World Language Dance Party 2019

January is going to be EPIC here in Bozeman!  The weekend before my birthday, our World Language Initiative - MT will be hosting a fundraiser at the Baxter Ballroom to support our after school language classes and summer camps.  If you have any interest in joining us here in Southwestern Montana, or supporting our efforts …

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Ghost Town Coffee and the Dominican Republic!

My main gig is with the fabulous Bozeman Field School.  This month we are thrilled to work with Ghost Town Coffee Roasters as our students raise funds for their upcoming trip to the Dominican Republic with The Batey Foundation. Students will engage in #learningservice (gratitude to: Where There Be Dragons) with the expertise of local partners who have been working in …

1 Descansito (Mini Brain Break)

Need a fun little and sometimes challenging brain break for your students? Here is a great one that my students love trying on their own and improving upon in and out of class.  Try this one this week with your students and they will be working on their own mental clarity and dexterity while connecting …

Sentence stems Brain Break!

I am constantly inspired by the ahhhhhmazing Annabelle Allen (now Williamson) aka La Maestra Loca.   This one is an easy go to brain break and it encourages kids to be very creative with the language.   Often times I am blown away by what I hear in my classroom when I walk around.  This can be …

“Coaching” for acquisition

Recently I presented to our local World Language Initiative - MT organization.  We are a non-profit that aims to bring languages to elementary students in an after school and camp setting here in Gallatin County, MT.   Check out the fantastic classes and camps these educators/coaches are leading!!   Here is what I presented to our "coaches" …

Brain Breaks for all!!

Last week I presented at our local state wide teacher conference. It was a packed house!!!  We had to (sadly!) ask people to leave.  Those that stayed were teaching various subjects and grade levels, so we practiced a few that I use often and know well.  Many of them are either from the fabulous, and …

How do you support different learning styles?

As teachers, we are always asked this pertinent question. It's a valid one.  Many times as educators and parents, we bend over backward to ensure that our students feel and know our support.  Educators know that these supports can come in all shapes and sizes. Personally, I prefer to keep it simple.  My sanity as a …

Why do I teach with CI?

Students need to know they can do whatever it is that they set their minds to.  They also need to know that it takes work to reach any goal.  But in my eyes, usually, they don't need to be told any of this explicitly.  Our job is to set them up for success and then …

This I believe…

Many of you know that I was diagnosed with a few minor "learning disabilities" in 8th grade.  I am very open about it as a parent and an educator.  In various ways, this diagnosis helped me to figure out who I am and what I need as a learner.  IMPORTANT stuff, for sure.  It has made …

Quotes from students!

So far the 2017-18 school year is off to a fantastically fun start!  Staying in the target language, using cognates, positive reinforcement, and regular comprehension checks works!  They are acquiring and feeling empowered!!! Stay tuned here to read some quotes from students that just make my day and let me know that what I am …