Most schools are winding down, if they haven’t already closed for the summer. Give yourselves a BIG Congratulations for your efforts and accomplishments, but most of all, for surviving a stressful situation for all and finishing the year in one piece.
There has been a silver lining to all of this- we have all had to dive in and find ways to deliver instruction and meaningful content in a myriad of ways. I myself have become quite friendly with Flipgrid, Edpuzzle and Bitmojis, and I know I will continue to explore any other goodies that come up on my radar.
Educators know well- the learning never stops- and with that in mind- I’ve collected a few resources for those that are interested to pursue some interesting PD opportunities for the summer. I will be updating this list as I find more.
In light of recent events, now more than ever we are needing to keep our eyes and ears open to all shades of every color, feeling, bias and stereotype. Here are a few resources that highlight this.
Books- 2 free downloads:
Educating students to improve the world: Offers a blueprint to prepare students to find meaning and relevance in a rapidly changing world, equipping them with the skills to be successful in this globalized world.
Words and Actions: Teaching Languages through the lens of Social Justice– published by ACTFL.
Workshops/Conferences:
Free Five Day Virtual Teaching Academy June 26-July 1 for k-12 WL educators.
Foreign Language Center Virtual Summit Free! July 21-23, but you do need to pre-register to have access.
Teaching Language with the Lens of Social Justice- 1 week Institute July 27-31
Heritage Language Edu– Continuing Edu Online
World Language PD: University courses taught by teachers for teachers: Get Uni credits for course in: Art and Architecture of Spain, Short stories of Latin America and France, Advanced Spanish Grammar, Francophone Pop Culture, and more.
Curiosity Playbook: Coaching Strategies to become a better Teacher, Leader and Human. Click here for a full description of the course that starts in July! I think I will also participate:-)
Smithsonian Museum Explorations
Bon Voyage Language Academy You tube channel for teaching Language with the Five senses, as well as an upcoming certification opportunity!
International school WL teachers! July 29- A 4 hour deep dive session that will focus on hybrid learning, online assessment, building community, grading/reporting and tools and resources.
Free Webinars and PD for Spanish teachers with Diego Ojeda (many in Spanish)
Netflix!
I know, you don’t feel like taking a class, or reading a book- You just want to relax and let Netflix take over. I totally feel you! Indulge in a foreign series- and maybe learn a few new expressions. Below are 5 Spanish ones. There are also some interesting Israeli series I’ve seen of late. Unfortunately I haven’t come across any French ones. If you know of one, please comment below!
Please note- I do not recommend these for students.
La Casa de Papel -4 seasons. About an hour each episode
A criminal mastermind who goes by “The Professor” has a plan to pull off the biggest heist in recorded history — to print billions of euros in the Royal Mint of Spain. To help him carry out the ambitious plan, he recruits eight people with certain abilities and who have nothing to lose. The group of thieves take hostages to aid in their negotiations with the authorities, who strategize to come up with a way to capture The Professor. As more time elapses, the robbers prepare for a showdown with the police. This was one both hubby and I could enjoy together. It is intelligent, well written and well played. There is quite a bit of violence and language- so this is the main reason I wouldn’t recommend it to students.
Love and times in Morocco -1 season (2nd on the way)
Set in the 1920s, the show follows a group of nurses from Madrid who are sent to Morocco to open a hospital and assist wounded troops during the Rif War, which lasted from 1920 to 1927. A romantic drama.
Gran hotel (3 seasons)
The story of a family-owned hotel set in the fictional coastal Spanish town of Cantaloa in 1905, set on a scene of love, blackmail, jealousies, crime, comedy, plot and counterplots all involving the hotel’s owners, guests, and detectives. A romantic drama with humor. Watch the trailer here. This show has been used for many creative lesson plans by many creative teachers, so could be a possibility to show parts for high school students as well.
Siempre Bruja (2 seasons)
This is a Netflix original series made in Colombia. It follows a time traveling witch from the 1600s to the present. Carmen is a slave in the past. The culturally interesting parts to poin out here are the vibrant culture of Colombia. The present day scenes are filled with beautiful, Cartagena, bright and cute clothes, beautiful beaches, afro-latino representation, and of course hopping popular music. Watch the Netflix trailer here.
Las Chicas del Cable (4 seasons)
Las Chicas del Cable is the first Netflix original show from Spain. It is set in 1920’s Madrid and follows four girls from different backgrounds who work as cable girls for the phone company. I am pretty excited to see some of my favorite Spanish actors all back together again. (If you have seen El Internado the actors who play Julia, Iván and Marcos all star in this show as well). Check out the trailer and start watching it on Netflix here.
If you have suggestions, please comment below!
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My Curious Classes 