Welcome New SPS World Languages Teachers!

Introductions Julie West French teacher, Parkview High School Nancy Schneider Curriculum Specialist Social Studies and Foreign Languages

Introductions Edward Gumucio Spanish / Drama teacher Hillcrest High School Erin Matthews Spanish teacher Carver Middle School Jeff Loughary Spanish / French teacher Central High School Kazumi Holcomb Japanese teacher Kickapoo High School Kris Morehead Spanish teacher Pipkin Middle School Sara Schall Spanish teacher Central High School  Malu Hayes Spanish teacher Jarrett Middle School

FLAM Conference October 22-23, 2010

Getting Off to a Great Start Wong, Harry. (2001). The First Days of School. Harry K Wong Publications

What you do on the first days of school will determine your success or failure for the rest of the school year.

Show that you are in control AND care about your students:

Minimize The Fear Factor

AM I IN THE RIGHT CLASSROOM??? WHERE AM I SUPPOSED TO SIT???

SHOW THEM THEY’RE IN THE RIGHT PLACE post sign on/outside door with your name and class schedule post the same information including times on front wall of classroom / include welcoming, supporting information

¡Bienvenidos Amigos (Welcome Friends) a la clase de Español 2 Pre Diploma! ¡Bienvenidos Amigos (Welcome Friends) a la clase de Español 2 Pre Diploma! 1st block Spanish II 8:00 - 9:32 Mrs. Lilley (Señora Lilley)

Greet each student at the door: direct them toward their pre-assigned seat (number desks / have books & other papers already on desks or easily available for students to pick up when they enter)

Have them get to work right away: tell students to follow the posted instructions to begin work such as completion of a survey, questionnaire, information form; circle words they recognize in an article in the target language and answer simple comprehension questions

1. Please be seated in your assigned seat. (See the seating chart on the table at front of room). 2. Write your name in ink inside the front cover of your textbook. 3. Fill out the student interest inventory sheet found inside your textbook. 4. When finished, begin to read the syllabus and class newsletter. 5. Tell Señora Lilley the correct pronunciation of your name and your book number when she comes to your desk. 6. Relax…You’re in a place where you will be respected and will learn lots about the wonderful Spanish language and its cultures.

WHO IS THIS TEACHER? DOES HE/SHE CARE ABOUT ME???

Seven seconds to communicate you care : How you treat yourself with respect, dignity, love How you greet students at the door How you dress What signs are posted in your classroom The message on the board or projector The obviousness that you are organized and ready That you are in control of the learning environment of the classroom

WHAT IF THIS TEACHER DOESN’T SPEAK ENGLISH IN CLASS? WILL I BE ABLE TO UNDERSTAND???

Successfully introduce the course and yourself in the TARGET LANGUAGE: make brief introduction using cognates, repetition, gestures, facial expressions, pictures, photos, circumlocution to explain in more than one way debrief--take turns telling partner (you direct who that will be) what you understood of the introduction follow-up question -- What strategies did I use that helped you to understand the introduction?

WHAT ARE THE RULES IN THIS CLASSROOM?

Students want a well-managed classroom even more than the teachers do because there is security in a classroom that is consistent. Consistency comes from procedures and routines.

Teach procedure for entering room and starting class: Students to be seated when bell rings and working on posted assignment as they have already successfully done today

1. Please be seated in your assigned seat. (See the seating chart on the table at front of room). 2. Write your name in ink inside the front cover of your textbook. 3. Fill out the student interest inventory sheet found inside your textbook. 4. When finished, begin to read the syllabus and class newsletter. 5. Tell Señora Lilley the correct pronunciation of your name and your book number when she comes to your desk. 6. Relax…You’re in a place where you will be respected and will learn lots about the wonderful Spanish language and its cultures.

Explain rules and procedures: Each student gets a copy of the rules; large version is posted in classroom; parents receive a copy Break rules into a few chunks with the most important ones first QUIET SIGNAL EXPECTED BEHAVIORS CAREFUL OF CLASSROOM EQUIPMENT Rules are designed to allow for a smoothly running classroom where all are respected and can learn their best

FIRST LESSON ACTIVITY Do only after quiet signal and behavioral expectations have been successfully taught Carefully explain rules for the activity and then explain them AGAIN! Practice for smooth delivery Stop activity and re-explain rules for the activity and behavioral expectations if any breakdown Carefully choose an activity that allows students to respect one another and the teacher and that can be easily managed

Continue with explanation of rules and procedures: Praise students for properly following rules during the activity Recap the Quiet Signal. Continue with other rules and procedures. Discuss grading / homework policies in the next couple of class periods.

Dismissing the class : In the final few minutes... Reiterate your excitement for the upcoming year Tell the students that you are pleased to have met them Explain the rules for exiting the classroom--pick up all belongings, throw away any trash on the way out, put chair in correct position Remind them that the teacher dismisses the class, not the bell Collect questionnaires, other paperwork before or as they leave Stand at door to say goodbye to each student Plan a filler activity so that you teach bell to bell

If you do not plan, the students will plan for you!