The district person who observed my class yesterday, a Spanish teacher of 30 years, approached me after my class and asked what my focus (content, etc. whatever) for the lesson was. I told her that the three structures in the Matava story “Let’s Start!” were my focus, and, indeed, those three expressions form the basis of every class I teach this week.
For an explanation see:
https://benslavic.com/blog/category/weekly-schedule-new-2011/
This lady couldn’t quite get it, how three expressions in French could be the focus for an entire week of instruction. When I explained it to her, she got it. It was like all sorts of window shades were pulled up from over her eyes, since she does in fact get Krashen.
Maybe I should tell her that Matava Vol 1 IS my curriculum and I do one story a week. I shouldn’t say I don’t use a book anymore, that is misleading. Makes me sound like a hippy. Wait – I AM a hippy.
But that’s basically what I do anyway, one story a week in a very tight week of intense work with the kids every day in listening and reading after those first few weeks of getting to know the kids. Yeah, that’s my textbook and my curriculum. Good, I’ll just say it. And wait for another teacher evaluator to come into my classroom and start asking questions.
