Technology in the Classroom

This week we made a podcast/video of the importance of technology in the classroom. We looked up some useful apps that will help teachers in the class. Remember to use technology not only to make your planning easier but to engage the students in the lessons and content. 

http://www.teacherkit.net

https://www.edmodo.com

http://www.showme.com

- Anna de la Garza 

Aldine ISD

On Friday my fellow classmates and I went on a field trip to Aldine ISD in Houston, Tx. It is incredible at how much I learned on this trip. We had several helpful experienced teachers who were more than happy to answer all of our questions. Walking into the classrooms I have never seen such effective teachers. Even though Aldine is a rough area in Houston, the students seemed to be engaged in the lesson being given. I have also never seen classrooms that were organized as these classrooms were.
During this trip I was given the time to reflect on the reason why I want to be a teacher. I have always known this was the career for me but I now have the drive to strive and be the best teacher I can be. Walking into the schools in Aldine I realized that for some of these children the school is the only place they feel safe, nurtured, or loved. The school is the only place some of these children will get the opportunity to eat. The teachers are their mothers, cheerleaders, and role models for most of these children. I realized that one day I want to be that role model or cheerleader. I want to be that difference. This field trip was definitely a learning opportunity for all of the future Aggie teachers that attended on Friday.
-Laura Sanchez
Class of 2015

Script a Life: Using Television and Scripting for the Student

Today, I was babysitting and I was starting to think we are so use to these little glimpse of other languages with Dora and Spanish. Now there is even Nai Hao Kai-lan. It would be great to create shows around English language learners. United States has so much demand for French in the north, Spanish in the south and many other languages in metropolitan places. This gives a chance to allow them to watch something actually educational before and during the education process while still developing their own language. I know that when I was in high school every Friday we would watch a series that went along with each chapter but still had a story line and characters. These days the average American watches so much television and many parents I know just stick their kids in front of a tv to get things done. Why not have it be educational?! Why not teach them something great and something they can use for the rest of their life !?! Even one of strategies out of the book of 50 strategies for English Language Learners, is scripting! Scripting works because kids love to be entertained. They love plays, television shows and movies because it gives them something to look to and act like. Scripting languages through video I think is the one of the best ways to see how to use it. Even if you had the teachers make a video series where your kids would watch it. Then they see the familiar faces they trust and it gives the teachers a chance to be as silly. Plus, your kids will get to see the other bilingual teachers they could have and that will allow for respect earlier! I have a video below that is one using subtitles for you. The kids get to see object names and just how english speakers use the language. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=loNGxjKkMgE