blog post about Esperanza and I think I’m ready! #langchat
A3 I don’t know if this counts, but I’m ditching an online classroom halfway through bc I feel it wasn’t useful and kept me from being organized. Gonna give Schoology a try #langchat
A3: I want to allow my Ss to have more choice in activities and the ways they share their learning with me. #studentvoice and choice is so important and I resolve to do a better job in empowering my Ss to take control of their learning. #langchat
A2: I learned to accept that I have to treat each class like an individual being. What works well with one group completely flops w/the other. I'm going to keep the classses personality in mind & provide more choice while creating less work for myself #langchat
I think they will love it! I work with college students through Camp adventure that do weekly skits and perform songs. Big kids like to have fun too #langchat
#langchat A3 Grading LESS and giving MORE FEEDBACK. Letting go of accuracy and allowing them to just use the language freely. Building up my OWN proficiency and confidence to be a better teacher.
#langchat Feel free to use the code KTOMINAGA for a 45-day trial of Flipgrid Classroom if you like - to help you get started. Lots of info on the Flipgrid site with tips et#c.
A3 I've implemented more IPAs and standards-based, descriptive rubrics (without point values), but in 2018 I want to try to go full "no grades" #langchat
A3: Hoping to teach a few new classes this year! Maybe an Intro to Ed class for college Freshmen and maybe some Spanish adjuncting. Trying to be open to what comes up. 😊 #langchat
A3 As much as I wish to improve my practice, though, I also resolve to NOT put more demands on myself than is realistic/reasonable. "Good enough" is good enough sometimes. #langchat
Megan Michelle Sulewski (like how I made up a middle name for you?) You are an awesome tough chick who takes risks and does cool things with them. What is this delicate flower business?? #langchat
In reply to
@MlleSulewski, @SraDentlinger, @AggieAshley
A3 I've implemented more IPAs and standards-based, descriptive rubrics (without point values), but in 2018 I want to try to go full "no grades" #langchat
A3 #langchat@MmeV411 and I have revamped our warmups, and I am going to evolve our blogging into Google Doc'ing, as well as continue to integrate more stations (which'll include more @Flipgrid) which I am SO EXCITED ABOUT.
#langchat A3 I will admit that I have been the fearless explorer for several years, trying many new things out for tech, teaching, feedback, etc. Might be time to reflect & build on what I learned.
A4: I'd like to chunk my French 2 curriculum. I'm never happy with it, but I think I'll go slowly and revamp some units and replace others. It's getting there...#langchat
Girl, and those kids who have been running hard and fast from Spanish every time I got babysitting duty the past year, they were getting AHEAD with the Puedos! #langchat#thanksagain@AATSPSC
In reply to
@Marishawkins, @PRHSspanish, @MmeV411, @Flipgrid, @AATSPSC
A4: Not an activity. My irrational sense of urgency to "cover" material even if it is #CI & HF vocab & novels. #langchat#IKnowBetter learning to acknowledge the exsitence of the #InternalSyllabus
A4: taking some things personally; reminding myself that I am doing my best. Sometimes others do not recognize our efforts. We need to recognize them within ourselves. #langchat
A4 Would LIKE to get rid of having to teach ALLLL THE GRAMMAR but for now I'll have to settle for spending the most time on what's important. #langchat
It's an integrated performance assessment. Includes performance-based tasks for interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational communication, with opportunities for students to receive feedback throughout the process. #langchat
#langchat A4 Letting go of the idea that each day, each lesson has to be a show stopper and teach like a pirate experience. It is ok do something low key and not so perfect every once in a while.
A4: As a young(ish) doc student who looks waaaaaayyyyyyyyy younger than I am (what a problem to have, amIright!?), I need to stop downplaying my own knowledge and teaching experience in the face of Serious Research Big Wigs. #langchat
A4 I need to let go of the idea that I will ever be ahead of the game. Health and family must ALWAYS be #1, so sometimes I won't be able to have a rockstar lesson. More like a "unsigned but promising artist" lesson... #langchat
A4: I would love to get rid of the desks in my room and create flexible seating for my students. I’d love for the Ss to be able have to option to learn how they are most comfortablewhether it’s in a beanbag chair or on a couch. #langchat
A4 I'd like to let go of my distracted-ness when faced with my laptop. Now that all of my planning and grading have moved to the screen, I feel like I spend all of my time parked...like I am right now! #langchat
A4 Well, besides grades, which I talked about for Q3, I would like to get rid of unrealistic expectations (for myself and for my students) in 2018. I've gotten better at this, but sometimes I try to do too much instead of just focusing on the things that are essential. #langchat
#langchat A1
I don’t have the energy for feedback. Also, research says anything directed to conscious system does not connect to implicit system.
So I havn’t given my kids any feedback in last 6 years. They acquire tons w/ just input (results on blog).
A4 #langchat Letting go of staying at school until 5 or later to make sure everything is "perfect" for the next day. Tried leaving on time each day this week for gym. Ouf, c'est difficile!
#langchat A4 AND to get my mind to STOP every once and awhile. Breathe. My students will survive if I don't create a unit/lesson around the hottest thing.
All too familiar. I've learned to be better at cutting myself slack by trying to react to my shortcomings like I would to a kid. I wouldn't let NOBODY talk to my babies the way I talk to me sometimes! #langchat
A5- Ooh! I did say yoga and if you haven't seen @yogawithadriene check it out! Also I am going to set timers to declutter at school like I try to do at home #langchat
A5: Honestly, I am going to have to take off one or two days just for well checks with all my doctors. I never take days off! And I plan to try to leave work at school as much as possible! #langchat
A5 And if anyone's looking for a crazy fun workout, I highly recommend @TheFitMarshall. Bonus: I can dance as crazy as I want in my living room, with my blinds closed. #langchat
A5: I am planning to try to do more work at school and less at home. I also am trying not to stay as late as I do. My boyfriend is helping me to learn to create me time and unplug when I am home. #langchat
A5 Thanks to @MmeCarbonneau’s blog post and Angela Watson’s podcast.... I’m going to ignore the impostor syndrome and feel confident when faced with internal questions #langchat
#A5 grad school finishes by the end of the year, so self-care is everything. Perhaps once a month, taking a weekend to simply relax and do my manicure once a week! #langchat
Wow! Just watching the video of Boston weather right now! Are you safe and warm? I'm slightly jealous from the West Coast, but I do hope everyone is safe. #langchat
A5 Have been doing acupuncture every couple of weeks since Sept, and have promised myself a massage at the end of each marking term. Check for term 1! Still need 2 do more exercise and not stay late.
#langchat
I tweeted last week that we teachers hate taking days off for doctor's appointments because we'd rather die than have to come up with sub plans. 😂😂😢 #langchat
#langchat A5 Well, I can't stop learning & trying to be a better teacher, & provide a better learning experience for my students, that is just me, BUT I can do fewer things, better or lower my standards enough so only I notice. Loved my year in @Angela_Watson 's 40HTW club.
A5 By learning to say "no" to time-consuming professional endeavors and opportunities that are interesting and exciting but that will also negatively affect my work-life balance. This is a hard one for me! #langchat
A5 After 1.5 years recovering from the shingles, finally going to rejoin the gym and practice yoga again. PSA: get the shingles shot when you are old enough. Pure, unmitigated hell. #langchat
A5 #langchat Getting my workouts in more regularly, continuing to get more sleep, and not imbibing during the week (are we allowed to say that?). Feeling like my old, more active self again - last semester put me in a funk and I'm feeling so much better!!
#langchat A5 Have been doing Tai chi this fall....need to find more time for mindfulness (life-changing, try it!) and exercise, too. Mens sana in corpore sano!
A5 Force myself, very much against my will, to relax during the week. I take a full 24 hour rest on Saturday, but the other 6 days are pretty packed. #langchat
A5: I LOVE going to the gym and doing yoga. I also will be doing some spinning this year. I try to keep active and exercise as much as I can. It is important to help me and the energy I give to my students. #langchat
A5 I have also stopped responding to emails at night and on wkends unless a it is a clear emergency. And I won't send any out to my dept. after 6pm, none on wkends. Boundaries people! #langchat
TA: I must continue to connect with all these fantastic, compassionate and inspired tchrs in WL Twitterverse. It forces me to reflect and constantly improve my practices! Mille fois merci! #langchat
AND next week is the return of #langbook! Come prepared to discuss chapter 1 of the Keys to Planning for Learning with @mmeshep and @mmeblouwolff at 8 PM EST! #langchat
TA #langchat Tonight I practiced what I preached. Left early, hit the gym & left work at school. Your ideas on personal activities and goals started some great ideas. Bonne année y ¡Feliz año, chers collègues!
Per usual, my TA tonight is that I am not alone in feeling the great responsibility of being an educator but there is support out there for when the going gets tough. Plus, Monday is always a good day to start over #langchat
