Dec 18 2009
Because of all of the activities going on this week, we were not able to do our Christmas carols! I am really disappointed but there is always next year.
I have set up Google Apps for Spanish II next semester and added all of my students. We will be using the sites for ePortfolios and other various assignments. I will begin next semester working primarily on navigating the site and uploading various templates. I hope everything works well!
Dec 08 2009
Today, I am attending a technology workshop. The tools that I am learning to use will be very beneficial for my students when they begin working on their eportfolios. The students really enjoyed adding background music to their podcasts and transitions to their videos. In December, we will learn some traditional Christmas carols and will make several music videos!
Nov 30 2009
My students completed portfolios during the Fall semester last year. While I was excited about the process and purpose of the portfolio, I did not feel that the portfolios really reflected what my students learned. Instead of allowing them to choose best works for display, I dictated what needed to be included and in what order. Because of my requirements, the students dreaded the portfolio and they did not put in the 100% necessary to make the project successful. After much more research and reflection, I decide to give portfolios another try during Spring 2010. However, the portfolios will be digital. I am in the process of putting together a template for the students to follow if they have problems getting started and also gathering requirements. I have yet to decide how the portfolios will be used in assessment and how they will be assessed.
We will use Google Sites and Google Docs to present the information. Because of space, we upload video presentations to School Tube. I will create all student accounts and keep track of passwords to ensure the privacy of the sites online. If my school system will allow implementation of Google Apps, them I will go this route. I shall continue to document my progress as I embark on this exciting and rewarding journey with my students.
Nov 17 2009
So, Spanish II will begin Unit III this week. The unit includes preterite, imperfect, preterite vs. imperfect, and present progressive. Most of the final grading period will be dedicated to the preterite and imperfect. I have yet to decide what they are going to do for review. In the past, we have done “Teacher for the Day” but I think I may do something a tad bit different this year. Spanish I will be making a review book but they can use it for Spanish II! I know I will think of (or find) something!
Nov 11 2009
We are coming up on the last 6 weeks of the first semester. As you can see, not enough time has been dedicated to keeping this site updated. My students are progressing fairly well but I have not accomplished all that I have hoped. I am going to redo my assessments and activities to focus more on desired outcomes. I will redo my lessons using Understanding by Design template by Wiggins and McTighe. I am also creating more performance based evaluations and will eventually get rid of the typical chapter tests. I will also quiz more during the next semester to make sure the students will be prepared. The quizzes will be tiered in that the first quiz on the topic will be recognition, the 2nd will be completion, and the 3rd will be production. The final assessment will be a writing and.or speaking prompt. Since I will be changing EVERYTHING, this will take a lot of time and planning. Hopefully, I can get most of it down before Spring semester.
Aug 10 2009
I went to school today to get started on my classroom. Most of the day was spent just cleaning out old files and rearranging the desks. I worked for about 3 hours and got a little bit done. Since they were still working on the floors, I wasn’t able to get all of my stuff up to my room. I will probably go back on Wednesday and finish! I have no choice but to finish. I have a cake I am working on for a wedding this week and we go back to work on Monday. I want to have the bulk of my work down by the first day; so, I will spend Monday making copies and saying hello to my co-workers (the main reason to get things done this week).
Aug 03 2009
So, each year I search faithfully for the various sales at the different office supply stores. This year, there was no change in the routine. My husband can never understand why I spend so much money on school supplies when we don’t yet have children of your own. My answer is simple: I can’t pass on a good sale. Besides, you never know when you may need something and it will be too expensive later in the year if you wait. I know he doesn’t understand. He couldn’t understand. He’s not a teacher.
So, today was another of shopping for items on sale that I just don’t need. Today was another day of him shaking his head in disbelief when I passed the cashier my bank card. I just smiled at the love of my life and said, “You better be glad that I am not an elementary school teacher.”
Jul 29 2009
For teachers, summer is the perfect time to catch up on the new education buzzwords or find new ideas /techniques for the classroom. I would guess you can’t really call yourself a professional (or a teacher) if you don’t spend at least one day during the summer looking for ways to improve yourself. My summer reading topic has been organization. I have spent the last five years in the classroom without an inked-in-stone organization system. Because of my lack of organization, I find myself buried in tons of paper and not enough time, energy, nor desire to grade it all.
While reading up on organization and looking for ways to at least keep my desk cleared at mspowell.com , I found the Desk Apprentice from Staples.
I hope this will get me on the right track. I will post pictures from the classroom as soon as I get it set up. Is anyone using this product?
