Classics and Latin teaching seems to be close to a crisis point. Enrollment numbers tell a story. What should we do with that story?
The story of Classics Teaching: Do we dare listen to the story enrollment numbers might tell?
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Camera Freeze Vocabulary
Latin 3 is reading Piso: Ille Poetulus by Magister P as a whole class novel. Don't miss that Magister P has a teacher's manual and audio files to accompany Piso. The teacher's manual offers many activities to allow a teacher a chance to engage students in the novel without creating materials to go with it. Word … Continue reading Camera Freeze Vocabulary
Difficult versus easy: A simple add on to continue the flow of input.
We recently returned to school after a 10 day Spring break. I always find this the hardest Break from which to restart classes. Central Iowa tends to warm up over Spring break and it is a taste of summer break. And in our school we quickly start the haste filled final steps toward AP testing … Continue reading Difficult versus easy: A simple add on to continue the flow of input.
The SSR Handbook: Chapter 3 Pilot Program.
Chapter 1 and 2 of The SSR handbook by Pilgreen lays out the research centered around reading programs. Chapter 3 switches gears and recounts a pilot program. As Pilgreen began her pilot study she confirms on page 19 that the factors of "access to books, book appeal and encouragement were weak in her classroom. She … Continue reading The SSR Handbook: Chapter 3 Pilot Program.
A critical year for Iowa public schools.
First off, I want to make it clear that the following words are my own thoughts and reflections as I observe the discussion over education happening in state level politics in Iowa the last couple of years. I work for West Des Moines Community Schools. These words are my own and have no reflection on … Continue reading A critical year for Iowa public schools.
All the Things… that disrupt acquisition.
This winter has been incredible, mostly in frustrating ways. As we prepare to end this week, we have had 1 full normal week of school since 3rd quarter began. Between special schedules for ACT testing, 2 hour delays, 2 hour early releases and snow days it has been extremely difficult to maintain any momentum in … Continue reading All the Things… that disrupt acquisition.
Rufus Lutulentus – An introduction to Rome and characters of the Pisoverse.
Magister P's Pisoverse offers pages of Novice level reading with connected characters for beginning level Latin students. Students experience sheltered vocabulary in each title with connected repetition between titles because characters make multiple appearances. Rufus Lutulentus offers a simple introduction to the Pisoverse. The story begins with an introduction to the character Rufus, a young … Continue reading Rufus Lutulentus – An introduction to Rome and characters of the Pisoverse.
The SSR Handbook: Chapter 2 – Eight Factors for SSR success. Don’t reinvent the wheel.
Find reviews of more must read books at the must read book page. This review focuses on chapter 2 of Janice Pilgreen's The SSR Handbook. This title is a must have to guide the work of any reading program, whether your focus is Self Directed Reading (SDR), Free Volunteer Reading (FVR), Silent Sustained Reading (SSR) … Continue reading The SSR Handbook: Chapter 2 – Eight Factors for SSR success. Don’t reinvent the wheel.
The SSR Handbook: The number 1 resource to start a reading program. Chapter 1: Roots and Rationale Review
We become what we read. The SSR Handbook is a title that has guided my teacher persona over the last year. This review is the first of a series which you can find on the books that leave an impression page. The SSR Handbook by Janice L. Pilgreen is a must own resource for any … Continue reading The SSR Handbook: The number 1 resource to start a reading program. Chapter 1: Roots and Rationale Review
Move your teacher self out of the way: It’s blocking your view of the human beings in front of you.
Recently there was a debate in a teacher group about the use of Classical dictionaries. Passions were vibrant. I debated within myself wondering where I stood. My guess is about half of the responses were in support of teaching students how to use Classical Latin paper dictionaries and about half were opposed to the need … Continue reading Move your teacher self out of the way: It’s blocking your view of the human beings in front of you.
