My first resolution is to SPEAK MORE FRENCH! For the first part of the term, I have been speaking a combination of French and English in the classroom. If I had to give it a number, I would say I've been speaking French about 70 % of the time. When it comes to an explanation of an activity, or addressing the students when they become frustrated, I have returned to English so that I'm sure they understand. This is a very bad habit. One that I don't want my students to use. If I remember how I really learned how to speak French, it was through immersion, and not being able to use any English. I had to find ways to make myself understood. I need to bring this experience to my students. I have taught strategies, and created resources and images in place to help the students understand, now I need to give them a chance to use those resources. Does anyone else have difficulty speaking only French in their classes?
Resolution 2: I am a part-time itinerant teacher (a "travelling show" as my husband calls it.) Transitions are very difficult for me and the students. There is a space of 2 minutes where the students are waiting for me to arrive, and in this short time they lose focus. I need to put in place a strategy or activity that the students can be doing, while they wait. One idea that I had was to ask the homeroom teacher to post a message on their SMARTBoard before I arrive. The students can work on reading it, or listening to it before I arrive, and then the class is started before I am even there! What do you do for transistioning into a new subject or a new room?
Resolution 3: I need to create a comprehensive literacy unit that works for my teaching situation. I have some challenges in this regard: I need to find resources that are high-interest, but low vocab; I only have 40 mins a day with the students; I travel, have to carry all my resources with me; and my students have difficulty working independently in FSL. When I am creating these lessons, I have to keep all of this in mind. Not to mention all the different levels of readers in the classes. I find this task the most intimidating of all things I teach in FSL. What are some good resources for creating a balanced literacy program in FSL?
Resolution 4: I am very lucky as a French teacher at my school, I have a team of teachers to work with. This year, I am going to make more of an effort to meet with my colleagues for planning purposes because we are a great team. It has been difficult to carve out some time to meet-- we do not have any preps together. We have a planning session this month, and I am going to ask that we find additional time to meet. My colleagues are a great resource I should be using more! How do you find time to meet with colleagues during a busy school day?
Resolution 5: I have found many ways to integrate technology into my students' learning, but I haven't used it enough for my own learning! This year, I am going to make sure that I use the resources for myself too. I have started by looking at blogs and other sites that are created by and for teachers. I am really excited to check out the work by other teachers in my board that are blogging their learning for others to read. Are there some teacher blogs that I should definitely be reading?
Resolution 6: I need to keep up on my reflections/ journalling this year. Up until now, my journalling has been sporadic. I find that journalling helps me work through some challenges that I have in the classroom, and in planning. Keeping a log has helped me track what works and doesn't work with my students. I need to set time aside for this as often as possible. How do you keep track of your reflections during the school year?
Phew! A big ambition list. That's the kind of list I like to tackle. Do you have any resolutions for the new year? For "la rentrée?"
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