Sra. Silvia Gutiérrez Luna Spanish Class & XXI Century Class

About thisBlog

The purpose of this site is be able to give parents the access to the Spanish classes especially now a day that teachers and parents have access to internet, it could become a bridge for communication between the school and the community. For students, an opportunity to access information about the Spanish classes that I teach. I would like for them to be able to find tips for studying; the requirements for the classes, to access homework help sites, and check for the week’s assignments. Also I Included Cultural sites of interests to become familiar not only with the language but with the culture as a part of becoming a foreign language student. The study of foreign languages has long been the traditional means for crossing borders between cultures, and for foreign language teachers, the Internet represents an incredible opportunity to energize this tradition. Today borders virtually disappear at these websites, enabling students to live within the discourse of another language and even sample its special variations in the cultures of many lands.

Learning a Second Language Takes Time & Practice

In my experience, in order to learn a second language, we have to know that it takes time. Sometimes we get frustrated because our native language is dominating, but if you treat the second language that you are learning like a baby giving it constant attention it will grow! I have been speaking 43 years Spanish, 29 years Italian, 15 years English and 6 years using technology language.  Of course the predominant language is Spanish, but I treat and respect my other languages like my babies growing up.  I just feed them and  be patient in the growing process.

TAREA:  Write a parragraph introducing yourself to your “amigo por correspondecia”  10 puntos.  Use vocabulary from chapter 1. ¿Cómo te llamas? ¿Cuántos años tienes? ¿De dónde eres? ¿Qué te gusta?

My philosophy of education is based on producing happy individuals who are respectful members of a greater whole who can function in society.  This person should be an ethical citizen who is understanding, hardworking, open-minded, and responsible.  During this person’s life he or she should exhibit characteristics that reflect a balance of civic/social responsibility and an independence and overall sense of well being.  This person should also help to create higher standards for society, showing respect for individual rights and equality, willingness to cooperate and compromise, a sense of community, and active participation in the democratic process.  I believe students to be naturally inquisitive and willing to learn if given the proper environment.  The environment should promote learning and extend feelings of comfort and security.   Parents should take an active role in the educational process of their child.  Classroom structure should also be democratic with teachers and students sharing information and ideas.  Lecturing should be minimized while more exiting and enjoyable activities as well as self-determined projects are encouraged.  There should be some hierarchy of subject matter and a wide variety of elective subjects.  The emphasis should be on critical thinking and learning process.

Aim and Goals:

• Creation of ethical individuals

Individuals should understand the benefits of being: hardworking, honest, trustworthy, responsible, independent, unselfish, and open minded.

• Creation of civically responsible individuals

Individuals should understand their responsibility to be proactive in all levels of government and understand the laws that govern them as U.S., state, and local citizens.

• Creation of socially responsible individuals

Individuals should show respect toward all other groups and individuals and have a sense of community and understand their responsibilities as a member a larger community.

• Creation of individuals that understand the learning process       

Individuals should understand how to learn through questioning and critical thinking and how to interpret information gained through experimentation and personal experience.

• Creation of democratic individuals

Individuals should understand that teachers and students must share learning and exhibit equality and understand that each individual has equal importance in the classroom and in life.

Learning theory:

My learning theory is based on humanistic.  These ideas include: teachers being sensitive to the student’s world; learners are regarded as individuals, each with unique characteristics that affect interest and learning; learning should be holistic; classrooms are based on warm, friendly democratic student-teacher interactions; quality of learning is more important than quantity; ideas are shared and students work together; students are given choices and freedom; academic tracking and competitive testing are minimized; and finally learning is based on life experiences, discovery, exploring, and experimentation.

Teaching method:

Information should be shared on all levels and not flow in a single direction.  Therefore, discussion should be emphasized.  Experimentation and personal experience should also be a focus so as to further eliminate a unidirectional approach to learning.  Lectures cannot and should not be eliminated in many cases, but their use should be minimized.

Lesson plan assignment #13 Assessment

Students are able to peer review their work and  work individually to make their final draf using Microsoft word in Spanish.  Then, they use the e-mail account to their Pen Pal in another school.   According to the Access 21st Century Skill: ICT leteracy.   I think my lesson can assess students in the the following:

Assessment: The students will be assessed on peer review, individual work, technology skills, creative writing, and final draft communication with pen pal completed on time.  All students will e-mail me a copy of the final letter via e-mail.

GLOBAL AWARENESS 

• Learning from and working collaboratively with individuals representing diverse cultures, religions and lifestyles in a spirit of mutual respect and open dialogue in personal, work and community contexts 

• Learning from and working collaboratively with individuals representing diverse cultures, religions and lifestyles in a spirit of mutual respect and open dialogue in personal, work and community contexts • Promoting the study of non-English language as a tool for understanding other nations and cultures 

CIVIC LITERACY 

• Exercising the rights and obligations of citizenship at local, state, national and global levels 

• Exercising the rights and obligations of citizenship at local, state, national and global levels • Understanding the local and global implications of civic decisions 

• Applying 21st century skills to make intelligent choices as a citizen 

THINKING, PROBLEM-SOLVING, INTERPERSONAL AND SELF-DIRECTIONAL  LEARNING SKILLS 

• Critical thinking and systems thinking. Exercising sound reasoning in understanding and making complex choices, understanding the interconnections among systems. 

• Exercising sound reasoning in understanding and making complex choices, understanding the interconnections among systems. 

Interpersonal and collaborative skills. Demonstrating teamwork and leadership; adapting to varied roles and responsibilities; working productively with others; exercising empathy; respecting diverse perspectives. 

Social responsibility. Acting responsibly with the interests of the larger community in mind; demonstrating ethical behavior in personal, workplace and community contexts. 

Communication skills. Understanding, managing and creating effective oral, written and multimedia communication in a variety of forms and contexts. 

Assignment #13  Lesson plan Chapter 3

CSO’s: 1.2, 2.2, 3.1, 3.2, 4.2, 5.1
Objective: Students will review adjective agreement and the uses of gustar through writing a letter to a new pen pal describing their likes and dislikes. 

Overview: 

-Go over homework 

-Review classroom set of vocabulary flashcards for tercer paso 

-Classroom exercises p.85 exercise 24 and p. 86 ex.) 25, 26 and p. 88 ex) 30 

-Write 5 sentences (a paragraph) in letterform to a new pen pal describing yourself, your likes and your dislikes. (Turn in for a grade) 

Homework: Study for vocabulary test from 1,2,3 pasos 

New Lesson plan

Objective: Students will review adjective agreement and the uses of gustar through writing a letter to a new pen pal describing their likes and dislikes. Use e-mail accounts to share with pen pals their letter.

Overview: 

-Go over homework 

-Review classroom set of vocabulary flashcards for tercer paso 

-Classroom exercises p.85 exercise 24 and p. 86 ex.) 25, 26 and p. 88 ex) 30 

-Write 5 sentences (a paragraph) in letterform to a new pen pal describing yourself, your likes and your dislikes. (Turn in for a grade) First draft, then give your paper to a classmate to peer review.  After the review type the paragragh in word.  Change the language to Spansih to check for spelling and it in your disk.  Then, email to your assigned pen pal from the otehr school.  Copy and paste the word document to your email.  Send a copy to Sra. Luna at mluna@access.k12.wv.us

Technology: After peer review students will e-mail their pen pal to the other school using their access.k12.wv.us e-mail accounts. Use of Word to type and check spelling in Spanish.

Homework: Study for vocabulary test from 1,2,3 pasos 

Assessment: The students will be assessed on peer review, individual work, technology skills, creative writing, and final draft communication with pen pal completed on time.  All students will e-mail me a copy of the final letter via e-mail. 

Assignment # 14 Podcasting

The following are podcasts that I found on Podcast Alley in search of Spanish podcasting. 

1) Profesores de español.Pod    

2) http://www.freewebs.com/technopodcast/rss.xml  http://www.eslpod.com/podcasts/ESLPod_1.mp3  ESL Podcast, to improve English by listening to native speakers talk and discuss topics of interest. 

4) http://feeds.feedburner.com/rollingrs  This podcast is about lesson on weather in Spanish. 

5) http://www.rollingrs.com/2006/03/26/rollingrs-15-escribir/  Verbs with -IR ending. Excellent for review of verbs in chapter 5 Book Ven Conmigo.

6) http://www.rollingrs.com/2006/01/16/rollingrs-05-er-verbs-and-comer/ Explanation of the verbs -ER ending.  Excellent for review of verbs in chapter 5 Book Ven Conmigo.

7) http://www.rollingrs.com/2006/04/07/rollingrs-16-question-words/  This is a lesson in Spanish teaching the question words.

CADENA SER Radio program in Spanish

9)  Viva Podcast A variety of topics DVD and movie reviews, music, art, funny stories, current events, strange news stories, dumb criminals, television, suburban escapades, and podcasting itself.

10) Buena Rima  Poetry, rimes and jokes in Spanish

Assignment # 12

I think that Wikipedia is a wonderful source of information for general purposes.  It will be very useful in my classes especially when students need to do their informal research about a Spanish speaking country.  I found the information very updated; as an example of that, the change of the Venezuelan flag which just happened last month.  It has a wide variety of information of any kind from articles to books etc.

I like the fact that wikipedia has the information in many languages.  We can see how the world gets together in contributing to information from anywhere at anytime. It is having a all language encyclopedia and a library at home & school for my students!

Now, as a source of formal research I will not recommend it because the information is very easy to edit, and we don’t know how reliable could be as a formal source. 

1) Lesson Plan Week # 09.   This is my lesson plan format that I use for my class.  In that week lesson we can see students participation and cultural awareness. Cultural exchange “Celebrating the Spanish month”   

Spanish I week 9 (2005-2006).doc

2) Power point presentation for the project due the same week. Handout for country research 2 weeks before the presentation.  After they finish the information they start the power point assigment.  If you would like to see the power point presentation you can go to my website  http://silvia.artyko.com In students section click on Work Made by Students, then the power point will open.

Group Project Hispanic Month.doc

3) Spanish Poetry project.  My love for poetry made me understand that any language can be understood experiencing reading poems and literature.  In November WV celebrates the International Week.  In this project they had to choose their favorite poem and poet.  Many students show their interest in reading. Then, student made bookmarks using the poems translated Spanish/English.  The website provided they copied from the site and paste in word. Then, they created a nice bookmark to be printed in hard beige paper for their families and teachers of the school.  http://www.poesia-inter.net/translat.htm

 Handout for students research poets online

 Poems research made by students 2006 Spanish I This are some of the book marks made by Spanish I students form WPMS 2005.   

4) Spanish I Syllabus

Spanish I are part of the classes that I teach at WPMS & CPMS.  The class will focus on enabling students to communicate effectively in Spanish and to understand and respect a different culture.  The class will be conducted mostly in Spanish, and you will participate actively using the Spanish language skills.
Spanish I Syllabus 2005-2006

6) West Virginia Content Standards Objectives Foreign Language Spanish I

Foreign language has five performance levels have been proposed for West Virginia: distinguished, above mastery, mastery, partial mastery and novice. A general description of each of these categories is listed in this document:

Spanish I CSO’s

7) Power Points used un my class to teach vocabulary and grammar.  Students enjoy very much when I use my power points because it is more atractive that the use of a regular blackborad.  They can also view it on my blog any time to review the concepts learned in class.

• Teaching Interrogative Words Verbo Gustar Power Point What? Who? When? Why?
• Chapter 4 -Ar Verbs Present tense Chapter 4 Primer Paso -Ar verbs present tense
• Chapter 3 Verb “Ser” and “Estar” To Be or not To Be  Chapter 3 Verb “Ser” and “Estar”

My webpage “El Español en el Siglo XXI” I designed a webpage for my students, colleges and parents to publish my students work and to communicate with them via web. Students are able to see their work.  They have access to my website to upload and publish and create their own page.  The website is still under construction

www.silvia.artyko.com

9) Field Trip 

Justo Lamas’ Concert in Morgantown April 6, 2006

Students in the Spanish classes at CPMS/WPMS have the opportunity to attend Justo Lamas concert in Morgantown. Justo Lamas is a dynamic young man from Argentina who has recently been traveling around the United States giving concerts for Spanish students. After the concert we are going to Rio Grande a Mexican Restaurant for lunch.  Students will experience and use their Spanish language skills by singing the songs and also at the restaurant requesting food.   

My Portfolio

Silvia Luna Portfolio

My Philosophy as an Advocate of Literacy

     Learning is an ongoing, lifelong process. I want to help students realize this and give them a thirst for knowledge. Every person has something to offer. It is important to realize that we not only learn from the material that we look at in the classroom, but we learn from the knowledge and the experiences that each student brings into the classroom. Every student has their own story, their own experiences that can and should be shared. Because each student has their own strengths and weaknesses, areas where they can help others, and areas where they need to let others help them. In this type of classroom, every student assumes the role of the teacher some of the time and the teacher also assumes the role of a student, learning from the information that the students share. Realizing the wealth of information that students bring into the classroom is important, because I believe that it brings a mutual respect into the classroom. Also, as a teacher, I do not enter the classroom planning to pour all the information into them, but acknowledging that they already have background information on which they will be building, knowing that their own experiences will affect how they will interpret the new information.
     I believe that it is possible for all students to be interested in almost any topic that is taught, as long as the individuality of each student is respected. I believe that it is important to vary lesson styles, because some students learn better in one way, but if the entire class were taught the same way, not only would many students become bored, but also it would be a prescription for failure for others. Too often, the textbook is looked upon as being the sole source for the course, but I feel that it is essential to include as many resources and views as possible.
     Teaching is not only the role of a teacher, although it is the teacher’s responsibility to create a friendly learning environment. Students should recognize that their attitudes towards learning are important and that they should be actively involved in their own education. We learn from every person that we come in contact with; teachers, other students and from our families and communities. This community of learners is essential to creating the best learning environment possible.    

My Vision of the 21^st Century Classroom
        

      New technologies are transforming how we teach and how students learn. Classrooms are changing from place-bound, four walled, chalk boarded facilities to virtual classrooms distributed throughout the world. Classroom design and utilization is changing and there is a need for ongoing research on the classroom of the 21st century.  In order to enhance the academic program, improve services, create the most productive work environment, remain responsive to future technology innovations and strategically to advance, in West Virginia must now take the next steps to build a world-class information environment. This effort should be based upon the principles that information has its greatest value when shared and that in order to do their best work individuals must have the rights, responsibilities and skills to manage information.  Being literate in this future will certainly involve the ability to read, write, and do basic math. However, the concept of literacy in the 21st century will be far richer and more comprehensive than that. 

       West Virginia is doing a great effort to implement a 21^st learning environment.  In order to make this a smooth transition we need the support of the community, teachers and administrators to be in pro of the change across the State.   In creating an environment that will join in participating classrooms together into one connected learning community.
      

      I think that we need an ongoing support for teachers and administrators included monthly trainings, quarterly meetings, and on-site instructional technology specialists. Networking among participants encouraged the collaboration of projects and the ability to share lessons learned. Email conferencing and a web presence offered daily communication and support for the staff.

     I envision a teacher that knows that technology is a door open with infinite information, which should start opening the channels of communication with other teachers to make the 21^st Century learning a faster process in West Virginia, working together in making the school system stronger. 

     Another important factor to consider for the 21^st Century education is that our future teachers are going to be technology native.  They need to be encouraged with better salaries to embrace the teaching profession.  A quality teacher creates a quality education.

 In April 6, 2006

Students in the Spanish classes at CPMS/WPMS have the opportunity to attend Justo Lamas concert in Morgantown. Justo Lamas is a dynamic young man from Argentina who has recently been traveling around the United States giving concerts for Spanish students. After the concert we are going to Rio Grande a Mexican Restaurant for lunch (bring money 7 to 10 dollars) this field trip is going to be on Thursday, April 6, 2006. Buses will depart from CPMS at 8:30 a.m. and WPMS at 9:00 return at 2:00 p.m. WPMS and at 2:30 CPMS

The cost is $16 ($12 ticket for the concert, $4 for the bus) Students must complete and return the form below with $16. This form is due by March 6, 2006. Money is non-refundable. MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO WPMS.

We are also in need of several adults to chaperone our students. If you are interested in being chaperone for this trip, please indicate your interest in the area below. Chaperone must be on the the Preston County Board of Education approved chaperone list.

If you have any questions, please contact Sra. Luna at WPMS 864-5221.  You can visit the website of Justo Lamas

http://www.justo-lamas.net/

Gracias!

If you need the permission slip you can open this file and sign it Concierto_AlmuerzoSilvia.doc

Mi webblog es mi cuaderno para la clase Siglo 21 y para mis estudiantes de español I como centro de información de la clase.

Hola Chicos!

Study for quiz tomorrow are the -AR ending verbs.  Remember to conjugate them accordingly with the subject pronoun You can practice in the website

Spaleon.com

choose 10 verbs form the list below and conjugate them.  Click on Present Tense -AR verbs.  Then choose the verbs that you know.

Caminar, pasear, cantar, bailar, tomar, lavar, pasar, pintar, hablar, mirar, descansar, preparar, tocar y jugar. 

Example sentence from the quiz 4 1-A: 

Mi hermana y yo ________ (caminar) por las tardes.

Answer: Mi hermana y yo caminamos por las tardes.

Also go to our book website Ven Conmigo!

http://go.hrw.com/hrw.nd/gohrw_rls1/pKeywordResults?keyword=wl%20spanish%20l1

Click on chapter 4 and practice “Primer Paso” ONLY. 

A) Digital Immigrants teaching Digital Natives.
Learning a second language as an adult it is far more difficult than learning a second language as a child.  On another perspective, learning technology is a second language for most of us teachers today.  The digital immigrants, teachers learning technology and using it in our classroom is very important not to get lost in comparisons.  Some students may know more than we know, but some others are clueless about technology and we need to find balance.  Teachers are the bridge between students that knows about technology and the students that needs to learn.  I also think that teachers need to be up to date in technology in order to approach teaching with a method that students can capture and engage in learning.  Using old methods all the time can limit the child’s learning capability if the child is used to technology environment.    Teachers also need constant training and technology support when needed, that’s the only way that an ascent of a second language can be improved.  Perseverance!

B) Resource form Marco Polo

This resource will be useful website not only for my Spanish class but also for geography history and music classes.  This website explain about the influence of the Spanish culture, music & holidays and language in the everyday live in America. http://www.pbs.org/teachersource/thismonth/oct01/index.shtm

For Spanish classes it is very good because it has a variety of resources in reading, listening to “novelas” soap operas in Spanish.

We know that successful classroom resources enable educators and students to gain concrete examples of how ICT Literacy can be integrated into core subjects, while making the teaching and learning of core subjects more relevant to the demands of the 21st century.  Students need to expand their knowledge in a variety of meaningful ways in order for them to internalize learning.  Learning comes when the students understand the importance of it.  Becoming proficient users of technology affects students’ ability to write better, express themselves more clearly, and understand presented material faster and with greater recall. 
The dimensions of 21st century learning are: Global Awareness, Financial, Economic and Business Literacy and Civic Literacy, Learning Skills Information and Communication Skills, Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills, and Interpersonal & Self-Directional Skills, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Literacy.

Achieving the goals of the 21^st century in our present school system is a path that is already in place in some schools.  The need to help teachers and school facilities in some areas is fundamental to achieve equity education in this new era and in all areas.  I think that we are in a transitional point where the needs conflicts with some obsolete teaching and the new teachers are “waiting” in some cases because the need for classrooms technology is now a days targeted only in the basic core areas.  Another point is that we need to start from the bottom up in order to be strong as a State.  If we become strong State then we can measure as a Nation, then the nation will compete strong in the world.

I think that each teacher has to take an active role in this transitional moment, teaching our students the importance of the six elements for the 21^st century.  In my area being a Spanish teacher in a regular classroom and also virtual classes, my emphasis is global awareness, the importance of learning other languages and respect for other cultures.  Also teaching students to develop learning skills that can be applied in any area. Teaching in diffrent settings let me to the conclusion that we need balance in the school system on cutting edge technology equipment for regular classroom foreign language teachers. 

Technology is a window to observe and participate in the world from our classrooms. If teacher does not have the equipment to give the students this opportunity, this window is close. 
 

Parents/guardians,  please fill out the form and sign for your kids permission to be able to publish their Spansih work on my blog site. Gracias!

Permission for Student Work.doc

Hola! I am Silvia Luna. I am a teacher at West Preston & Central Preston Middle Schools, also I am a adjunct at West Virginia Virtual Spanish Classes1-B.  I graduated in 2002 from Fairmont state university. Bachelor degree in Spanish & Education. In 2003 I finished my masters in secondary education at West Virginia University, With a 4.0 GPA.  Im currently taking my second masters in Reading and hopefully graduating in december. 

I would like for you to leave your comments and also to read the link for blog safety for your children.  Is from Microsoft and I think it could be very useful for your children online protection.

http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/children/kidblog.mspx

The following document are the Content Standards and Objectives for Spanish I required by the West Virginia Department of Education.

SpanishICSOs.doc

1)   Study for chapter 3 on Thursday 2-09-06. Adjective agreement (Elena y Paloma son bonitas), verb “SER” (Ella es alta) and the posssesion “DE” (Los papeles son de la profesora Luna)

2)   Decorate and search for clip arts for your power point presentation on Friday 2-10-06

martes 07, 2006 

Today in Spanish I class we started power points using the vocabulary of Chapter 3.  Describe yourself and things that you like explaining why.  Use 3 adjetives to describe each item. 

Power Point presentation (50 puntos)
Capitulo 3  libro: Ven Conmigo
Describing things that you like and telling why
Due on Friday February 8, 2006

1.  ¿Cómo te llamas?
2.  ¿Cuántos años tienes? Y ¿De dónde eres?
3.  ¿Cómo eres?
4.  ¿Dónde estudias?
5.  ¿Cómo es tu colegio?
6.  ¿Qué clases te gustan?
7.  ¿Cuales son tus profesores favoritos?
8.  ¿Quiénes son tus amigos/as favoritos?
9.  ¿Cómo son?
10. ¿Qué te gusta hacer en tu tiempo libre?

Write complete sentences to describe yourself, school and friends.  Then, add pictures.  It is worth 20 points.