Author Archives: bryankandel

Interactive readings

Posted on March 7, 2013 by bryankandel

Here’s an activity I’ve used before and we did again today.  It takes advantage of the fact that nearly all of our freshmen and sophomores have their own computers.  Even without computers, this activity could be completed with paper and … Continue reading →

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Where do you come up with this stuff?

Posted on March 5, 2013 by bryankandel

It’s a question I often get from students.  Where/How do I come up with the structures, stories and readings that we use in class?  I do my best to assure them that although things may get pretty silly in class … Continue reading →

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Using screencast-o-matic for an absent day

Posted on March 4, 2013 by bryankandel

I was out of class on Friday for a professional day, and I decided to use screencast-o-matic in my place.  It was a nice way to include some input on a day without the usual source of input (me).  Based … Continue reading →

Posted in Classroom activities, Stories/Storytelling, Substitute activities, Technology | 2 Comments

blind re-tells and textivate

Posted on February 28, 2013 by bryankandel

I used blind re-tells in class today in levels 2 and 3 and was very pleased with the results.  In both classes, we started stories yesterday and finished them today.  In level 2, we were working with El chico perezoso buscó … Continue reading →

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Story script – las metas

Posted on February 27, 2013 by bryankandel

Below is a story script I will be using soon.  I will use it and other stories/activities to emphasize the future tense. Las metas de los niños Era débil  – was weak “yo jugaré para los Cleveland Browns” – I … Continue reading →

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A few new twists on reading

Posted on February 21, 2013 by bryankandel

We did reading activities in all classes today, and I tried a different strategy with each level. Teacher Draw and Student Retell This was not much different from what I’ve done before.  I sometimes have students draw details of a … Continue reading →

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Tell a little more; ask a little less (but ask the right questions)

Posted on February 20, 2013 by bryankandel

When I started with TPRS, I struggled with “asking” a story.  I would write out a script and try to stick to it without soliciting much student input.  I had to put a lot of effort into leaving stories open … Continue reading →

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Un accidente de autobús – story script

Posted on February 18, 2013 by bryankandel

Here is another story script that I used recently.  I also created a page to share scripts here. Un accidente de autobús Target structures: chocó – crashed rompió el tobillo – broke his/her ankle “así es la vida” – that’s … Continue reading →

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El niño travieso – story script

Posted on February 17, 2013 by bryankandel

Below is a story script for a story about a mischievous child.  I’m using it now because I’ll be returning from a few days off for the birth of my son and the concepts will be relevant.  There are four … Continue reading →

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Twitter for the language classroom

Posted on February 14, 2013 by bryankandel

I began using twitter this year with my classes, and I’ve been quite pleased with its effectiveness.  It allows me to remind students of assignments and announcements.  But more importantly, I can get Spanish language to my students at any … Continue reading →

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