Sydney,

Again I enjoyed being a part of your class today. I saw a class that was on task and
working with you throughout the period. From what you told me after class, this
was not always the case with this particular group, so I congratulate you on getting
them turned around. Of course, your special treats for next week was a strong
motivation. And keeping score of their cheques, and letting them know their
totals is another motivation. You seem to have a true feel for the class as a whole
as well as the individuals therein, and it is obvious you want each of them to
succeed.
Your goal today involved asking and answering the question Qu bebes?
Students had the opportunity to practice chorally, individually, aloud, and in writing.
It was important that a varieties of modalities were used,(with visuals included) as
this allowed for comprehension on everyones part. As I mentioned to you when we
debriefed, it wouldnt have hurt to ask a student who might have needed a little
more help exactly what the question and answer meant. Even at the end of class,
some students couldnt figure out the English translation of the question. I used to
tell my classes that whenever the upside down question mark was used before a
verb (in this case present tense), think do, does . etc.
I enjoyed seeing some of my suggestions from my last visit put into practice. The
fact that you are trying to incorporate more Spanish, as well as expecting students
to begin speaking in FRASES COMPLETAS, is commendable. Spanish phrases you
have added to your lessons allow for students to grasp even more of the target
language. Additionally your modeling and giving examples before allowing the
students to begin the required activity helped with the pacing of the lesson. And
calling the students back to attention did not include the word clase very much at
all!
It was interesting to hear that you were not satisfied with your lesson as you first
wrote it. The fact that you made the changes that you did showed your
commitment to doing what was best for you and for the class. Good teachers
modify all the timethey need to know that theyre presenting their best.
I would encourage you also to make sure you have a fall back activity ready in
case you find you have too much time left before the bell rings. That could have
occurred today had it not been for the party plans and the counting of cheques.
After that, you were saved by the bell.
I look forward to seeing you again on Wednesday.
Cheryl Rosenfeld
Supervisor World Languages Towson University