Day One

The first day of GAETI 2017 was everything I was hoping for! The group is very friendly and comfortable with lots of repeat students, none from my year (2015). We made introductions first. There is one other foreign language teacher. She teaches middle school Spanish in West Point. I am looking forward to sharing ideas and finding out how things are in 'her world.'
We took care of housekeeping chores and (re-) met the instructors. Dr. Bracey is not here because she is having a baby, possibly right now. That is certainly an adequate excuse! The rain didn't keep us from going to get parking permits before lunch. However, we postponed the campus tour.
After lunch - we went to the library to (re-) learn about MAGNOLIA. I searched for and found several interesting articles in Spanish and/or about Spanish customs. This is a good reminder to use this research tool.
Next - we went to the lab to learn about three sets of standards: MS Framework, ISTE and CCRS - ELA.  The assignment was to come up with a content-related lesson which incorporated standards from each set. We chose 'Dia de los Muertos' as the topic with the following procedure: Begin with an authentic reading about the customs and beliefs, maybe how one person explains the holiday to an outsider. (MAGNOLIA might help). Incorporate cognates and context clues to guess meanings of new words. Answer questions about the main idea. This hits RL 7.1 and 7.4. From the World Language Framework - FLI 5c (Interpretive Reading) and Culture 1 & 2 (Perspectives and Products). The reading could include beliefs and the products such as the altar and skulls with names of friends.  ISTE standards include 3b and 3c from Research. I feel this is a very 'do-able' lesson. I envision following the reading with an Edpuzzle video and a discussion. After the class discussion - students would find pictures, Snapchat 'stories' and videos from the Internet or social media showing authentic celebrations and/or opinions. These could be shared with Airplay on a smart board OR by sending the links to the teacher.
As an aside - I shared the 'Storyboard That' site with the other teacher. That reminded me to use it as a presentational speaking assignment for students!
After the blog we are going to work with Picktoto-Chart!