Some years ago when this PLC was still a public blog space, we used to ask for bios from members. It was necessary. We’ve since stopped, mainly because we’ve been so busy, and the blog is secure, but it is so nice to receive a bio from a new member, Kristen. Anyone else is welcome to to do the same. This is really nice. Thank you Kristen!
¡Hola a todos! Hello everyone! My name is Kristen ND Wolf and I am beyond thrilled to have found this group. I hope to be able to meet you all one day in person. So far, I have gained a great deal from reading past discussions.
I teach Spanish at a school in Bozeman, Montana. I am in this group because I have been searching for ways to improve my teaching. I have known about TPRS for about 5 years, yet I struggled with making it work in my classes. Technically this was my first official year trying it, and I feel like I was very lost at times. It’s odd to say that, since I love the deeply creative and engaging side of it. It completely suits me!!
I know it is the best for me and my students yet I have had trouble staying in the TL and while circling and building relationships with students. BUT, I will not give up!
I was beyond thrilled to read about “Invisibles” as Ben was referencing in various posts. I felt as though he was speaking directly to issues I have had in describing what I do to admin and various parents. I feel that this is the way to get our students speaking and engaging, yet I lack the experience and technical terminology needed to convince those around me that I know what I am doing. I have been asked to provide more documentation, assessments and curriculum maps with lessons to my admin to justify my work, and I am feeling overwhelmed and misunderstood. I take what Stephen Krashen has stated to heart, that our students must love what they are doing in order to acquire and I aim to help them to discuss this openly in class. I am opposed to testing and I want my students to be my curriculum but I need practice (and often failure) plus guidance to make it all work!
Thanks for having me here in your lovely group and I look forward to many more thought provoking discussions.