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!
           

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:

Thanks for reading!  Until next time.

Hasta Luego