There is a lot about Social Media which brings out the worst in people, but sometimes I absolutely love learning about new ideas, activities, websites, games, on and on, from folks I only know and interact with through Social Media. Social Media can be the greatest of salons: A salon is a gathering of people under the … Continue reading Sharing is Caring
Class Management
(Knock on wood...) Generally, I have few classroom management issues on a day to day basis. Most of my students want to be in my class - it was their choice - and I have learned over the last 15 years of teaching that I have to pick my battles. Some things just aren't worth … Continue reading Class Management
Teacher Notebook
In an effort to keep myself organized this next year while doing new (to me) activities and lessons, as well as find a way to record class behavior and/or misbehavior without a ton of extra "things" hanging around that I need to keep track of, I've put together a notebook of resources. Here's what I'm … Continue reading Teacher Notebook
S… L… O…W!
My worse fear! I am a habitual fast-talker. In every language. Even with myself, in my head. I would like to say that I've gotten better over my 15 years of teaching, but I might be lying. I think my students just humor me. Now, I'm facing a new school year of (90%, I so … Continue reading S… L… O…W!
Chunking a Class Block
I've been thinking a lot on how to plan for 90-minute blocks, every other day, with enough variety and activity to keep students engaged and the lesson compelling. Side note: Also need to take into account not wearing me out (as an introvert I need breaks to keep up my enthusiasm in public) In the … Continue reading Chunking a Class Block
EdCampCIVa 2019
This was my first time attending a conference specifically for Comprehensible Input and I had a great time! Organized by Maris Hawkins and Lynne Hendrick, and held at Deep Creek High School in Chesapeake, Virginia. For more information: https://edcampciva.wordpress.com/. I was expecting only two or three other Latin teachers. I am still blown away by … Continue reading EdCampCIVa 2019
Four Heroes (Quattuor Heroes) #1: Hercules
Hercules - MAXIMUS HEROS! Hercules, the greatest of the Greek heroes... maybe, maybe not. If you are a teacher looking for Hercules resources: a simplified, vocabulary-sheltered, comprehensive story on Hercules, along with CI activities to preview, assess, and review the story... look no further! [Disclaimer: I have not class-tested these resources yet, but am planning … Continue reading Four Heroes (Quattuor Heroes) #1: Hercules
What To Do Next?
[It is a woman's prerogative to change her mind... Thanks to an amazing CI Curriculum Picinic on Saturday with Tina Hargaden and Kaitlin Leppert, I have done just that. I am now editing my Latin II plans to focus on Roman values through cycles of description, narration, informational and opinion writing.] I've basically completed my plan … Continue reading What To Do Next?
A Rolling Stone Gathers No Moss
I had my year end evaluation earlier this week and one comment has left me reeling: Teachers who have taught as long as you have rarely look to improve methods that aren't working. Firstly, if true, that's sad. I hope it is fear of change which holds those teachers back and not a general lack … Continue reading A Rolling Stone Gathers No Moss
When Inspiration Strikes
It never fails. I'm finally relaxed, calm, and ready to fall asleep. My phone is playing a lovely tune to help me find slumber faster. The air purifier is humming. The sheets are cool and the blanket soft. I'm so close... And then inspiration strikes. I'm in my classroom, a few months from now, getting … Continue reading When Inspiration Strikes
Dinosaurs Speak Latin 