Category Archives: Uncategorized

The story behind the image

Posted on September 12, 2014 by bryankandel

Here’s another trick to get more reps. We’ve been using this story (un accidente de autobús), which is based on the structures crashed, broke his ankle and “that’s life”.  It’s a home run story that always goes over well because … Continue reading →

Posted in Story activities, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

NTPRS 2014

Posted on July 25, 2014 by bryankandel

I met many people during the week at NTPRS who mentioned that they enjoy reading this site.  Thanks for the encouraging comments.  The comments also made me realize that people ACTUALLY read this stuff, so I better get it together. … Continue reading →

Posted in Professional Development, Stories/Storytelling, Story activities, Uncategorized | 8 Comments

NTPRS

Posted on July 17, 2014 by bryankandel

Next week, I will be attending the NTPRS conference in Chicago.  It will be my first time at NTPRS, and I am super excited.  I will also be a presenter at the conference.  My session called, “Student-driven curriculum” is on … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

How well do you know your friend? (Adapting the newlywed game for WL class)

Posted on May 8, 2014 by bryankandel

Here’s another simple game that students tend to enjoy and provides opportunities for many reps of a few target structures.   The game is played in pairs.  The object is to know as much about your partner as possible. Each student … Continue reading →

Posted in Classroom activities, Games, Uncategorized | 6 Comments

Yet another analogy

Posted on March 31, 2014 by bryankandel

TPRS is a lot like cheese sticks. My mother was watching our kids a few weeks ago.  My daughter, who just turned three, asked for a cheese stick as a snack.  She tends to be very specific in her requests. … Continue reading →

Posted in Reflections, Uncategorized | 4 Comments

Inklewriter

Posted on April 17, 2013 by bryankandel

I tried inklewriter for the first time (here).  Inklewriter allows you to create interactive writings.  The result is similar to the old “choose your own adventure” books.  Readers select from different options to direct the path of the story.  It … Continue reading →

Posted in Reading, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

9 Weeks Evaluation – Day 1: Interpersonal communication

Posted on March 20, 2013 by bryankandel

Yesterday we began the “9 weeks evaluation” in Spanish two and three.  There will be four parts to the evaluation – Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking.  The evaluation will take two days.  Day 1 was dedicated to the speaking section. … Continue reading →

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Impressed and reminded of the value of TPRS

Posted on March 12, 2013 by bryankandel

I was reminded of two key points recently: 1. TPRS develops students who can use language 2. Students should be assessed in the way they are taught Last week, we spent some time using Movie Talk and the paperman video. … Continue reading →

Posted in Reflections, Uncategorized | 1 Comment

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 →

Posted in Stories/Storytelling, Story Scripts, Uncategorized | Leave a comment