Evidence of my Teaching Strategies:

One of the most important lessons I have learned during my career as an educator is that the more creativity you can bring to your classroom, the more likely you are to engage your students in meaningful learning. Innovation and creativity are a part of the teaching strategies that are utilized in my classroom. Effective teaching strategies are essential in every kind of classroom in order to ensure that the diverse needs and learning styles of each student are met. It has long been my goal to practice new, effective teaching strategies and methods in order to enhance student learning outcomes. I believe that the Spanish language and culture are the perfect contexts in which to apply these innovative techniques and strategies.

When starting a new unit or beginning a new grammar form, lecture and note taking are the most effective strategies to ensure that all students receive the correct information and necessary learning tools to be successful.

"Estaciones" (Stations) is a strategy often utilized in my teaching practice. "Estaciones" allows students to be up and moving around while they practice different language skills. At each station, students may be asked to conjugate verbs in sentences, read for comprehension, or provide word meanings from a larger context.

To make Spanish more exciting, movement and group work are incorporated as much as possible. These strategies allow students the flexibility to work with those they feel most comfortable before we come back together for group share out.

To ensure that all students have a solid understanding of Spanish vocabulary, "Flashitas" (Flash Cards) are a teaching strategy utilized daily in all of my classes. For 3-5 minutes a day, students practice their vocabulary words during a slow-jams study session by working in pairs or individually.

"Scoot" is another great teaching strategy that incorporates movement with group/partner work. Similar to "Estaciones," "scoot" is a bit faster paced and requires students to practice aspects of the Spanish language and grammar in more isolated contexts before requiring them to use that knowledge in a larger context.

As a variation to "Flashitas," "Juego de vaso" (The Cup Game) is sometimes utilized. For this game, students take turns being the "teacher" and quizzing their "students" on their vocabulary words. This strategy is a great way to get students up and moving while also allowing students the opportunity to become "the teacher" and build their confidence.

"Rompecabezas" (Puzzles) are another great teaching strategy to incorpoate partner work while practicing grammar or vocabulary. For "Rompecabezas", students correctly match Spanish/English combinations in order to complete their puzzle. This strategy also works great as a competitive game!

To practice the formation and use of the superlative, students participate in an activity called "Los Premios" (The Awards). For this activity, students nominate people for different categories ranging from "The Worst Singer" to "The Best Candy Bar". Afterwards, students make and present awards for the winner of each category using the superlative forms.

When time allows and students have worked hard, "Down Time" is a teaching strategy I sometimes utilize to reward my classes. When that happens, we take "class selfies" !! These are some of my Spanish 2 students from one of my most favorite classes!