SPANISH CLASS NOTES (Found on the floor of Sara's English classroom)
Michael Harvey
Chapter 4: Winter Theme
*Sung to the song "Head and Shoulders, Knees and Toes" and WITH MOTIONS !!!
"Bufunda, botas, guantes, y gorro... y gorro
Bufunda, botas, guantes, y gorro... y gorro
Ojos, orejas, boca, y nariz.... que frio!
Bufunda, botas, guantes, y gorro... y gorro"
Translation
"Scarf, boots, gloves, and hat... and hat
Scarf, boots, gloves, and hat... and hat
Eyes, ears, mouth, and nose.... how cold!
Scarf, boots, gloves, and hat... and hat"
(Senora Fernandez says that singing helps the learning process, especially with body movement.)
HOMEWORK:
Study vocabulary, page 34
Sing song for extra practice
Quiz on clothing and body parts on Friday!
Saturday, February 23, 2013
Dear Saul,
You wouldn't believe what John Smith did in his English class today! He's teaching Orwell's 1984, but is having his students perform podcasts (personal on demand broadcasts) to develop their understanding of the text. Often, these are in "serialized episodes," but in this case, the students are creating their own audio performances of creative writing projects. They are presenting how Winston and Julia could have ended up in an alternative ending, what Julia was experiencing at the end of the novel, or the conversations of the higher authorities of Big Brother during various parts of the novel. Really, the students can use whatever creative liberty they want to create a new script which they present in audio format.
I know what you're thinking, Saul. You probably think it's a great idea! You don't have to tell me! You'd probably tell me that it creates a great opportunity for a "community of learners" and that it "makes the story real." And John always tells me that it helps the ELLs in their fluency and reading abilities.
BUT, are they really learning the importance of grammar and sentence structure and good writing format? I mean, they are using creativity, but they are not learning to write! How are they ever going to pass the writing passages of the standardized tests if they haven't adequately learned to write well?
Oh, I know what you'd say, Saul. You'd say that I should have them turn in a written and spoken portion for this assignment.
BUT, do I want to waste all that precious time allowing for them to plan for a creative assignment, when I should be pushing for grammatical accuracy? How will they ever learn to write, when they are too busy getting distracted by their own imaginations?
Much love,
Sara
You wouldn't believe what John Smith did in his English class today! He's teaching Orwell's 1984, but is having his students perform podcasts (personal on demand broadcasts) to develop their understanding of the text. Often, these are in "serialized episodes," but in this case, the students are creating their own audio performances of creative writing projects. They are presenting how Winston and Julia could have ended up in an alternative ending, what Julia was experiencing at the end of the novel, or the conversations of the higher authorities of Big Brother during various parts of the novel. Really, the students can use whatever creative liberty they want to create a new script which they present in audio format.
I know what you're thinking, Saul. You probably think it's a great idea! You don't have to tell me! You'd probably tell me that it creates a great opportunity for a "community of learners" and that it "makes the story real." And John always tells me that it helps the ELLs in their fluency and reading abilities.
BUT, are they really learning the importance of grammar and sentence structure and good writing format? I mean, they are using creativity, but they are not learning to write! How are they ever going to pass the writing passages of the standardized tests if they haven't adequately learned to write well?
Oh, I know what you'd say, Saul. You'd say that I should have them turn in a written and spoken portion for this assignment.
BUT, do I want to waste all that precious time allowing for them to plan for a creative assignment, when I should be pushing for grammatical accuracy? How will they ever learn to write, when they are too busy getting distracted by their own imaginations?
Much love,
Sara
Saturday, February 16, 2013
TEACHER'S LOUNGE BULLETIN
Did you know that Spanish is the second most spoken language in the world? Second only to Chinese, and even more popular than English, Spanish is a growing language with a growing population, especially in the United States. As the United States' population is changing and becoming increasingly Hispanic, the nation must adapt; teachers must be empathetic towards the increase of Hispanic families and ELLs in the school system.
If you are interested in attending some basic Spanish lessons, the school will be hosting a Spanish seminar on the weekends of March 4-5, and March 11-12. Please join us to learn some Introductory Spanish made convenient to you. The classes will emphasize basic phrases that will help make ELLs feel more welcome and at home, even in an English-speaking school environment. Chips and salsa will be provided.
Hope to see you there!
Laura Ortiz & Spanish Department
Did you know that Spanish is the second most spoken language in the world? Second only to Chinese, and even more popular than English, Spanish is a growing language with a growing population, especially in the United States. As the United States' population is changing and becoming increasingly Hispanic, the nation must adapt; teachers must be empathetic towards the increase of Hispanic families and ELLs in the school system.
If you are interested in attending some basic Spanish lessons, the school will be hosting a Spanish seminar on the weekends of March 4-5, and March 11-12. Please join us to learn some Introductory Spanish made convenient to you. The classes will emphasize basic phrases that will help make ELLs feel more welcome and at home, even in an English-speaking school environment. Chips and salsa will be provided.
Hope to see you there!
Laura Ortiz & Spanish Department
 | |
Dear Saul,
You claim that students should actually think deeply about what is going on in the book so that they can take away life lessons and applicable concepts, but the literary standards emphasize fluency and speech, literary elements and vocabulary knowledge. (In fact, maybe you should brush up on your knowledge of educational reforms!) I believe that concerning the education field, these elements are far more important than what some people claim as "applicable" concepts. What will life lessons do to help students on a test? And if the students "enjoy" the learning, but cannot pass a state test, what good does it do us?
Concerning your newfangled idea of technological use in a multimodal classroom, I can't help but notice that 53% of teachers do not routinely use technology, and it seems to be working fine. I have certain objectives that I need to meet. The students must master grammar usage and basic reading comprehension, rather than learning new technologies in this Transactional Process, you speak of; I simply don't understand how you see literacy and technology as one unified entity.
Much love,
Sara
You claim that students should actually think deeply about what is going on in the book so that they can take away life lessons and applicable concepts, but the literary standards emphasize fluency and speech, literary elements and vocabulary knowledge. (In fact, maybe you should brush up on your knowledge of educational reforms!) I believe that concerning the education field, these elements are far more important than what some people claim as "applicable" concepts. What will life lessons do to help students on a test? And if the students "enjoy" the learning, but cannot pass a state test, what good does it do us?
Concerning your newfangled idea of technological use in a multimodal classroom, I can't help but notice that 53% of teachers do not routinely use technology, and it seems to be working fine. I have certain objectives that I need to meet. The students must master grammar usage and basic reading comprehension, rather than learning new technologies in this Transactional Process, you speak of; I simply don't understand how you see literacy and technology as one unified entity.
Much love,
Sara
Thursday, February 7, 2013
NOTE FROM PREVIOUS TEACHER
Dear Sara,
As a teacher for 45 years, I have experienced so much in the classroom! I hope that you care for my class as I have for the past decades. This English class can have some difficult material, but if you make it applicable to all students and make them feel that the information is worth the effort to learn, you will have a much easier time teaching, and they will truly absorb the messages from the texts. The goal is that, through your passion and your efforts to apply the information to their lives, they will change to love literature and writing!
My most important advice is this: remember that education is all about the kids. Don't get caught up in the bureaucracy of the school tasks, but instead, always focus on the children and their learning needs. Remember to keep an open mind and be flexible! This is essential in teaching.
Finally, I wanted to leave this note so that you would be encouraged to continue learning yourself. There are many students with disabilities in the classroom, and you should not only become aware of their needs, but you should provide accomodations where necessary. From an old-timer to a beginning teacher, don't forget where your passion for education comes from--it's all for the students' sake!
Much luck,
Mrs. O
Dear Sara,
As a teacher for 45 years, I have experienced so much in the classroom! I hope that you care for my class as I have for the past decades. This English class can have some difficult material, but if you make it applicable to all students and make them feel that the information is worth the effort to learn, you will have a much easier time teaching, and they will truly absorb the messages from the texts. The goal is that, through your passion and your efforts to apply the information to their lives, they will change to love literature and writing!
My most important advice is this: remember that education is all about the kids. Don't get caught up in the bureaucracy of the school tasks, but instead, always focus on the children and their learning needs. Remember to keep an open mind and be flexible! This is essential in teaching.
Finally, I wanted to leave this note so that you would be encouraged to continue learning yourself. There are many students with disabilities in the classroom, and you should not only become aware of their needs, but you should provide accomodations where necessary. From an old-timer to a beginning teacher, don't forget where your passion for education comes from--it's all for the students' sake!
Much luck,
Mrs. O
My dear Saul,
Thank you for your ideas for creative assessment. However, are you sure that they would truly be beneficial for the students? I mean, the traditional classroom environment was good enough for you and me; I'm sure it would be sufficient for them. I think that the single-lined columns and lecture-style classroom creates structure in the students' lives. Then, the assessment only makes sense to be structured multiple choice tests and written papers.
Why push the students to create dramas and films when powerpoint presentations are good enough? I mean, I'm already adapting to their technological knowledge by allowing them to use computer visual aids. We would have never used that technology when we were in school!
I mean, I understand your opinion that "Study Island" and things of that nature would accomodate the iGeneration, but is it really necessary to change all of my plans?
Concerning your ideas on literature logs, graffiti, sketch to stretch, and intertexualization, I understand that you see value in them, but I see wasted time, when I could be bestowing my knowledge upon them. You said, "It's about how others interact with it that matters," and you alluded to blogging, film texts, and even wikis! I just don't see how this applies to the educational process, however.
Much love,
Sara
Thank you for your ideas for creative assessment. However, are you sure that they would truly be beneficial for the students? I mean, the traditional classroom environment was good enough for you and me; I'm sure it would be sufficient for them. I think that the single-lined columns and lecture-style classroom creates structure in the students' lives. Then, the assessment only makes sense to be structured multiple choice tests and written papers.
Why push the students to create dramas and films when powerpoint presentations are good enough? I mean, I'm already adapting to their technological knowledge by allowing them to use computer visual aids. We would have never used that technology when we were in school!
I mean, I understand your opinion that "Study Island" and things of that nature would accomodate the iGeneration, but is it really necessary to change all of my plans?
Concerning your ideas on literature logs, graffiti, sketch to stretch, and intertexualization, I understand that you see value in them, but I see wasted time, when I could be bestowing my knowledge upon them. You said, "It's about how others interact with it that matters," and you alluded to blogging, film texts, and even wikis! I just don't see how this applies to the educational process, however.
Much love,
Sara
Monday, February 4, 2013
A NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR
Dear Reader,
My name is Heather, and I study both Secondary English Education and Spanish. Without a doubt, one of the most important values in life is education, although perhaps not in the way that most people perceive it. Education is not about knowledge.
In fact, education is about learning.
Education is about the process of gaining knowledge, which implies that we lack an incredible amount of knowledge. In order to understand literature and writing, one must move from a position of ignorance to understanding.
Imagine a young woman standing alone, her arms hanging limply at her sides. A woman with empty, open hands. Only open hands can be filled. She moves to a position of comprehension, hands filling gradually. She's learning.
Thus, in education, there is change. There is filling. There is movement involved. Nobody that is educating his or her self will remain stationary in the way they view the world; instead, they will change as their empty hands grasp new concepts and they cling to the hope of continuing in learning.
Through the following blogs, you will follow the letters of Sara, a fictional character, as she begins teaching. Please keep in mind that her views may or may not represent my personal opinions. As she begins to explore teaching strategies and her own understanding of the educational process, she constantly communicates with her elder brother, who tends to give useful advice.
Enjoy, avid reader. I hope you come with open hands.
Sincerely,
Heather Lynn
Dear Reader,
My name is Heather, and I study both Secondary English Education and Spanish. Without a doubt, one of the most important values in life is education, although perhaps not in the way that most people perceive it. Education is not about knowledge.
In fact, education is about learning.
Education is about the process of gaining knowledge, which implies that we lack an incredible amount of knowledge. In order to understand literature and writing, one must move from a position of ignorance to understanding.
Imagine a young woman standing alone, her arms hanging limply at her sides. A woman with empty, open hands. Only open hands can be filled. She moves to a position of comprehension, hands filling gradually. She's learning.
Thus, in education, there is change. There is filling. There is movement involved. Nobody that is educating his or her self will remain stationary in the way they view the world; instead, they will change as their empty hands grasp new concepts and they cling to the hope of continuing in learning.
Through the following blogs, you will follow the letters of Sara, a fictional character, as she begins teaching. Please keep in mind that her views may or may not represent my personal opinions. As she begins to explore teaching strategies and her own understanding of the educational process, she constantly communicates with her elder brother, who tends to give useful advice.
Enjoy, avid reader. I hope you come with open hands.
Sincerely,
Heather Lynn
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