A look into the first day of a German TPRS class DAY ONE:

Willkommen! Eric Richards Fort Zumwalt North High School O’Fallon, Missouri (St. Louis area) German Teacher Department Chair Author TPRS Books Workshop Presenter Willkommen!

A Quick Breakdown of the Session An overview and explanation of the first day (in my class) Things I do NOT do! Things I do! Some thoughts on my approach! Demonstration (A Variation of) “Circling with Balls” Class Reading Closing

What does the first day like? I do NOT go over rules. I do NOT go over a syllabus. I do NOT go over a supply list. I do NOT go over a seating chart. I do NOT take attendance (until the end of class – and I forget that most of the time). So, what do I do?

- I welcome my students & I start teaching - I welcome my students & I start teaching! - I speak in the target language! - I set “expectations” through modeling! How do you mean? Why is speaking in the target language from day one so important? I am setting the “tone” for the entire year on day one. They are “expected” - and they should expect - everyday: to participate / engage to have a sense of confidence (and accomplishment) to understand that this class is not a “traditional” class to hear, read, speak and write German – acquire the language!

Let’s dive a little deeper! Do I want to welcome my students by going over rules? No! I am essentially saying all of the things we CANNOT do! I want to express all the things that we CAN do (and will do)! I want an atmosphere where my students know that they can experience success and accomplishment in our classroom. I want my students to know that we are on the same “team” and that this our class! …and I need to start on day one!

Before we begin… A common question: Do you start with a story? No! (Shhhh! Don’t tell Blaine!  ) This is just an example of how I do it! Talk to the other presenters & coaches and ask what amazing things they do! This has been very successful for me; it allows me to achieve my goals: Starting day one in the target language! Student engagement (without overwhelming them)! Setting expectations through modelling! Enjoying time in the classroom! (Students and Teachers!) Remember! You are the expert in your classroom and you know your students! Play to your strengths! Do what works for you! - but engage your students in the target language on day one! Don’t forget! There is plenty of time to set the other rules and expectations of the class as you go! You don’t have to do it all on the first day!

Let’s begin! I need some volunteers to be my class! No German teachers! Come on up! Relax! Have fun! You can do this! I promise!

Das ist … ein nicht (This / That is …) a / an not spielt … Spielst du …? gut / schlecht plays Do you play …? good / bad Kannst du …… spielen? Ich kann ……. spielen. Can you …. play? I can…play besser als better than Wer? Who Ja! / Nein! Yes! / No! Was? What

Musik! Instrumente! Musikinstrumente!

Videospiele! Final Fantasy Titanfall Minecraft Civilization

Das ist Steve. Steve spielt Basketball. Steve spielt gut Basketball! Steve spielt Basketball besser als Baseball. Steve kann Basketball besser als Tennis spielen. Steve spielt sehr gut Basketball! Steve spielt Basketball besser als Blaine Ray. Steve kann Basketball besser als Lebron James spielen! Steve ist fantastisch! Steve ist intelligent! Steve ist athletisch! Steve ist der Beste!

Danke! Thank you! Eric Richards erichards@fz.k12.mo.us If you have any questions, remarks or would like to share anything, please let me know! Don’t be shy! Really – if you want to share an idea, thoughts your story or anything, I’d enjoy hearing it. (I’ll even tell you my story, if you really want to know.) Please don’t forget the evaluation! (Well…please forget it, if you did not enjoy the session. )