I just can’t believe how finding the Invisibles is changing my work days. This is my first year as a full time teacher at a private school, and it’s been HARD. I’ve done difficult things before but nothing was as beyond my control and depressing as teaching at this school, for many reasons. Out of […]
Whenever I knew I was formally going to be observed, I always made sure that I “primed the pump” on the story or whatever I was doing on the day of the observation to make sure that the kids were comfortable (not brand new to) the subject matter for the class. I wanted them not
Schools are deteriorating: https://www.yahoo.com/news/m/bce2c0f5-5c60-3fc9-9e3f-03f984ed65a4/ss_adults-who-went-undercover-at.html
Carly wrote here a few days ago to Celeste: Your struggles are my struggles. Enjoy and appreciate those two classes where it is working, try things out on them, hone your skills on them and know that next year will be better because of it. Then do whatever it takes in the other 3 classes
It’s not complicated. All we need to do is include them. When we make our students feel like they belong in the group, they respond. Wouldn’t you? So that is why we build community first each year. The students don’t notice it because we are using the target language to do so, but really when
Julie sent us a jellybean: Here’s Donavan. He’s a jelly bean. He is my size, rides around in the sidecar of a motorcycle. He has 123 red ties. He bathes, but not in hot water. He’s a formidable futbolista because he rolls around like crazy to kick the ball.
To teachers who can’t get them to listen (due to dysfunction in the kids, previous bad experiences with other teachers, etc.) Tina gives this advice: Scale CI down to something that looks a lot like school. Pencils, paper, and immediate grades for written work. A plan: (1) Have them all turn in a little slip
Celeste in Chicago just began this work and is barreling along at high speed, but has run into all the predictable road blocks of attempting to change a class culture in mid-year. Anyone in the group who feels so inclined is encouraged to respond to any or all of Celeste’s four concerns below: Hi, Ben
Krashen and others in the 1960’s and 70’s designed the blueprint for the rocket ship (CI). Blaine Ray consciously studied that blueprint and in a move of sheer genius created the first CI rocket ship – TPRS (early 90’s). His was a non-targeted approach, reflecting the research. But over the next twenty years until now
Julio Maestas in Louisville got a note from his principal today. It’s a celebration: Mr. Maestas – Thank you for representing Irvin in fine fashion today. I am so proud of you and the work you do. I thoroughly enjoy watching you create a love for the French language in your students while also instilling
Greg has some questions for the group: I just got this e-mail from this company that is doing a supposedly “comprehensible” version of a Telenovela: https://www.edunovela.com/ As department chair I’m trying to transition the department to CI. Full support of admin. It’s been an uphill battle though. People know what I am doing with the
