March 2019 – La Maestra Loca

Classroom Management Part 4: Silent Signals

When I started working at Bricolage Academy this year, I walked into many "systems" and structures that were already set up as part of this charter school and how it runs. One of these systems is how the students ask to go to the bathroom, get water, get tissues, or get materials. Now, I…

March 28, 2019Classroom Managment

Culture

Class Names! So simple, SO unifying!

I have received 24 (I counted) emails in the last six months with a very simple question. How/Why do you name your classes? Each of my classes is named a different Spanish speaking country. In previous years I haven't had any rhyme or reason to which countries I choose. This year I named all of…

March 27, 2019Culture

Uncategorized

Posting student work for MORE input!

Another great benefit to my new school is being observed and evaluated again. Wait WHAT?! Did I just say that!? Yes, I did. One of the best parts of growing up as a teacher in the Denver Public Schools, under the leadership of Diana Noonan and Connie Navarro, is that you get VERY used to…

March 23, 2019Uncategorized

Teaching Strategies Videos

Equity of Voice: a NOVEL way to “storyask”

In my recent presentation for the Spanish Teacher's Success Academy, I spoke about equity of voice. It is something that I've always struggled with when we are trying to create a story together through TPRS or after we've created a One Word Image. I always seem to have the same outgoing class leaders offer suggestions.…

March 19, 2019Teaching Strategies, Videos

Classroom Managment Culture Teaching Strategies

Motivating them to STAY in the TL!

All year, I've said I have no idea how I received FL teacher of the year for Louisiana in 2018 because I am so much stronger this year than I was last! The reason for my major growth as an educator, can be attributed to one amazing person. My coach, Caitlin. I've mentioned her a…

March 15, 2019Classroom Managment, Culture, Teaching Strategies

Uncategorized

Meet My Memphis…

President's Day this year was an eventful one! My contractions started at 4:30 that morning. I knew I had 3-4 visitors from Country Day school observing that day, and I had gone through enough of our birthing classes to know that contractions could last for days before they're close enough together for it to actually…

March 3, 2019Uncategorized

Teaching Strategies Workshops/Conferences/Teacher Training

INCREDIBLE FREE PD Opportunity!

I am a week behind in promoting this incredible opportunity! So, most of you should already know about it and if you don't then YAY, I am glad I am catching you! (We had our little bundle of joy come a few weeks early... see the end of this blog for a hint on baby…

March 2, 2019Teaching Strategies, Workshops/Conferences/Teacher Training