The Language Connection
Resources and Strategies for World Language Teachers
Reflection
* Can my students use the target language in familiar and unfamiliar situations?
* Can my students listen to authentic language (not a textbook recording) and react to it based on their proficiency level?
* Can my students sustain a conversation on a topic without preparing a written version?
* Can my students write for authentic purposes? (not a list of 10 sentences)
* Are my students aware of their own culture and the cultures of others?
Make sure that the time you spend in the coming months prepares students to use language for REAL purposes. Make every minute focused on language production. Put away worksheets and workbooks. Keep it real!
The Essence of World Language Teaching
Tips and Strategies
http://www.learner.org/resources/series185.html
Take a look at the suggestions for warm-up activities.
Share and share alike
Go to the link, login and drop your very best.
User name - vpgooss@henrico.k12.va.us
Password - wlshare
Update Around the State
- Supervisors discussed the ongoing need to remind teachers of best practices in teaching world languages using the communicative method, the use of the target language, and the avoidance of translation. There are still teachers that teach using grammar translation, translation of lists of sentences, and teaching grammar in English.
-The Virginia Department of Education is working to transition to the use of World Languages in its documents rather than Foreign Languages. Many states have already made the move. This will not be an immediate changes as there are many documents that take time and long processes. This is exciting news.
-The proposed revisions to the Foreign Language Standards of Learning will be posted and open to public comment on March 14. I will share the link as soon as I get it. They can be viewed now through the agenda documents on the board of education's agenda items. You can view them now there and make comments once the window opens for comments. I am particularly excited by the integration of the terms for the 3 modes of communication (interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational), the integration of the term "world languages" and the focus on the use of the target language. VDOE plans to create a companion document that correlates to proficiency levels.
http://www.doe.virginia.gov/boe/meetings/2014/02_feb/agenda_items/item_k.pdf
Technology Tips
- Tired of grading quizzes yourself? Want a quick and easy, free way to grade and complete an item analysis? Then you need Flubaroo!! This instructional video will give you all you need to know. You will be on your way in a matter of minutes, guaranteed.
http://www.flubaroo.com/instructional-videos
- If you are looking for something to use instead of World, consider Tagxedo. It is similar to Worldle in creating word art. http://www.tagxedo.com/
Teacher Feature
FLAVA
Session proposals will be accepted through April 18. We have amazing people who are doing amazing things. Consider presenting at FLAVA. Some staff did wonderful presentations at our October staff development. Those would be great to share too.
Rikki Stewart - French Teacher, Varina High School
A letter from a student
Want to learn more about Rikki?
More about Rikki, http://tinyurl.com/m6xlyfr