by Megan Smith | Nov 6, 2015 | grammar, Most Popular, Teacher Problems
Grammar. You already know which side of the fence you’re on, don’t you? It seems to me that world language teachers either LOVE it or HATE it. That it is crucial to student success or it’s not necessary at all. Well, I’m not part of either of... 
by Megan Smith | Nov 4, 2013 | 1 Planning, Activities/Sports, Culture, Most Popular, Teacher Problems, Teacher Talk
When I first started teaching I remember being told: “Do your best, but know that not EVERY lesson will be great at first. Aim for ONE great lesson a week.” Now, I’ll be really honest. I have some lessons that still go bad now and then. Not every day... 
by Megan Smith | Aug 26, 2012 | Class Routines, Learning Stations, Most Popular, Teacher Problems
Published on: Aug 26, 2012 During my first two years of teaching a language, I noticed some patterns. 1.) Although I had big classes (around 30), about 5-10 students did the majority of speaking in class in the TL. 2.) Students got bored easily. I needed to change the... 
by Kara Parker | Apr 27, 2012 | 4 Assessments, Most Popular
A few reflection questions about your class: How many grades does each student have for one semester? Has a student ever got an A in your class that could not use the language? Or failed because of missing class work? How much time do you spend grading a week?... 
by Kara Parker | Feb 26, 2012 | 1 Planning, 4 Assessments, Class Routines, Most Popular, Proficiency
If you read my post about Real World Homework, then you already know that I love stamps. Next I created a similar document for the class objectives for the students and copied it on the other side. When students SHOW what they can do, I give them a stamp on that goal.... 
by Kara Parker | Feb 14, 2012 | 5 Homework/Enrichment, Class Routines, Most Popular
So one day a few years back, I was watching the show “The Real World” while lesson planning. I thought about how boring workbook pages are for homework. They just copy someone’s answer during breakfast or before class anyways. Their tag line...
