Hola Todos!
Technology is an important item in the lives of teens today. There are many ways to look at technology and its use and place in the classroom. That is what I am going to talk to you about this week, my views and how I will use technology in my class.
My view is simple. Technology is something that students should learn how to use technology to benefit them and their successes in school. Pretending that smartphones, kindles, iPads, chromebooks and other mobile devices do not exist and have no place in the classroom is completely and utterly absurd. Technology is a way to reach the students on their level.
The days of worksheets, worksheets and more worksheets are a thing of the past. Students like to use their devices in order to work on the same material that was originally done on the worksheets. I have bought into the notion of Blended Learning, combining the traditional classroom and the online world.
I am sure you all know by my use of blogs, quizlet.com, senoradkinsne.weebly.com, schoology, google voice, remind 101, and soon to come Blackboard. I want to use any and all of these tools to help enhance my class. These tools will allow me to help students enhance their Spanish and allow us to have more class time for individualized help and more communicative based activities.
This week, students embarked on earning their Digital Driver's License (DDL). Their DDL tells the school that students understand the questions, concerns and possible dangers that could arise from their use of technology. It is important that students understand how to navigate safely the internet and make sure they protect themselves. In order to use school computers and their own device, students will have to show that they understand these areas by completing the DDL exam.
If you have questions on how technology is going to be used in my class, feel free to contact me. I am more than happy to talk with you about anything! Talk to you son or daughter about what is going on and see what they have to say!
Until next......
Hasta Luego!
Friday, September 13, 2013
Saturday, August 31, 2013
The Evolving Classroom
¡Hola Todos!
Eight days in and things are going really well! Students are getting adjusted to the new year and changes that are taking place. Most of you have heard about the new security measures, but I am more interested in the changes I have implemented in my classes.
I asked myself over the summer one simple question, "What's more important, being correct or being able to communicate to others?" My answer was simple. I want my students to be able to communicate with others and not focus on being "grammatically" correct. We will still work and strive to proper use of the language; however, we will be using more communicative based activities in order to reach those goals!
One change coming as a result, is me flipping my classroom. This means notes will be given via vodcasts (small videos) that will be watched for homework and then students will complete a worksheet to reinforce the material. Class time will be used working on reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. Students will have the entire week to work on various activities at their own pace and in any order they choose. I will be able to give individualized help to all students at the exact moment they need it.
With this new set up, I have thrown out the idea that assignments are done and over. Students will not receive a 0, forget about it and move on. Students will now redo any and all assignments that are not up to standards. Not doing an assignment is not an option either. Students will come in during homeroom to complete assignments that they did not do.
It is my expectation that students complete all assignments and improve their communication. We have two standing weekly assignments: schoology discussion posts and a google voice phone call.
I have created a google voice phone number, so I can create a voice mail message that students will listen to and then respond in Spanish. This will allow me to assess the students and provide feedback on how to improve. Students who do not complete the weekly phone call will be required to do an oral presentation in front of the class, so they can be assessed.
Students will receive a spreadsheet at the start of each unit. This will have all information needed: objectives, vodcasts, text used, assignments, extra help, due date, and assessment dates. Students will then get a weekly schedule, so it will be easier to follow and cross off assignments once completed. Students will then turn in completed assignments in the "tarea" bin.
I will also be using the text messaging reminder system, Remind 101. Parents are invited to sign up for these as well. Some students have already registered and are good to go. For those interested, here is how you sign up:
Create a new text to number 513-429-7228
in the body of the text type the following:
Spn 1: @mradkin
Spn 2: @mradkins
you will receive a text asking for full name
give your name and send the response
this will have you signed up
I hope your student is enjoying my class as much as I am enjoying having them. It will be a great year. I cannot wait to see the growth as the year progresses. If you have any questions, contact me at any time. You may email me (shawnadkins@nelsd.org), leave a voice mail at school (937-328-6575 x1354) or via twitter (@sadkinsump)
Until next time!
Hasta luego!
Eight days in and things are going really well! Students are getting adjusted to the new year and changes that are taking place. Most of you have heard about the new security measures, but I am more interested in the changes I have implemented in my classes.
I asked myself over the summer one simple question, "What's more important, being correct or being able to communicate to others?" My answer was simple. I want my students to be able to communicate with others and not focus on being "grammatically" correct. We will still work and strive to proper use of the language; however, we will be using more communicative based activities in order to reach those goals!
One change coming as a result, is me flipping my classroom. This means notes will be given via vodcasts (small videos) that will be watched for homework and then students will complete a worksheet to reinforce the material. Class time will be used working on reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. Students will have the entire week to work on various activities at their own pace and in any order they choose. I will be able to give individualized help to all students at the exact moment they need it.
With this new set up, I have thrown out the idea that assignments are done and over. Students will not receive a 0, forget about it and move on. Students will now redo any and all assignments that are not up to standards. Not doing an assignment is not an option either. Students will come in during homeroom to complete assignments that they did not do.
It is my expectation that students complete all assignments and improve their communication. We have two standing weekly assignments: schoology discussion posts and a google voice phone call.
I have created a google voice phone number, so I can create a voice mail message that students will listen to and then respond in Spanish. This will allow me to assess the students and provide feedback on how to improve. Students who do not complete the weekly phone call will be required to do an oral presentation in front of the class, so they can be assessed.
Students will receive a spreadsheet at the start of each unit. This will have all information needed: objectives, vodcasts, text used, assignments, extra help, due date, and assessment dates. Students will then get a weekly schedule, so it will be easier to follow and cross off assignments once completed. Students will then turn in completed assignments in the "tarea" bin.
I will also be using the text messaging reminder system, Remind 101. Parents are invited to sign up for these as well. Some students have already registered and are good to go. For those interested, here is how you sign up:
Create a new text to number 513-429-7228
in the body of the text type the following:
Spn 1: @mradkin
Spn 2: @mradkins
you will receive a text asking for full name
give your name and send the response
this will have you signed up
I hope your student is enjoying my class as much as I am enjoying having them. It will be a great year. I cannot wait to see the growth as the year progresses. If you have any questions, contact me at any time. You may email me (shawnadkins@nelsd.org), leave a voice mail at school (937-328-6575 x1354) or via twitter (@sadkinsump)
Until next time!
Hasta luego!
Friday, August 23, 2013
First Week
Hola Parents!
Well, our first three days together are complete, and I have a lot to be excited about! Mr. Gallatin said a few times in our opening day meeting that you only get one chance to make a first impression. That is exactly what I wanted to do.
I decided to build a positive relationship with my students starting on the first day. So, on day one I welcomed my students to my classroom by bombarding them in Spanish for about the first 5 minutes or so and had two interesting items on their desk. I had two pipe cleaners.
What, you may ask was the purpose of the pipe cleaners? I asked the students to make something that represented them. I then had students introduce themselves to the others in the class and tell what their design was and why it was important to them. As students worked, I moved around the room watching, asking about their design and guessing at some.
My purpose was to show the students that I wanted to know about them and what they are interested in. Their interests matter. Their lives matter. School and learning are important. However, I wanted them to know I wanted to know them and what made them who they are. I firmly believe that students do not care how much you know until they know how much you care.
This is why I spent the first day getting to know my students.
Day two, we got down to work. Spanish 1 jumped right into trying to figure out that I was asking their name and getting them to respond. They got the idea and all did a fantastic job. We them jumped right into working on the Spanish alphabet. Spanish 2 got to see how much they remembered. That was an eye opening experience. Students got to realize how fast you can lose the ability of a language after not using it for a couple of months. Then, we started working on descriptions of people and things.
Today, we continued with the alphabet and descriptions. We also talked about using the text message reminder program that I use. The following are how to register for reminders for level 1 and 2. Send a text message to the number given, and in the message itself type the appropriate code, new users will be asked for full name (first and last are fine) and you are set up. The following are the number and codes
Phone number (for both) 513-429-7228
Message body: @mradkin (Spanish 1) and @mradkins (Spanish 2)
Next week, we will continue working on our skills in speaking, reading, listening, and writing. There will be quizzes and other activities. I cannot wait to share how our week goes.
I would love to hear from you. Feel free to leave a comment below, email me (shawnadkins@nelsd.org), leave a voice mail (my extension 1354), or message me on twitter (@sadkinsump). I look forward to meeting and working with everyone of you! Here's to a good year:
Here are a few pics of the pipe cleaner designs:
Well, our first three days together are complete, and I have a lot to be excited about! Mr. Gallatin said a few times in our opening day meeting that you only get one chance to make a first impression. That is exactly what I wanted to do.
I decided to build a positive relationship with my students starting on the first day. So, on day one I welcomed my students to my classroom by bombarding them in Spanish for about the first 5 minutes or so and had two interesting items on their desk. I had two pipe cleaners.
What, you may ask was the purpose of the pipe cleaners? I asked the students to make something that represented them. I then had students introduce themselves to the others in the class and tell what their design was and why it was important to them. As students worked, I moved around the room watching, asking about their design and guessing at some.
My purpose was to show the students that I wanted to know about them and what they are interested in. Their interests matter. Their lives matter. School and learning are important. However, I wanted them to know I wanted to know them and what made them who they are. I firmly believe that students do not care how much you know until they know how much you care.
This is why I spent the first day getting to know my students.
Day two, we got down to work. Spanish 1 jumped right into trying to figure out that I was asking their name and getting them to respond. They got the idea and all did a fantastic job. We them jumped right into working on the Spanish alphabet. Spanish 2 got to see how much they remembered. That was an eye opening experience. Students got to realize how fast you can lose the ability of a language after not using it for a couple of months. Then, we started working on descriptions of people and things.
Today, we continued with the alphabet and descriptions. We also talked about using the text message reminder program that I use. The following are how to register for reminders for level 1 and 2. Send a text message to the number given, and in the message itself type the appropriate code, new users will be asked for full name (first and last are fine) and you are set up. The following are the number and codes
Phone number (for both) 513-429-7228
Message body: @mradkin (Spanish 1) and @mradkins (Spanish 2)
Next week, we will continue working on our skills in speaking, reading, listening, and writing. There will be quizzes and other activities. I cannot wait to share how our week goes.
I would love to hear from you. Feel free to leave a comment below, email me (shawnadkins@nelsd.org), leave a voice mail (my extension 1354), or message me on twitter (@sadkinsump). I look forward to meeting and working with everyone of you! Here's to a good year:
Here are a few pics of the pipe cleaner designs:
Thanks for reading! Until next time.
Hasta Luego
Monday, July 29, 2013
Bienvenidos a un año nuevo
¡Hola Todos!
¡Bienvenidos a un año nuevo! Welcome to a new year!
I am writing my first blog post before the school year starts. I am so very excited to start the new school year! This is going to be an interesting year and a year of firsts. This year, I am going to use what is called the flipped classroom. What this means is that grammar notes will be given via a video/webcast clip. Students will watch these videos at home for homework and will take notes before coming to class. Then, in class, we can focus on the production and use of the language (speaking/reading/writing/listening). Activities in class will be more focused and meaningful.
Once the flipped units start, I will send home a more detailed explanation of what is expected during the unit. All due dates, quizzes, projects, unit assessments, activities will be provided. I will have different methods of asking questions. One will be on twitter via the hash tags (#nespn1 and #nespn2). These discussion/question pages will be able to be used during the day and during classes. While students are working in small groups, students can post questions that can wait to the end of the period. The other way to ask a question to get quick responses (away from the class) is via email (shawnadkins@nelsd.org).
The use of twitter in class is dependent on the use of BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) in the classroom. I will have forms to send how for BYOD agreements. Students will have a two strike agreement. On the second strike, students will not be permitted to use their own device or devices I have available in the classroom. Students can earn strikes anywhere in the building, so students need to make sure that they are not using their phones when they are not supposed to be.
I am looking forward to sharing more technology use with the students this year. Technology is a very large part of our lives. Pretending it does not exist or not permitting students to use it will be a disservice to all the students. I want my students to learn how to use their devices and technology for their benefit in their education and their lives.
If a student does not have access to a smartphone/tablet/iPad/kindle or any other device that can connect to wifi, I have 11 chromebooks and 2 iPads that can be used by students during class time, homeroom, and study hall (provided devices are available and students have turned in the usage agreement form at the beginning of the year). All devices will stay in Mr. Adkins' room (Room 2). No exception.
If anyone has questions, please contact me at any time. You can call, email or tweet. Here is all my contact information:
phone number: 328-6575
email: shawnadkins@nelsd.org
twitter handle: sadkinsump
I look forward to a great and exciting year!
Hasta Luego
Friday, April 5, 2013
Back from Spring Break with only 8 more weeks to go!
¡Hola Todos!
It has been a while since my last blog. We had projects and then I left with the Spain trip from March 20-30. All I can say is the trip is one for a lifetime. It is a priceless and valuable journey that I encourage all students to experience.
Being in Spain or any Spanish speaking country, allows students to immerse themselves in the culture and day to day aspects of the country. The organized parts of our trip was great, but the free time to stroll around and shop, eat and communicate was by far the best part (except for the Sagrada Familia). The students shocked themselves by how well they could communicate and understand. It was very fulfilling to see the students communicate and enjoy the culture of all the things they have heard Mrs. Turner and me talk about the past 3-4 years.
I could write an entire blog on the trip, but I want to update you all on the journey in Spanish 1 and 2.
Spanish 1: We have been working on the days of the week and the verb to go. We have talked about where people go to at various times of the day. We listened to a song by Juanes and Nelly Furtado (Fotografía) and filled in the missing words. We paired up and worked on interpersonal communication with a speaking activity.
Spanish 2: We finished up our unit on the preterite tense. We did various activities via technology, oral communication, station activities and dry erase boards. We took a test on Thursday over the preterite. Friday, we began the second past tense with the imperfect. After we journey through the formation of the imperfect, we will be working towards mastery of the uses of the two past tenses. There will be some stories to read, projects to do and activities to listen and communicate.
As most of you know I am incorporating more and more technology in my classroom. Spanish 2 students have started blogging and have used a new tool called google voice. Google voice is a voice mailbox system where I can leave a prompt and the students can leave a voice mail answer in Spanish. This will allow me to listen to their responses and give formative feedback. These will be graded on completion since the goal is to improve communication.
Spanish 1 will be starting google voice next week on top of our weekly discussion post on Schoology. There is so much technology that can enhance language studies that I cannot wait to share these with the students.
What's coming?
Spanish 1: test on ir and days of the week and using negation in sentences. We will also be looking at the Muslim influence in Spain.
Spanish 2: we will keep working on Imperfect formation and take a quiz before plugging away at the uses of the preterite and imperfect. This will be an in depth journey. We will be using some flipped classroom activities to give students the best possibilities in understanding the uses.
Again, if you have any questions, please comment or email. I cannot believe our journey this year is almost over.
Well, more next week.
The following photos were taken in various cities in Spain:
1. Ronda
2. Parc Guell, Barcelona
3. Don Quijote in Retiro Park, Madrid
¡Hasta Luego!
It has been a while since my last blog. We had projects and then I left with the Spain trip from March 20-30. All I can say is the trip is one for a lifetime. It is a priceless and valuable journey that I encourage all students to experience.
Being in Spain or any Spanish speaking country, allows students to immerse themselves in the culture and day to day aspects of the country. The organized parts of our trip was great, but the free time to stroll around and shop, eat and communicate was by far the best part (except for the Sagrada Familia). The students shocked themselves by how well they could communicate and understand. It was very fulfilling to see the students communicate and enjoy the culture of all the things they have heard Mrs. Turner and me talk about the past 3-4 years.
I could write an entire blog on the trip, but I want to update you all on the journey in Spanish 1 and 2.
Spanish 1: We have been working on the days of the week and the verb to go. We have talked about where people go to at various times of the day. We listened to a song by Juanes and Nelly Furtado (Fotografía) and filled in the missing words. We paired up and worked on interpersonal communication with a speaking activity.
Spanish 2: We finished up our unit on the preterite tense. We did various activities via technology, oral communication, station activities and dry erase boards. We took a test on Thursday over the preterite. Friday, we began the second past tense with the imperfect. After we journey through the formation of the imperfect, we will be working towards mastery of the uses of the two past tenses. There will be some stories to read, projects to do and activities to listen and communicate.
As most of you know I am incorporating more and more technology in my classroom. Spanish 2 students have started blogging and have used a new tool called google voice. Google voice is a voice mailbox system where I can leave a prompt and the students can leave a voice mail answer in Spanish. This will allow me to listen to their responses and give formative feedback. These will be graded on completion since the goal is to improve communication.
Spanish 1 will be starting google voice next week on top of our weekly discussion post on Schoology. There is so much technology that can enhance language studies that I cannot wait to share these with the students.
What's coming?
Spanish 1: test on ir and days of the week and using negation in sentences. We will also be looking at the Muslim influence in Spain.
Spanish 2: we will keep working on Imperfect formation and take a quiz before plugging away at the uses of the preterite and imperfect. This will be an in depth journey. We will be using some flipped classroom activities to give students the best possibilities in understanding the uses.
Again, if you have any questions, please comment or email. I cannot believe our journey this year is almost over.
Well, more next week.
The following photos were taken in various cities in Spain:
1. Ronda
2. Parc Guell, Barcelona
3. Don Quijote in Retiro Park, Madrid
¡Hasta Luego!
Friday, March 8, 2013
Semana Interesante (An Interesting Week)
¡Hola Todos!
We had a great week this week in the world of Spanish I and II. I am pleased with the progress the students are making and the effort being shown.
A new change in my classes is the integration of technology. I am phasing in more and more use of technology. We have gone to the computer lab off and on, but now I am going to have students use technology in the classroom.
I sent home a BYOT (Bring Your Own Technology) form home with all students. This form needs filled out and returned to me. This is an agreement that students will be allowed to use any device that connects to a WI-FI signal (smartphone, iPad, iPod, tablet, laptop, kindle, etc.) I am planning on implementing days of technology on T days (Tuesday and Thursday). There will be activities for students to do using their devices. I feel it is important to use the technology students have and not prohibit them from using them.
In the world we live in, technology is everywhere and is part of our everyday lives. Asking students to come in and not use these devices is tough. Why not use technology as a tool to enhance their understanding and interest.
Please make sure BYOT forms are signed and returned by Thursday 3/13/13.
Here's the rundown of the past week: I'll start with Spanish I
Spanish I: Finished Mexico project presentations Monday and Tuesday. I am so pleased by the results of the power point presentations by many of the students. They were able to share the interesting tidbits about the Mexican Culture. I love seeing how the different students focus on different aspects of the various topics. That is what makes things enjoyable for me. The students get to see first hand all the aspects that make a culture what it is. On Wednesday, the students were sooooooooo disappointed because they got a snow day. Thursday, students took an open note test on the projects. The test was made up of questions submitted by each individual student. Friday, we graded the test and revisited the battle of the two verbs Ser and Estar. To re-acclimate ourselves, we listened to a song in Spanish and filled the missing words on the lyrics that were provided. This allowed the students to listen to an authentic example and do so in a manner that is more enjoyable.
Spanish II: Found themselves in a world of change. I have "flipped" the Spanish II class. That means, notes are given through power points or videos and done as homework and then students work on activities in class that is focused and meaningful. They also received a syllabus of assignment due dates through April 15. I am forcing the students out of their comfort zone and having them work on communication and not just focus on grammar and right/wrong answers. Communication and proficiency is THE GOAL, and the only way to reach the goal is to use Spanish more and more daily. The assignments are all listed in Schoology as a hub for students to find the assignments and know when the due dates are. Two new areas that have been added: student blogs and google voice messages. Students had to create a blog where they will be posting on various topics as a way of monitoring their growth in their written/presentational Spanish. Google voice allowed me to set up a phone number where I can leave a greeting message. This message is a question asked in Spanish that the students respond to orally by leaving a voicemail message. This will improve their interpersonal Spanish.
What's coming up? That is easy............OGT testing this week for sophomores and practice OGT tests for freshmen. That puts all classes on 2-hour delay schedule. We will be working mastery (75% avg.) of concepts and improving our communication.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns contact me. Leave comments on the blog, email or leave a voice mail for me at school.
Por ahora (for now)
Hasta Luego
We had a great week this week in the world of Spanish I and II. I am pleased with the progress the students are making and the effort being shown.
A new change in my classes is the integration of technology. I am phasing in more and more use of technology. We have gone to the computer lab off and on, but now I am going to have students use technology in the classroom.
I sent home a BYOT (Bring Your Own Technology) form home with all students. This form needs filled out and returned to me. This is an agreement that students will be allowed to use any device that connects to a WI-FI signal (smartphone, iPad, iPod, tablet, laptop, kindle, etc.) I am planning on implementing days of technology on T days (Tuesday and Thursday). There will be activities for students to do using their devices. I feel it is important to use the technology students have and not prohibit them from using them.
In the world we live in, technology is everywhere and is part of our everyday lives. Asking students to come in and not use these devices is tough. Why not use technology as a tool to enhance their understanding and interest.
Please make sure BYOT forms are signed and returned by Thursday 3/13/13.
Here's the rundown of the past week: I'll start with Spanish I
Spanish I: Finished Mexico project presentations Monday and Tuesday. I am so pleased by the results of the power point presentations by many of the students. They were able to share the interesting tidbits about the Mexican Culture. I love seeing how the different students focus on different aspects of the various topics. That is what makes things enjoyable for me. The students get to see first hand all the aspects that make a culture what it is. On Wednesday, the students were sooooooooo disappointed because they got a snow day. Thursday, students took an open note test on the projects. The test was made up of questions submitted by each individual student. Friday, we graded the test and revisited the battle of the two verbs Ser and Estar. To re-acclimate ourselves, we listened to a song in Spanish and filled the missing words on the lyrics that were provided. This allowed the students to listen to an authentic example and do so in a manner that is more enjoyable.
Spanish II: Found themselves in a world of change. I have "flipped" the Spanish II class. That means, notes are given through power points or videos and done as homework and then students work on activities in class that is focused and meaningful. They also received a syllabus of assignment due dates through April 15. I am forcing the students out of their comfort zone and having them work on communication and not just focus on grammar and right/wrong answers. Communication and proficiency is THE GOAL, and the only way to reach the goal is to use Spanish more and more daily. The assignments are all listed in Schoology as a hub for students to find the assignments and know when the due dates are. Two new areas that have been added: student blogs and google voice messages. Students had to create a blog where they will be posting on various topics as a way of monitoring their growth in their written/presentational Spanish. Google voice allowed me to set up a phone number where I can leave a greeting message. This message is a question asked in Spanish that the students respond to orally by leaving a voicemail message. This will improve their interpersonal Spanish.
What's coming up? That is easy............OGT testing this week for sophomores and practice OGT tests for freshmen. That puts all classes on 2-hour delay schedule. We will be working mastery (75% avg.) of concepts and improving our communication.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns contact me. Leave comments on the blog, email or leave a voice mail for me at school.
Por ahora (for now)
Hasta Luego
Friday, March 1, 2013
Projects, Projects and Did I Mention Projects?
¡Hola Todos!
I am glad to start off this blog talking about how AMAZING the projects were by the students this week. Spanish II completed theirs on Tuesday and Spanish I is in the middle of their slideshow presentation. I have been thoroughly impressed by the talent the students have shown.
Spanish II:
This week has been very interesting. The work the Spanish II's did on their model and brochure projects were phenomenal. I will post some pictures at the bottom of the blog. The details about the city and the structures were outstanding. My seventh period even got another treat during their presentations; Mr. James sat in class that day and got to see first hand the results of the students' hard work.
After projects, we continued our work on the first past tense. We have been working on the regular preterite. Since the WI-FI signal is now strong enough, I received permission from Mr. Masser to have students bring in their own technological device (BYOT). It was a success. We used a website called Socrative the first day. Then on Thursday, we took a quiz using technology. I now know smart phones are very tough to take a quiz on.
Homework on Thursday was non-traditional. I flipped the classroom. I gave the notes through a powerpoint and the students had to read it and take their notes as homework. When they came to class, we did an activity with the notes they took.
Spanish I:
This week has been very project oriented. On Monday, I was out, but the students worked in the computer lab to continue their project. Tuesday, we went to the library to print off an outline of the projects and made sure things were finalized. Wednesday and Thursday were two days of presentations. Friday, we worked on the very estar and prepositions.
All I can say is the projects have blown me away. The students have gotten the point of the projects. I wish I could show some of these, but I haven't found a way to share the slideshows. I may try to have students send me a copy and then I can choose some random slides to show everyone.
What's coming up?
Spanish I: Projects will continue, hopefully, Monday and Tuesday. We will then take an open note test over projects on Wednesday. After projects are over, we will continue on with ser vs. estar.
Spanish II: Will continue their journey through Mexico and the past tense in Spanish.
LIke always, due on Saturday is our schoology post. Schoology is our Learning Management System (LMS). This is where students do a lot of work. Coming soon will be the use of Google Voice. A voicemail system where I can leave a message and students will call and leave me messages using the target language.
Here's to nudging the students out of their comfort zone!
Like always, feel free to contact me via email, phone or comments on the blog. You can also connect to me via twitter (@sadkinsump).
¡Hasta Luego!
The following pictures are of the following ancient Mesoamerican Cities (in order of appearance):
Tulum, Teotihuacán, Tikal, Uxmal, Chichén-Itza, Tenochtitlán, and Palenque
I am glad to start off this blog talking about how AMAZING the projects were by the students this week. Spanish II completed theirs on Tuesday and Spanish I is in the middle of their slideshow presentation. I have been thoroughly impressed by the talent the students have shown.
Spanish II:
This week has been very interesting. The work the Spanish II's did on their model and brochure projects were phenomenal. I will post some pictures at the bottom of the blog. The details about the city and the structures were outstanding. My seventh period even got another treat during their presentations; Mr. James sat in class that day and got to see first hand the results of the students' hard work.
After projects, we continued our work on the first past tense. We have been working on the regular preterite. Since the WI-FI signal is now strong enough, I received permission from Mr. Masser to have students bring in their own technological device (BYOT). It was a success. We used a website called Socrative the first day. Then on Thursday, we took a quiz using technology. I now know smart phones are very tough to take a quiz on.
Homework on Thursday was non-traditional. I flipped the classroom. I gave the notes through a powerpoint and the students had to read it and take their notes as homework. When they came to class, we did an activity with the notes they took.
Spanish I:
This week has been very project oriented. On Monday, I was out, but the students worked in the computer lab to continue their project. Tuesday, we went to the library to print off an outline of the projects and made sure things were finalized. Wednesday and Thursday were two days of presentations. Friday, we worked on the very estar and prepositions.
All I can say is the projects have blown me away. The students have gotten the point of the projects. I wish I could show some of these, but I haven't found a way to share the slideshows. I may try to have students send me a copy and then I can choose some random slides to show everyone.
What's coming up?
Spanish I: Projects will continue, hopefully, Monday and Tuesday. We will then take an open note test over projects on Wednesday. After projects are over, we will continue on with ser vs. estar.
Spanish II: Will continue their journey through Mexico and the past tense in Spanish.
LIke always, due on Saturday is our schoology post. Schoology is our Learning Management System (LMS). This is where students do a lot of work. Coming soon will be the use of Google Voice. A voicemail system where I can leave a message and students will call and leave me messages using the target language.
Here's to nudging the students out of their comfort zone!
Like always, feel free to contact me via email, phone or comments on the blog. You can also connect to me via twitter (@sadkinsump).
¡Hasta Luego!
The following pictures are of the following ancient Mesoamerican Cities (in order of appearance):
Tulum, Teotihuacán, Tikal, Uxmal, Chichén-Itza, Tenochtitlán, and Palenque
Saturday, February 23, 2013
Parent Teacher Conferences
Just wanted to remind parents that conferences are this week. They are on Monday evening from 3:30-6:30 and Thursday evening 5:30-8:30. Call the office and set up a time with Mrs. Gruden if you would like a conference.
Also, on Thursday, I am offering a quick how to on Schoology and how it is used in class. I will also pass out parent codes for those who would like to monitor their child's progress.
Hasta Luego
Also, on Thursday, I am offering a quick how to on Schoology and how it is used in class. I will also pass out parent codes for those who would like to monitor their child's progress.
Hasta Luego
La Semana Corta (The short week)
This week was most definitely different. We had a short week after the four day weekend followed by the snow day for the ice on Friday. I am sure most of the students did not mind the extra day off on bit. The only bad news for this extra day off was that we did not get to go to the computer lab to continue working and finalizing the projects that are due the first of next week.
I am very excited to see what the students have come up with for their projects, and cannot wait to share some of them with you. I plan on taking pictures, so I can share the hard work of some of the students.
As most of you know, Spanish I is doing a power point presentation. The majority of students have the ability to work on these at home because they are using either Google Drive or they brought their own flash drive to save their work. Students know that presentations MUST be finished by the end of the period Monday. We start presenting on Tuesday and presentations will continue until Friday.
Spanish II's model and brochure project will be turned in on Monday during class periods. The groups will then present their model and explain the importance of the city to their classmates. This is one of my favorite projects to see how the different groups choose to represent their city. The possible ancient Native Meso-American cities include: Teotihuacán, Tenochtitlán, Chichén-Itza, Palenque, Tulum, Tikal and Uxmal.
After Spanish II completes the presentations, we will continue on with our language acquisition furthering our use of the past tense. We will finish up work on regular verbs in the preterite followed by irregular verbs. I am going to add some culture to go along with this. We will be looking into the foods and music of Mexico. Students will then work on a cultural project that they will choose the method of presenting, but they must use some sort of technology (blog, video, podcast, etc).
Some of you may know we are using a Learning Management System (LMS) called Schoology. While networking with other teachers, I came across and app called Remind 101. This app allows me through the Schoology program to send reminders to recipients via a text message. I type the message in my Schoology account and the program sends out a text message reminder. I do not have the recipients phone number and the recipients cannot text me back. I am trying to help students improve their abilities in Spanish and if a reminder helps, then I am all for it. I will place the contact information below if any parent wishes to join the remind 101 group this way you can see exactly what your child sees.
Step 1: open new text message
Step 2: type the phone number 513-429-7228
Step 3: type in one of the following codes in the body of the message:
Spanish 1: @mradkin
Spanish 2: @spanishii3
Step 4: Send text
You will then receive a text back asking for your full name. Respond giving your first and last name and send the text back. After this text you will be signed-up to receive all reminders I send out.
I want to link a very interesting article that parents and teachers should help students understand about the digital footprint they leave behind. 10 Things to know about your Digital Footprint
Here is what is upcoming for next week:
Spanish I: Monday- finish preparing presentations. Tues-Fri: Presentations in class. Test over all presentations will take place the beginning of the next week.
Spanish II: Monday: present model/brochure project.
Tuesday: continue with regular preterite w/ question and answers and descriptions
Wednesday: quiz on regular preterite. Start irregulars and music/food mini project
Thurs-Fri: continue with irregular preterite with relevant readings, listening acitivities and videos
If anyone ever has any questions, do not hesitate to email me at shawnadkins@nelsd.org
Hasta Luego!
I am very excited to see what the students have come up with for their projects, and cannot wait to share some of them with you. I plan on taking pictures, so I can share the hard work of some of the students.
As most of you know, Spanish I is doing a power point presentation. The majority of students have the ability to work on these at home because they are using either Google Drive or they brought their own flash drive to save their work. Students know that presentations MUST be finished by the end of the period Monday. We start presenting on Tuesday and presentations will continue until Friday.
Spanish II's model and brochure project will be turned in on Monday during class periods. The groups will then present their model and explain the importance of the city to their classmates. This is one of my favorite projects to see how the different groups choose to represent their city. The possible ancient Native Meso-American cities include: Teotihuacán, Tenochtitlán, Chichén-Itza, Palenque, Tulum, Tikal and Uxmal.
After Spanish II completes the presentations, we will continue on with our language acquisition furthering our use of the past tense. We will finish up work on regular verbs in the preterite followed by irregular verbs. I am going to add some culture to go along with this. We will be looking into the foods and music of Mexico. Students will then work on a cultural project that they will choose the method of presenting, but they must use some sort of technology (blog, video, podcast, etc).
Some of you may know we are using a Learning Management System (LMS) called Schoology. While networking with other teachers, I came across and app called Remind 101. This app allows me through the Schoology program to send reminders to recipients via a text message. I type the message in my Schoology account and the program sends out a text message reminder. I do not have the recipients phone number and the recipients cannot text me back. I am trying to help students improve their abilities in Spanish and if a reminder helps, then I am all for it. I will place the contact information below if any parent wishes to join the remind 101 group this way you can see exactly what your child sees.
Step 1: open new text message
Step 2: type the phone number 513-429-7228
Step 3: type in one of the following codes in the body of the message:
Spanish 1: @mradkin
Spanish 2: @spanishii3
Step 4: Send text
You will then receive a text back asking for your full name. Respond giving your first and last name and send the text back. After this text you will be signed-up to receive all reminders I send out.
I want to link a very interesting article that parents and teachers should help students understand about the digital footprint they leave behind. 10 Things to know about your Digital Footprint
Here is what is upcoming for next week:
Spanish I: Monday- finish preparing presentations. Tues-Fri: Presentations in class. Test over all presentations will take place the beginning of the next week.
Spanish II: Monday: present model/brochure project.
Tuesday: continue with regular preterite w/ question and answers and descriptions
Wednesday: quiz on regular preterite. Start irregulars and music/food mini project
Thurs-Fri: continue with irregular preterite with relevant readings, listening acitivities and videos
If anyone ever has any questions, do not hesitate to email me at shawnadkins@nelsd.org
Hasta Luego!
Thursday, February 14, 2013
¿Qué pasó en español?
¡Hola todos!
You may be asking yourself what happened in Spanish this week (qué pasó). Well, we spent the first two days researching major projects, and the last two days continuing our language acquisition.
Spanish I has started working with the verb estar (to be) and using prepositions to tell where things are located. Schoology discussion post is due Saturday evening.
Spanish two was introduced to the world of the past tense, learning the preterite, the first of the two past tenses. We started with regular verbs this week, and will be heading towards irregulars.
Schoology discussion post is due Saturday evening.
What's on tap next week:
SPN I: presentation outline due Tuesday (2/19)
Vocabulary quiz on Wednesday (2/20)
Computer lab to type up presentation Thursday & Friday
SPN II: quiz on regular preterite formation (2/20)
Computer lab/model construction Thursday & Friday
A new wrinkle I added to class was posting notes on Schoology, so students who are absent will be able to set down and listen to the notes and not just rely on copying someone else's. My goal is to build this into flipping the classroom, so students will take notes and watch a presentation for homework and come to class and work on the things they have learned. I hope to start this in the next couple of weeks.
Projects are to be completed soon. I's will present 2/26-3/1, and II's will present their model and brochure on 2/25. Picture updates will come following to show the wonderful job the students will do.
Do not forget, interim reports go home next Friday, February 22.
You may be asking yourself what happened in Spanish this week (qué pasó). Well, we spent the first two days researching major projects, and the last two days continuing our language acquisition.
Spanish I has started working with the verb estar (to be) and using prepositions to tell where things are located. Schoology discussion post is due Saturday evening.
Spanish two was introduced to the world of the past tense, learning the preterite, the first of the two past tenses. We started with regular verbs this week, and will be heading towards irregulars.
Schoology discussion post is due Saturday evening.
What's on tap next week:
SPN I: presentation outline due Tuesday (2/19)
Vocabulary quiz on Wednesday (2/20)
Computer lab to type up presentation Thursday & Friday
SPN II: quiz on regular preterite formation (2/20)
Computer lab/model construction Thursday & Friday
A new wrinkle I added to class was posting notes on Schoology, so students who are absent will be able to set down and listen to the notes and not just rely on copying someone else's. My goal is to build this into flipping the classroom, so students will take notes and watch a presentation for homework and come to class and work on the things they have learned. I hope to start this in the next couple of weeks.
Projects are to be completed soon. I's will present 2/26-3/1, and II's will present their model and brochure on 2/25. Picture updates will come following to show the wonderful job the students will do.
Do not forget, interim reports go home next Friday, February 22.
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Projects Have Started
¡Hola Todos!
The projects are underway and students have been using class time researching their topics. These projects allow students to see other cultures in different ways. Students can become aware of the history, people, places and celebrations of other cultures. We live in a muli-cultural world and the more students can experience other cultures the more they will be prepared for a vastly diversified world.
Spanish I is doing a powerpoint presentation on various Mexican topics. I want the students to see beyond tacos and Mexican restaurants. Food is just one part of what makes up a culture. There are so many other areas that come together and make people what they are today. We can learn so much from others and learn to appreciate and understand the differences that others have. We can agree or disagree with others, but we must not judge or degrade any other society or people. Projects will be presented starting February 26 and finish up that Friday, March 1.
Spanish II is doing a two part project on ancient cities from the two ancient indigenous tribes from Mexico (Aztec and Maya). Part one is a model of the city or the main pyramid/temple. Part two is a travel brochure that highlights the city they are researching. Projects will be due on Monday, February 25.
I cannot wait to share some photos from the finished projects. It is always interesting seeing what the students come up with and how they share the information they found.
Hasta luego
The projects are underway and students have been using class time researching their topics. These projects allow students to see other cultures in different ways. Students can become aware of the history, people, places and celebrations of other cultures. We live in a muli-cultural world and the more students can experience other cultures the more they will be prepared for a vastly diversified world.
Spanish I is doing a powerpoint presentation on various Mexican topics. I want the students to see beyond tacos and Mexican restaurants. Food is just one part of what makes up a culture. There are so many other areas that come together and make people what they are today. We can learn so much from others and learn to appreciate and understand the differences that others have. We can agree or disagree with others, but we must not judge or degrade any other society or people. Projects will be presented starting February 26 and finish up that Friday, March 1.
Spanish II is doing a two part project on ancient cities from the two ancient indigenous tribes from Mexico (Aztec and Maya). Part one is a model of the city or the main pyramid/temple. Part two is a travel brochure that highlights the city they are researching. Projects will be due on Monday, February 25.
I cannot wait to share some photos from the finished projects. It is always interesting seeing what the students come up with and how they share the information they found.
Hasta luego
Thursday, February 7, 2013
¡Bienvenido a blog land!
¡Hola todos!
I have decided to venture into the world of blogging to keep parents updated on the happenings in the worlds of Spanish I and II. Trying to find ways to keep many notified is a demanding task. I feel as though I haven't done that good of job doing that this year, and I am looking to make up for lost time.
Both levels have begun projects. They are both dealing with Mexico and their culture. The I's are doing a power point presentation while the II's are making model representations of ancient Mayan cities and also making a travel brochure. The due dates for The I's is February 26, and the II's is February 22. I look forward to sharing some of these projects after they are completed.
Hopefully, some of you have heard about the addition of an Internet site that has allowed me to begin using a blended curriculum. I utilizing technology to enhance the student's Spanish and improving their abilities. We are using a website called Schoology (www.schoology.com). Ask you daughter/son to show you how this works. I really love the possibilities. I will be working on getting parent codes, so you can monitor progress on Schoology just like many of you do on progress book.
Both levels will be having tests on Friday, February 8. Both will take the tests in the computer lab via Schoology.
Iam looking for different ways to utilize technology to enhance class and make class time more productive. One goal I am shooting for is to flip the classroom. The homework would be the notes and then in class we would use use the skills and apply them in meaningful situations.
I am willing To demonstrate Schoology to anyone interested on the second night of Parent/Teacher conferences at 6:30
We'll, I think I have said too much, so I will wrap it up. If anyone has any questions, feel free to email me at shawnadkins@nelsd.org or call the school 328-6575
¡Hasta Luego!
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