I have been judicious about planning what virtual learning that I take part in this summer. It is so important that teachers make sure they take time to recharge especially after such a hectic spring and an unknown fall. However, I did know that I wanted to set aside some time for the NFLC Virtual …
Author Archives: Maris Hawkins
Allowing retakes: how well is your parachute packed?
In my education program, my professor would tell us a great analogy about grades and retakes. She said that as teachers we should allow students to retake assessments, so they can continue to practice and improve with the language. We want students to practice so well that they can attain a proficiency with the language. …
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Focus on adjustment
As teachers, we are constantly adjusting. It seems like we adjust frequently with different trends that emerge- PBLs, no homework, IPAs, differentiation- you name it. However, the best of each idea seems to stick as we work on the next idea emerging from education. Also, as foreign language teachers, we are all adjusting our beliefs …
Becoming a better language advocate
This year, I am taking on a big goal, and it is to become more of a language advocate. First, I had to admit that I had not really been a language advocate. In some ways, I thought that I was already doing so. I taught a language, and I believed that if students enjoyed …
Let your students lead the way
At this point of the year, I am able to let students take even more control in level 2. They are starting to become more confident in their abilities, and they know what I expect of them when we complete activities. Now, it is time for them to take the reins! Some of my favorite …
Stepping Stones to Interpretive Reading
When I started to teach towards proficiency, I knew what the end product was, but I was not always clear how to get there. What would I do each day in class? However, once I started asking students more and more proficiency questions on my assessments, I would start to notice the gaps in their …