Nice to Get Back To Business

Wow, finally a normal day - no weather delays, no weather cancellations and no bombas as el joven would say.  It was back to business and a full day of teaching.  As el joven and I debrief at the end of the day, we both felt that progress had been made.  My Spanish V students had a great discussion about Latinoamérica (although they are a bit quiet) and my Spanish III students seemed to be more comfortable with the common verbs of Spanish I and II.  My Spanish II students were also on task and showed more skills with their review materials.  I hope I can move on to new materials on Monday.  El joven also commented that he felt like he was "in the groove" today by the end of the day.  These days off and delays etc., really impact the flow of learning.

I think the highlight of our day was our SAP (Student Advisory Program) activity.  When el joven and I review the ethics activity which we were schedule to do with our groups, we both felt a bit uncomfortable with the scenarios.  We decided to combine the two SAP groups (his and mine - which is actually one homeroom) and do a values activity.  Since el joven is a R.A. (not sure what that stands for but I know it is a big wig in the housing at his university), he has had quite a bit of training in these types of activities.  Together we came up with some statements and the students had to stand where they felt regarding those statements.   Were they comfortable, neutral or uncomfortable.  The activity went very well and the students were very engaged.  They shared their ideas and explained why they took a certain stand.  Hey joven . . . we need to share this with the S.A.P committee!

Another exciting discussion we had today dealt with working to bring back some of the activities we used to have during foreign language week.  We have brainstormed some ideas but will need to discuss the logistics of this with Principal Metzger.  I hope el joven gets some good rest this weekend as we may actually have a full week next week.  El joven may have to take some siestas during lunch - because I don't know if he can keep up with la vieja!

Los verbos irregulares

January 30th, 2015

Today was just absolutely crazy.  My lessons were planned (because they were supposed to be done yesterday!), but it did not, by any means, go as I planned.  I was baffled that my first-block students had never seen any of the irregular verbs--which were supposed to be a review.  As a result, I had to adjust my lessons to make sure they understood.

Unfortunately, I felt bad after my first block. By the time I did this lesson with my second and last class of the day, it was so much better because I was prepared for them to not know the verbs.  My first block is kind of like my guinea pigs--which is normal, but I HAVE to make up for it today.  My first block needs a better, color-coded lesson like I gave my other two classes.

My last block, to my surprise, already knew most of the verbs! It's amazing to see the discrepancies. I started this thing where I have the students close their eyes and I ask them questions about comfortability, or even about grammar.  This way, the students are honest if they don't know something.

I am starting to really connect with my students.  Today, a lot of them made me laugh or smile, and it is so incredibly rewarding when they reiterate something I taught them. I am in love with teaching.

La vieja and I had a lot of wonderful conversations today.  She showed me how to write personal notes on the gradebook to help me keep track of concerns, and we combined our SAP classes today! She and I created this activity about ethics where we had students move to one side of the room if they were perfectly fine with the scenario given; walk to another part of the room if they were neutral; and walk to the opposite side of the room if they were completely uncomfortable with the scenario.  This caused for AMAZING conversation, and I was so proud of the students for speaking their minds, being willing to change opinions, and for being truthful. I am so lucky.

Cambio y corto,

El joven

La Bomba

January 29th, 2015

Today was a very interesting day. I, honestly, do not even know where to begin! I was extra prepared for my lessons today and actually finished prepping a half hour early. What?! Is that even real?! Although this job will never be easy, it is getting easier!

I was starting to worry about my assignments and getting off track, so I brought them to la vieja to see what she thought. I really liked the opening activity that I created, but I still have concerns about my homework assessment. I decided to add pictures to it, but I still don't feel that I have enough. I want the assignment to give students room to play with the language and also have some structure. I do not think my classes will get to the assignment, so, hopefully, I will have the weekend to ponder it. 

After our lovely discussion, of course, the alarm goes off and we have to evacuate the building. It turns out there was a bomb threat. I never thought I would hate a day off from school, but I was so prepared! Ugh! 

Throughout the process, I noticed a lot of professionalism and even some unprofessionalism, unfortunately. But how does one really prepare for something like this? I think we were all thrown out of wack, but I know how I want to respond. As teachers, we have to be helpful and not complaining in front of the students. We need to remain calm--even if we aren't--for their sakes. 

The cafeteria food was...not food. I do not miss it. At all. And I had to pay $3.50! Remember when lunch was 50 cents?! My poor PB&J in my room was sad and alone. 

At the end of the day, we returned to the high school and La vieja showed me how to use snip it. She totally thinks she's cool for knowing it, but she's giving herself too much credit. Maybe someday I'll show her how to do it on a Mac--even though they are "way overpriced" as she puts it. Haha just kidding. She deserved a point as she stated. She also helped me learn how to see all my student IEPs on the gradebook. What a day!

Cambio y corto,

El joven

Assessment, Bomb Threat, and Snipping!

What an incredibly eventful day el joven and I had today.  We began with a great conversation about assessment and what is acceptable evidence of student accomplishment of goals.  El joven had developed an open ended assignment in which students were asked to sequence events using Primero, Entonces, Después, Luego y Por Fin.  I loved the idea and the overall concept of the assignment, but I felt I needed to ask el joven if he thought this was sufficient evidence of student mastery of the goal  - the students will be able to narrate activities/events using sequencing words.  When I asked the question, I could immediately see el joven deeply reflecting on this query.  He felt that it provided some evidence, but also thought about how students might simply use Google Translate or ask a more advanced student to complete the task. He then determined that this would be a great formative assessment to provide him with some information, but a similar task would need to be incorporated into a more formal/summative assessment task later.  I have determined that el joven is a very honest and reflective practitioner and I appreciate that he is willing to throw questions back at me to challenge some of my beliefs and practices.
Well, shortly after our "deep" convesation, we heard the evacuate the building alarm.  We quickly exited to the school parking lot to learn that we had a bomb threat and were to be transported by our school buses to the middle school.  This was great news as it was rather cold outside.  El joven and I were on prep so we had no classes to oversee, so we immediately were put work by Principal Metzger to assist with various tasks.  This could not have played out any better as el joven got to see what the procedures are in these cases and he had the opportunity to observe what the veteran teachers were doing.  I volunteered for bathroom duty and had a great time with Mr. Sitnik organizing student use of the lavatories.  It was not a bad job until one girl exited the girls room and mentioned that one of the toilets was about to overflow!  YUK.   I am not good in emergencies but Mr. Sitnik who is familiar with that school because he taught there immediately took charge and found a custodian to remedy the problem. Thank goodness for my pal Mr. Sitnik!   I am sure el joven has a good idea of what to do in case of another incident like this, as he had this entire incident to observe.  Who knows, joven, the next time you might be teaching a class!  I hope you will be ready to spring into action!

The day ended with students being dismissed and a faculty bus trip up to the high school to debrief and plan next steps.  As we were sitting around after the debriefing session, el joven stated that he needed a picture but couldn't get just that portion of a chart to print.  I said to him  "Just pull it up on your screen and get the snipping tool to get the image."   Well what do you know?  La vieja knew what the snipping tool was and el joven didn't!  I think la vieja should get a point for that!  What do you think?

Things You No Longer Worry About After 42 Years!

Today el joven was trying to figure out how to enter grades for homework, what weight they should be, and how often to enter them in our online grading program.  To me it just seemed so natural and so much a part of what I do everyday.  To el joven it was new and confusing.  This made me think about those first few years of teaching and how I spent a lot of time considering the role of homework, how much of an impact it should have on a grade, what I should expect from the students, and even what my policies were in regard to missing homework.  He also seemed to be stumbling with grades for participation.  I think as teachers we can sometimes over think stuff and I could see that this was what he was doing.  Don't worry, joven, as the days pass you will get a better feel and sense of how you view homework and what role it will play!
La Vieja

El segundo día

January 28th, 2014

Today was my second day teaching the three Spanish II classes at MHS, and I definitely was a lot less stressed today.  Although there were some issues with printing and connecting to the internet, it all got figured out in the end.

Due to the fact that we had a half day, I was not able to get through all of my lesson today (which I expected but hoped would not happen).  With the help of La vieja, I decided to review conjugations of regular verbs today.  We learned the verbs in multiple forms: flash cards, PowerPoint, and Bingo.  The first class was the only one that got to Bingo, but it was cut short. I am still struggling with prize ideas, so if you have any, shoot them my way!

My second and third class did not get to Bingo, but we spent more time reviewing the verbs in depth. It's amazing to see how much easier the third class is compared to the first one.  I learned easier ways of collecting to make better use of time with the last two classes, and also had students come up and collect papers for their groups to avoid that awkward time of handing out papers.

I had students in each class close their eyes at the beginning and at the end of class.  I asked them, raise your hand if you feel like you are solid with conjugations, if you are in the middle, and then if you are struggling.  By the end of the class period, no students were in the struggling section, and very few said they were in the middle. I really like that formative assessment because the students will be honest if they do not feel embarrassed admitting they are lost in front of their friends.

I am really starting to love it at MHS (even though the slow computers drive me nuts bonkers), and I anticipate my love for my students to continue to grow.

Cambio y corto,

EL joven

El Joven Survives Día UNO!January 26, 2015

Well, today was el joven's first day with his own classes - 3 of them.  I was truly impressed.  He was ready with engaging lessons and immediately welcomed the students to his classes.  I admit that I have been inundating el joven with reading and ideas.  Sometimes I have to hold myself back as I realize that my 42 years in the classroom can truly overwhelm someone who is just starting out. El joven did admit to me today that he had no idea what I was talking about when I was discussing these first lessons with him.  Once I showed him what I was doing, he got it - but I guess just describing it was confusing.  Oh, and I want you know that I don't expect this to be a one way street with me providing all the ideas.  I also expect to get some great new ideas and activities from el joven.  So beware, joven, the pressure is on.  I have no doubt that he will make some great contributions to my repertoire.   In fact, our conversations have already made me think of new twists to some of my favorites.
I am very lucky that el joven is very highly motivated.  I have already made him read The Keys to the Classroom by Paula Patrick (an ACTFL publication) and I have made him plan a lesson using the ACTFL lesson planning app.  Next up I think he needs to read The Keys to Planning for Learning:  Effective Curriculum Unit and Lesson Design by Donna Clementi and Laura Terrill (another ACTFL publication).  I hope el joven can get by on minimal sleep.  This is going to be a great adventure. 
La Vieja

First Day

January 26th, 2015

Today was my first day with my own classes, and boy am I tired.  After standing all day, my knees are screaming, "what did you get yourself into?!" However, the experience was a positive one.  Many of the teachers in the teachers' lounge asked me, "are you nervous?" Of course, I was, but not nearly as nervous as I had expected.  I felt prepared, and that was mostly all that I needed.

However, I did run into a few obstacles.  My biggest complaint was that I did not have enough copies for my last block class, and that interfered with my teaching a little bit.  Also, if that is my biggest concern from the day, I suppose that I am in pretty good shape.  La vieja came and checked on me with each class, which was a very nice comfort.

I had all three of my Spanish II classes, and it was astounding to see the difference in performance levels.  The first class was incredibly prepared and is ready to move on.  The second class--to be honest--is not ready for Spanish II, so we need to review.  The last class of the day was moderate in skill level, but I struggled a little bit with classroom management.  The students were pretty chatty, but they calmed down when I asked.  I hate being the "strict" teacher, but I know that being strict is vital to my success as a teacher--especially for the first few weeks.

The students loved the activity that called for them to interview each other and share, so I plan to prepare more lessons like that.  I was impressed that I did not hear any side conversations during this activity; everyone was engaged, which makes me smile just writing that. I took their interviews home just to see how they were because only a few students were asked to share, and I was very impressed that some students used advanced grammatical techniques, or fixed mistakes throughout the lesson. I have recognized some patterns of error, which gives me a better idea of how to proceed.

Cambio y corto,

Timothy Chávez

Diigo

January 23rd, 2015

Today, the Spanish IV students took their final exam, so I got some time to prepare for the beginning of my teaching on Monday.  La vieja brought in another book for me to read--dedicated solely to the first few weeks of school.  The book--from what I've read up to this point--talked a lot about a teacher's stance and clothing.  It's truly sad to think how much we, as humans, judge others based on their clothing.  The book truly put that into perspective, comparing a teacher's dress to that of a customer in a store.

La vieja also showed me this great site called "Diigo," which she uses to share powerful teaching resources with colleagues.  She was nice enough to share her resources (and those of her friends) with me, which will be very valuable as I continue with my teaching career.

Since it was a half day, I was also able to take advantage of the fact that I had extra time to clean up/set up my classroom.  That was such an amazing feeling, but I am not going to lie: I am certainly scared for Monday! Nothing can ever truly prepare me for the first day of classes--I simply need to have the experience. I will just keep reminding myself to have confidence in my abilities. 

Cambio y corto,

El joven