We know that students acquire language through understanding
comprehensible input and that the ACTFL standard is 90% target language in class.
That standard can be difficult to maintain if it is not a practiced habit for
both the teacher and student.
What does 90% + target language look like? In a beginning
class it probably involves lots of classroom commands paired with classroom
materials. Apart from introductions I used TPR for most of class during the
first week, and even did ‘refreshers’ throughout the year at the beginning of
class. Eventually the objects and commands would turn into where things were
located, then whether they were blue or red, large or small. Standing they
would show their understanding by ‘performing’ the actions: “lift your
(imaginary) back pack. Look in the bag and find a notebook. Place the notebook
on the (imaginary) desk. Now look for a red pen. Place the pen to the right of
the notebook. Open the notebook and take out a piece of paper…” This could go
on most of a period, with variations, students facing each other and being ‘mirrors’
of partners, drawing the scenario, and eventually reading the directions and preparing
their real desktops. (Example
from a French classroom of TPR.)
I always created my own ‘self’ PD time when getting ready
for a new school year by finding other teachers online whose style and ideas I
would emulate. Last year I discovered Senor Howard, a young successful Spanish teacher who
documents what it is like for him to stay in the target language by filming
himself teaching. Here is
a first day video of what it’s like in his class. His tips for staying in the target
language. All of his videos are
here: they’re really cute. If you are teaching level one, or reviewing in
level 2 these could give you some inspiration! (easily transferable into other
languages)
At the conference I attended this summer many Spanish teachers
mentioned they use ‘the blue cat’ story to begin the year, even on the first
day! So cute! On
this page a Spanish teacher details how she uses the story to start her year.
However you decide to begin your
year just remember the formula: CI + 90% + interesting = ‘perfect storm’ of
learning and an engaged class! Have a great first day!
