Spanish writing prompts

As I have had time to reflect on what I need and what can help other teachers, I have also had time to develop some resources to use when I am back in the classroom. My colleague has really worked on student writing in 7th grade, and I want to extend it more with my

Bellringers and I are never getting back together… Like Ever.

So earlier this year, I wrote a post about breaking up with my bellringer.  I was nervous about not using it.  It was everything that I had learned was “good pedagogy.”  It was on my teacher observation checklist!  It worked for me… somewhat.  But brain research really wasn’t on my side.  And it was BORING

Breaking up with my bellringer

I love bellringers!  I feel that they start off the class easily.  They provide routine for my class and students.  I can take attendance AND check homework.  While I am checking homework, I can check in with students and answer any questions that they have.  Each day, I would write the name of the class,

More Brain Breaks in the Target Language

Happy Monday!  My last brain breaks was extremely popular, so I wanted to add on some more brain breaks that you could use especially as we are getting closer to summer! This number spots addition would be tricky!  Each student has a partner.  The partner points to two different spots on his or her own

Using tongue twisters in class

  I am currently reading Conti and Smith’s newest book, and I highly recommend it!  I feel reaffirmed with what I am doing, and it also gives many new ideas to use the next day in class.  One piece of advice is to try tongue twisters to help with pronunciation.  I typically do not pay

Warm-up: Write poetry

  Just because my students are novices doesn’t mean that they can only write in sentences!  When I read Deb Blaz’s book (I suggest ALL of them though), she suggests trying all different types of writing.  My students in Spanish II wrote poems today as their warm-up.  Here are some ideas that your students could write:

Quick Tip: Practice with Vocabulary in Spanish a la Marzano

marzano spanish vocab I wrote awhile ago about how to practice vocabulary.  I had an old handout without an electronic copy of this activity.  I searched online for an updated version in Spanish, but I could not find one.  Some of them also seemed geared toward elementary students.  I wanted to make a version for

Brain Breaks in the Target Language

As I have been reflecting on my class this summer, I decided that I want to use more brain breaks when school starts.  However, I would like them to be in the target language.  I wanted to come up with a reference list to use while I am lesson planning.  I have compiled 12 brain breaks

Sentence/picture warm-up

I just found an amazing idea for a warm-up via the Red Headed Hostess!  You can start with sentences on top of the paper.  Each student should have one piece of paper.  You can either write all of the sentences to review target vocabulary/structures, or the students can each write their own sentence.  The papers move

Writing magical chairs

I can’t believe that I haven’t mentioned one of my favorite writing activities!  A few times a year, I like to do writing musical chairs.  Students must start writing.  Sometimes I give them a topic (today it was what they dream about when they are sleeping), and other times, they can choose their topic.  I