And the last “variety pack” question is from jen directly:
I have 3-4 kids who will continue to Spanish 3; another CI based teacher (also the department head) in her building has 4 kids who will continue to Spanish 4, more likely it will be 2-3, so a total of 8 at the most. I strongly recommend combining these groups. 1) They are just too freaking small. 2) The kids going into level 4 are super quiet. Like dead. Seriously not exaggerating. I think if they got combined with the other 4 it would radically increase the energy . Plus either way if I get them in a small or smaller group they are going to have to play or face the grade consequence. I won’t let them not participate.
Anyway, I really really really want to combine the groups but how do I convince her? ALL the kids would benefit. Department head is against it because “the advanced kids know more.” Um…yeah, but they just sit there like lumps, so the additional group will make them snap to! I am no expert, but I know Michele and Robert have classes called “Level 3-4.” Isn’t every class a mixed level??? Aren’t there really no such things as “levels” anyway??? Help!!!
I will conserve my energy for what I am doing within my classes, and will stick to that if the group recommends it. But I would love suggestions on how to have this discussion, or what research/classroom results I can point to in my argument. Honestly, I would combine levels 3-4-5, but if I could get even 3-4 in one group I would be so happy. And so would the kids, in my opinion.
Thank you all!