Hello all!
We just starting a new unit: seasons, weather, and clothing
(las estaciones, el tiempo y la ropa). Students have been taking
pre-assessments to evaluate how much, if anything, they know about these
topics. Assessments are only used as a way to guide instructions and to check
newly acquired knowledge vs. how much they already know. We have discussed in
class the importance of doing your best and I’ve tried to make it as clear as
possible that these assessments are not part of their grades. I have explained
that there are no tests in the Spanish class, and that their grades depend on
other factors, mostly effort. The last thing I want to do is to stress them
out! They know, however, that I do expect them to do their best, at all times!
After the pre-assessments, we have watched and discussed
some related music videos and started working on several activities. Below, you
will find links for two glossaries, one for the seasons and the other for
weather. I know many of my students like to review them at home. I have also
included links for some of the videos we have or are watching. Unfortunately, I
cannot post them all.
On the tech front, the upper grades (2nd – 5th)
started using clickers for class activities, assessments (we are using them for
this unit), and exit tickets. I had promised the kids that we would use them, and
then “made” them wait for about a month as we were setting up and taking care
of a few issues. I also had to program the clickers and enter information for
all my (almost 240) students and start developing the actual activities. So
far, it’s been working out, and I think they prefer it to the old fashioned
method (paper and pencil)! We also got our own computer cart and iPod touch(es),
just for the three Spanish classes. I will definitely make very good use of
them for instruction in the classroom! I’m also working on fun, instructional
activities with these devices for the lower grades (K-1st).
I will keep posting more information and activities on what
we’re learning and will soon include links for clothing, so keep visiting!
Until the next time,
Sra. Rivera
