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| Thank you Ruth for inspiring us to celebrate everyday life! |
One
I knew my time was limited before exams. I had to work diligently to get my students ready for their end of the semester exams. We managed to review everything that we needed to before a surprise snow/freeze day on Friday.
Two
I have studied and learned many languages in my life, but I have never had to learn Spanish. Now I have a Spanish speaking student who speaks no English. I am celebrating that Spanish vowels are so close to the Finnish vowel sounds that I can read Spanish with just a few pronunciation lessons from online or from a friend. This means that I am able to communicate with my student. Even my other--non Spanish speaking--students are eager to learn Spanish! Here are some other resources that have helped me with him (and with other ELLs as well):
Three
I have studied and learned many languages in my life, but I have never had to learn Spanish. Now I have a Spanish speaking student who speaks no English. I am celebrating that Spanish vowels are so close to the Finnish vowel sounds that I can read Spanish with just a few pronunciation lessons from online or from a friend. This means that I am able to communicate with my student. Even my other--non Spanish speaking--students are eager to learn Spanish! Here are some other resources that have helped me with him (and with other ELLs as well):
Three
Response that I am getting from classroom teachers who are willing to help with our annual ELL testing! This means that they will have to take an online test after listening and reading the directions on the new WIDA Access test. I am so grateful to be working with teachers who are willing to help each other for the benefit of our students.
Four
We had an impromptu PD day on Friday. After everyone got over the fact that we really need this PD day, we got things done. We even had time to help each other in the classroom or work on our own things before going home early. We now wait to see if we will have school on Monday and Tuesday.
We had an impromptu PD day on Friday. After everyone got over the fact that we really need this PD day, we got things done. We even had time to help each other in the classroom or work on our own things before going home early. We now wait to see if we will have school on Monday and Tuesday.
Five
Perfect ending to Friday: work out at the gym! Thanks Val for making sure we both go to exercise our bodies after focusing on our minds. I came home tired, but feeling "good tired."
Join us in celebrating at Ruth's Website
Join us in celebrating at Ruth's Website
I love that you're learning Spanish to help your student. I celebrate YOU!! Your dedication and love for your students shines through. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Michelle! I should clarify that I am learning Spanish word, not complete sentences yet:)
DeleteI am expecting many spanish speaking students due to a new plant in our city. It has been many years since I have read or spoken it. I will keep your resources in mind because I know the day is coming. Have a great weekend Jaana!
ReplyDeleteNew plant is great as it means jobs! You are a great teacher and will do well with your future students!
DeleteTerrific that you are able to help your Spanish speakers, Jaana! I once had a Russian student, but in math, so we mostly communicated in numbers! He had a little English, yet I still remember how good he was at taking such a big challenge of school in a new language! Hope your weather clears up! Have a good weekend!
ReplyDeleteDon't know about the weather. We have already discussed what happens if school gets cancelled again next week for a day or two. Maybe some more reading if we have extra days off.
DeleteThat's so awesome that you're learning Spanish to communicate with your student. Teachers like you make me want to celebrate! :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks Holly! If I ever get to be semi-proficient, I will have to write at least one post in Spanish. I am still learning Arabic words for my other students at the same time. It is good the languages don't sound similar!
DeleteWho would have guessed that there were any similarities between Spanish and Finnish?! And bravo to you for learning a new language just to support your student.
ReplyDeleteTara, it comes from necessity. We don't have any teachers who are fluent in Spanish! Plus, doesn't the research say that learning a new language keeps your mind young?
DeleteI have that "feeling good" tired feeling now after a brisk walk in the freezing temps, dodging ice bombs falling from the trees. I love that you find ways to celebrate even during PD tasks and reviewing for finals.
ReplyDeleteThank you Margaret! I haven't been outside yet. I like--actually love--snow, but not the cold temps we have been having lately. I think I need to discover the joy of cold weather!
DeleteA busy week, you inspire me to go after that "good tired" feeling. I've let the daily grind crush my walks. Time to fit them in again. Congrats for tackling Spanish!
ReplyDeleteThis winter I have really needed the gym as it has been either too cold or too snowy or too windy to be walking outside.
DeleteFive celebrations from three days of school. Great! I believe that it is important for the ELL students to see that you care so much that you are willing to learn their language.
ReplyDeleteTerje, you are so right; even if I don't even learn Spanish fluently (which I most likely will not), its the effort! I have done the same with my Arabic speaking students, and they enjoy when I try their language.
DeleteYou are amazing to be able to learn languages! That is a talent and a smart mind. I don't think you have to worry about your mind turning to mush. Short week, but yet so much to celebrate!
ReplyDeleteElsie, I think the languages started in Finland. In order to graduate from high school in Finland, I had to study Swedish, English and German in addition to Finnish! Plus, I think learning words in new languages is FUN!
DeleteWhat a great week! It's amazing how closely some languages resemble each other. My daughter spent a year in Turkey last year and we were able to visit her with our exchange daughter from India. So many words were similar between Turkish and Hindi. And yes, you are very lucky to have the support of the teachers in your building. That's what helps our kids be successful...when we all work together. Have a wonderful week!
ReplyDeleteThanks Julie! I could not do my job without the support of classroom teachers and administration! Enjoy your week and stay warm!
DeleteThought I would pop over and check out your blog after the wonderful comment you left on mine. I was even more delighted to find out you were a teacher as well. I have a few LEP students in my class this semester. Thank God that they speak some english since I can't speak any other languages!
ReplyDeleteGlad to meet another fellow teacher, blogger, and OLWer. Hope you have a great week!!!!
Thank you for popping over to my blog! Please come and join us for celebrations on Ruth's page on Saturdays. We'd love to have you. I also link up with two writing teachers blog on Tuesdays for Slice of Life. Here are the links: http://www.ruthayreswrites.com/ and http://twowritingteachers.wordpress.com/!
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