The icebreaker was to introduce another person. I introduced 'Flo' Sawyer, who teaches World History at Starkville High. One unique thing about her is that she once had 8 dogs and 5 cats. We only have 6 dogs and 6 cats. Now I feel better.
The morning session was presented by a husband-wife team from Yazoo City - the Funchess's. He is a band director and she is a behavior specialist. One insight was how music can help kids manage behavior. We were encouraged to use music in our classroom. I love this because I already use music! Songs are good 'timers' for short activities. Songs help students' listening and pronunciation in the target language. Listening and singing/following along with an authentic target language song are great ways to internalize 'catch phrases' as well as to observe grammar in action.
We started our art project - a 'story' told through six sgraffito tiles. Today we carved out the images. My story is about how drastically the weather can change within a few days. When students retell this story they know the key weather phrases.
Our last session was so motivational! Reggie Ware talked about Practical Behavior Management. He was very entertaining, but 'spot on' with his analysis of behavior management. We practiced making a social contract for teachers so we could apply this to use with our students. The contract must have - rules, rewards, and consequences. When completed - the document is dated and all the students sign it. The contract should be posted so it can be referred to as needed. He remarked that students hold each other accountable by referring to the contract. It's a great plan.Last - we have been assigned groups to created a 'song' with lyrics to a popular tune. Our group of three includes me, Mildred and Cheryl. Our song is 'Havana.' We will think about it tonight and make plans tomorrow.
The other 'end project' will be a 'testimonial' about our GAETI experience. This will be a 30-second video with photos and a narrative. It will be a short week!
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