Maureen Riggs

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Viewing 15 posts - 1 through 15 (of 142 total)
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  • in reply to: Ventura Elementary – Winter 2020 #12162
    Maureen Riggs
    Spectator

    Site: Ventura Park Elementary
    Lesson Title: The United States is a primary battleground
    Date of Class: Mar 10, 2020
    Time of Class: 4:00 PM
    MC: MaureenSeastarTeacher
    DJ: MC Entered attendance, no DJ
    Assistants/Shadowers/Auditioner:
    Module: primaries and caucuses
    How Many Learners: 9
    Materials Status (loyalty cards, alphabet sheets, etc): good

    Self Evaluation

    Preparation: Forgot to Show Up (1) vs. Every Hair In Place (10) = 7
    Technique: Completely Incompetent (1) vs. Flawless Delivery (10) = 7
    Engagement: Snoring Loudly (1) vs. Absolutely Riveted (10) = 8
    Connection: Open Hostility (1) vs. Kumbayah (10) = 8
    Poise: Charlie Brown (1) vs. Prince (10) = 7
    Reflection: “It was ok.” (1) vs. Life-changing Epiphany (10) = 7

    What happened (as short or as long as you like, but be specific): We only got through a third of the lesson before we were summoned/invited to take part in a multicultural event at the school complete with food and translators. We asked each other questions about multiculturalism and what part our individual cultures plays in out lives. Learners and other participants were asked what they’d like to see at a multicultural night. It was very empowering watching the learners have a voice and advocate for themselves. :)

    in reply to: Oliver Elementary – Winter 2020 #12161
    Maureen Riggs
    Spectator

    Site: Oliver Elementary
    Lesson Title: The United States is a primary battleground
    Date of Class: Mar 10, 2020
    Time of Class: 9:30 AM
    MC: MaureenSeastarTeacher
    DJ: MC Entered attendance, no DJ
    Assistants/Shadowers/Auditioner:
    Module: primaries and caucuses
    How Many Learners: 3
    Materials Status (loyalty cards, alphabet sheets, etc): good

    Self Evaluation

    Preparation: Forgot to Show Up (1) vs. Every Hair In Place (10) = 7
    Technique: Completely Incompetent (1) vs. Flawless Delivery (10) = 7
    Engagement: Snoring Loudly (1) vs. Absolutely Riveted (10) = 7
    Connection: Open Hostility (1) vs. Kumbayah (10) = 7
    Poise: Charlie Brown (1) vs. Prince (10) = 7
    Reflection: “It was ok.” (1) vs. Life-changing Epiphany (10) = 7

    What happened (as short or as long as you like, but be specific): I dictated sentences about the number of delegates candidates needed to win the nominations. Left the learners guessing what the “battleground” term meant until they used their translation apps and understood when I mimed a battle of words and wills. We colored in states on a map of the U.S. highlighting where each candidate was from. They enjoy learning more about the states that comprise the U.S. and where they’re situated in relation to each other. The single learner enjoyed getting to know two new learners from Russia. They helped each other a lot and it was nice camaraderie to witness.

    in reply to: Ventura Elementary – Winter 2020 #12151
    Maureen Riggs
    Spectator

    Site: Ventura Park Elementary
    Lesson Title: Eat the rainbow
    Date of Class: Mar 05, 2020
    Time of Class: 4:00 PM
    MC: MaureenSeastarTeacher
    DJ: MC Entered attendance, no DJ
    Assistants/Shadowers/Auditioner:
    Module: Prevention & Wellness
    How Many Learners: 10
    Materials Status (loyalty cards, alphabet sheets, etc): good!

    Self Evaluation

    Preparation: Forgot to Show Up (1) vs. Every Hair In Place (10) = 8
    Technique: Completely Incompetent (1) vs. Flawless Delivery (10) = 8
    Engagement: Snoring Loudly (1) vs. Absolutely Riveted (10) = 8
    Connection: Open Hostility (1) vs. Kumbayah (10) = 7
    Poise: Charlie Brown (1) vs. Prince (10) = 7
    Reflection: “It was ok.” (1) vs. Life-changing Epiphany (10) = 7

    What happened (as short or as long as you like, but be specific): I love this recycled lesson SO much because there’s always someone who is audibly mystified by the idea of rainbow eating. “Are we eating Skittles?” was today’s query. Then, as I pull out fruit and veggies from my cooler, they can see that the color of each represents part of a rainbow and they start guessing what I’ll pull out next to pass around for Round Robin. I also enjoy having them locate words such as “vulgaxanthin” and “cartenoids” during seek & find. VERY VERY chatty and lively class! They made fun of the food I brought in because my apple was bruised and my orange was old and shriveled. “This is a rotten apple!” (rotten became rotten and ugly as the apple made its way around the room).

    in reply to: Oliver Elementary – Winter 2020 #12149
    Maureen Riggs
    Spectator

    Site: Oliver Elementary
    Lesson Title: Eat the rainbow!
    Date of Class: Mar 05, 2020
    Time of Class: 9:30 AM
    MC: MaureenSeastarTeacher
    DJ: MC Entered attendance, no DJ
    Assistants/Shadowers/Auditioner: Jessica!
    Module: Prevention & Wellness
    How Many Learners: 2
    Materials Status (loyalty cards, alphabet sheets, etc): good!

    Self Evaluation

    Preparation: Forgot to Show Up (1) vs. Every Hair In Place (10) = 8
    Technique: Completely Incompetent (1) vs. Flawless Delivery (10) = 8
    Engagement: Snoring Loudly (1) vs. Absolutely Riveted (10) = 8
    Connection: Open Hostility (1) vs. Kumbayah (10) = 8
    Poise: Charlie Brown (1) vs. Prince (10) = 7
    Reflection: “It was ok.” (1) vs. Life-changing Epiphany (10) = 7

    What happened (as short or as long as you like, but be specific): I was so happy that a new learner came back today! She compliments the lower-level learner that has come very regularly and they can help each other, which is great! We had a good time passing around fruits and vegetables that represented the colors of the rainbow. I think this might have been Jessica’s last day to volunteer as a classroom helper. She said she really has enjoyed working with the learners and hopes to do it again some time.

    in reply to: Ventura Elementary – Winter 2020 #12141
    Maureen Riggs
    Spectator

    Hello! My name is Little Brother, and I’m here helping make things here at PPT easier!

    Here’s your forum post! Please copy and paste this into the PPT Forum!

    Site: Ventura Park Elementary
    Lesson Title: What’s so super about Super Tuesday?
    Date of Class: Mar 03, 2020
    Time of Class: 4:00 PM
    MC: MaureenSeastarTeacher
    DJ: MC Entered attendance, no DJ
    Assistants/Shadowers/Auditioner:
    Module: Primaries and Caucuses
    How Many Learners: 5
    Materials Status (loyalty cards, alphabet sheets, etc): great!

    Self Evaluation

    Preparation: Forgot to Show Up (1) vs. Every Hair In Place (10) = 8
    Technique: Completely Incompetent (1) vs. Flawless Delivery (10) = 7
    Engagement: Snoring Loudly (1) vs. Absolutely Riveted (10) = 7
    Connection: Open Hostility (1) vs. Kumbayah (10) = 7
    Poise: Charlie Brown (1) vs. Prince (10) = 8
    Reflection: “It was ok.” (1) vs. Life-changing Epiphany (10) = 7

    What happened (as short or as long as you like, but be specific): Dictated short sentences about the primaries. We colored in the participating states on a blank map of the U.S. and had fun guessing where each state belonged as well as cracking up over the weird spellings of such states as Massachusetts, Maine and Arkansas. Handed out Census 2020 swag from the box Patrik brought to my house. They loved the free stuff (of course!) ;)

    in reply to: Oliver Elementary – Winter 2020 #12140
    Maureen Riggs
    Spectator

    Little Brother

    7:18 PM (1 minute ago)

    to ppt.languageservices, me

    Hello! My name is Little Brother, and I’m here helping make things here at PPT easier!

    Here’s your forum post! Please copy and paste this into the PPT Forum!

    Site: Oliver Elementary
    Lesson Title: What is so super about Super Tuesday??
    Date of Class: Mar 03, 2020
    Time of Class: 9:30 AM
    MC: MaureenSeastarTeacher
    DJ: MC Entered attendance, no DJ
    Assistants/Shadowers/Auditioner:
    Module: primaries and caucuses
    How Many Learners: 2
    Materials Status (loyalty cards, alphabet sheets, etc): great!

    Self Evaluation

    Preparation: Forgot to Show Up (1) vs. Every Hair In Place (10) = 8
    Technique: Completely Incompetent (1) vs. Flawless Delivery (10) = 7
    Engagement: Snoring Loudly (1) vs. Absolutely Riveted (10) = 7
    Connection: Open Hostility (1) vs. Kumbayah (10) = 7
    Poise: Charlie Brown (1) vs. Prince (10) = 8
    Reflection: “It was ok.” (1) vs. Life-changing Epiphany (10) = 7

    What happened (as short or as long as you like, but be specific): Dictated some short sentences about the primaries. We found and colored in the 14 states that hold primaries on a blank map of the U.S.and laughed about the spelling and pronunciation of certain states such as Arkansas and Maine. It’s always interesting to me which of the states the learners can find and name. We had a rousing game of Scrabble Scramble and I will give out swag from the Census 2020 box in the next class when a third learner will be there.

    in reply to: Ventura Elementary – Winter 2020 #12129
    Maureen Riggs
    Spectator

    Site: Ventura Park Elementary
    Lesson Title: Sign, sign, Everywhere a Sign
    Date of Class: Feb 27, 2020
    Time of Class: 4:00 PM
    MC: MaureenSeastarTeacher
    DJ: MC Entered attendance, no DJ
    Assistants/Shadowers/Auditioner:
    Module: maps and addresses
    How Many Learners: 9
    Materials Status (loyalty cards, alphabet sheets, etc): good

    Self Evaluation

    Preparation: Forgot to Show Up (1) vs. Every Hair In Place (10) = 8
    Technique: Completely Incompetent (1) vs. Flawless Delivery (10) = 8
    Engagement: Snoring Loudly (1) vs. Absolutely Riveted (10) = 9
    Connection: Open Hostility (1) vs. Kumbayah (10) = 9
    Poise: Charlie Brown (1) vs. Prince (10) = 8
    Reflection: “It was ok.” (1) vs. Life-changing Epiphany (10) = 5

    What happened (as short or as long as you like, but be specific): This was the best class I’ve taught in a looooooooooooong time! I felt like I had to make up for Tuesdays class when the sentences I dictated were WAY too long. This class was all about signs and passing around a funny book of signs I got from the library. Stop sign in the middle of a lake, etc. It was my father’s 80th birthday today, so I thought it would be fun to have everyone sing to him in their native language and put my phone on speaker and call him in NY while he blew out his candles. It worked great and was SOOO fun! The learners got really into it. I alternated the sentences with ones that used THIS and ones that used THESE and I think it was successful. We played a riveting game of Scrabble Scramble after having a contest to see who could find all 23 “signs” in the lyrics to the Five Man Electrical Band song. The winner got bragging rights and, of course, chocolate. :)

    in reply to: Oliver Elementary – Winter 2020 #12128
    Maureen Riggs
    Spectator

    Site: Oliver Elementary
    Lesson Title: Sign sign, everywhere a sign!
    Date of Class: Feb 27, 2020
    Time of Class: 9:30 AM
    MC: MaureenSeastarTeacher
    DJ: MC Entered attendance, no DJ
    Assistants/Shadowers/Auditioner:
    Module: maps and addresses
    How Many Learners: 1
    Materials Status (loyalty cards, alphabet sheets, etc): good

    Self Evaluation

    Preparation: Forgot to Show Up (1) vs. Every Hair In Place (10) = 9
    Technique: Completely Incompetent (1) vs. Flawless Delivery (10) = 8
    Engagement: Snoring Loudly (1) vs. Absolutely Riveted (10) = 9
    Connection: Open Hostility (1) vs. Kumbayah (10) = 8
    Poise: Charlie Brown (1) vs. Prince (10) = 8
    Reflection: “It was ok.” (1) vs. Life-changing Epiphany (10) = 6

    What happened (as short or as long as you like, but be specific): This class was all about signs and passing around a funny sign book I got from the library with a stop sign in the middle of a lake, etc. I alternated the sentences with ones that used THIS and ones that used THESE and I think it was successful. We focused a lot on pronunciation and the learner really gives her language learning everything she’s got and I cheerlead the hell out of her. She’s great!

    in reply to: Ventura Elementary – Winter 2020 #12119
    Maureen Riggs
    Spectator

    Site: Ventura Park Elementary
    Lesson Title: Information for parents
    Date of Class: Feb 25, 2020
    Time of Class: 4:00 PM
    MC: MaureenSeastarTeacher
    DJ: MC Entered attendance, no DJ
    Assistants/Shadowers/Auditioner:
    Module: Know Your Rights
    How Many Learners: 7
    Materials Status (loyalty cards, alphabet sheets, etc): good!

    Self Evaluation

    Preparation: Forgot to Show Up (1) vs. Every Hair In Place (10) = 6
    Technique: Completely Incompetent (1) vs. Flawless Delivery (10) = 6
    Engagement: Snoring Loudly (1) vs. Absolutely Riveted (10) = 6
    Connection: Open Hostility (1) vs. Kumbayah (10) = 6
    Poise: Charlie Brown (1) vs. Prince (10) = 5
    Reflection: “It was ok.” (1) vs. Life-changing Epiphany (10) = 7

    What happened (as short or as long as you like, but be specific): This was a great group but not a great class. I realized halfway through that the sentences I dictated were way too long and not in the right order for optimum understanding. I beat myself up as I went along and when I tried to remedy the situation and edit the sentences so as not to discourage lower-level learners, the sentences were missing key components for flow and comprehension. But….we had fun playing a game and playing with the kiddos who were running around the table yelling.

    in reply to: Oliver Elementary – Winter 2020 #12118
    Maureen Riggs
    Spectator

    Site: Oliver Elementary
    Lesson Title: Information for parents
    Date of Class: Feb 25, 2020
    Time of Class: 9:30 AM
    MC: MaureenSeastarTeacher
    DJ: MC Entered attendance, no DJ
    Assistants/Shadowers/Auditioner:
    Module: Know Your Rights
    How Many Learners: 1
    Materials Status (loyalty cards, alphabet sheets, etc): good!

    Self Evaluation

    Preparation: Forgot to Show Up (1) vs. Every Hair In Place (10) = 7
    Technique: Completely Incompetent (1) vs. Flawless Delivery (10) = 7
    Engagement: Snoring Loudly (1) vs. Absolutely Riveted (10) = 6
    Connection: Open Hostility (1) vs. Kumbayah (10) = 7
    Poise: Charlie Brown (1) vs. Prince (10) = 7
    Reflection: “It was ok.” (1) vs. Life-changing Epiphany (10) = 7

    What happened (as short or as long as you like, but be specific): Since there was only one learner and she is quite high level, I challenged her with her pronunciation and had her edit sentences that she verbalized. We discussed such fine-tuning as the difference between ‘residence’ and ‘residents’ and joked about the fact that residents live in a residence and the nuances of our crazy English language.

    in reply to: Midland Library – Winter 2020 #12111
    Maureen Riggs
    Spectator

    Little Brother

    9:23 PM (1 minute ago)

    to ppt.languageservices, me

    Hello! My name is Little Brother, and I’m here helping make things here at PPT easier!

    Here’s your forum post! Please copy and paste this into the PPT Forum!

    Site: Midland Library
    Lesson Title: North, South, East, West
    Date of Class: Feb 20, 2020
    Time of Class: 6:00 PM
    MC: MaureenSeastarTeacher
    DJ: MC Entered attendance, no DJ
    Assistants/Shadowers/Auditioner:
    Module: maps and addresses
    How Many Learners: 6
    Materials Status (loyalty cards, alphabet sheets, etc): good

    Self Evaluation

    Preparation: Forgot to Show Up (1) vs. Every Hair In Place (10) = 8
    Technique: Completely Incompetent (1) vs. Flawless Delivery (10) = 8
    Engagement: Snoring Loudly (1) vs. Absolutely Riveted (10) = 7
    Connection: Open Hostility (1) vs. Kumbayah (10) = 7
    Poise: Charlie Brown (1) vs. Prince (10) = 7
    Reflection: “It was ok.” (1) vs. Life-changing Epiphany (10) = 7

    What happened (as short or as long as you like, but be specific): Dictated several sentences about places in Portland and outside of Portland that included NORTH/SOUTH/EAST/WEST and we asked each other if we’d been to these places. They asked questions about where the Willamette River goes and I showed them images of Kelly’s Point where the Willamette and Columbia Rivers converge and they thought that was cool and want to check it out. We passed around wooden signs–railroad crossing, detour, etc.

    in reply to: Ventura Elementary – Winter 2020 #12110
    Maureen Riggs
    Spectator

    Site: Ventura Park Elementary
    Lesson Title: How do I get to the airport?
    Date of Class: Feb 20, 2020
    Time of Class: 4:00 PM
    MC: MaureenSeastarTeacher
    DJ: MC Entered attendance, no DJ
    Assistants/Shadowers/Auditioner:
    Module: maps and addresses
    How Many Learners: 8
    Materials Status (loyalty cards, alphabet sheets, etc): good, though there wasn’t a sign-in sheet for the SUN program.

    Self Evaluation

    Preparation: Forgot to Show Up (1) vs. Every Hair In Place (10) = 8
    Technique: Completely Incompetent (1) vs. Flawless Delivery (10) = 7
    Engagement: Snoring Loudly (1) vs. Absolutely Riveted (10) = 8
    Connection: Open Hostility (1) vs. Kumbayah (10) = 8
    Poise: Charlie Brown (1) vs. Prince (10) = 7
    Reflection: “It was ok.” (1) vs. Life-changing Epiphany (10) = 7

    What happened (as short or as long as you like, but be specific): I dictated several sentences where there was a lot of repetition but just enough new words and phrases to throw the learners off, to much laughter. We had a great time coming up with the silliest ways to get to the airport in including swimming up the Columbia River! ;) I love that one of the learners’ daughters is sitting in for half the class–when we laugh and play games, she wants to join, so I gave her a L.C. and she was very excited about that. I challenged the learners to remember the names of the signs I brought that we used last week since they are so high level. Great class!

    in reply to: Oliver Elementary – Winter 2020 #12108
    Maureen Riggs
    Spectator

    Site: Oliver Elementary
    Lesson Title: How do I get to the airport?
    Date of Class: Feb 20, 2020
    Time of Class: 9:30 AM
    MC: MaureenSeastarTeacher
    DJ: MC Entered attendance, no DJ
    Assistants/Shadowers/Auditioner: Jessica
    Module: maps and addresses
    How Many Learners: 1
    Materials Status (loyalty cards, alphabet sheets, etc): good

    Self Evaluation

    Preparation: Forgot to Show Up (1) vs. Every Hair In Place (10) = 7
    Technique: Completely Incompetent (1) vs. Flawless Delivery (10) = 7
    Engagement: Snoring Loudly (1) vs. Absolutely Riveted (10) = 7
    Connection: Open Hostility (1) vs. Kumbayah (10) = 6
    Poise: Charlie Brown (1) vs. Prince (10) = 7
    Reflection: “It was ok.” (1) vs. Life-changing Epiphany (10) = 7

    What happened (as short or as long as you like, but be specific): It stinks and is weird that Jessica can only assist on Thursdays and that is when there is the least number of students. But, we had one very dedicated learner! If affords the opportunity to really work on pronunciation which she needs a lot of help with. She is very absorbent and has a fantastic attitude. This lesson is fun because we talked a lot about where we’ve been in Portland and how to get there.

    in reply to: Ventura Elementary – Winter 2020 #12101
    Maureen Riggs
    Spectator

    Site: Ventura Park Elementary
    Lesson Title: What to do if you’re outdoors
    Date of Class: Feb 18, 2020
    Time of Class: 4:00 PM
    MC: MaureenSeastarTeacher
    DJ: MC Entered attendance, no DJ
    Assistants/Shadowers/Auditioner:
    Module: Know Your Rights
    How Many Learners: 6
    Materials Status (loyalty cards, alphabet sheets, etc): good

    Self Evaluation

    Preparation: Forgot to Show Up (1) vs. Every Hair In Place (10) = 6
    Technique: Completely Incompetent (1) vs. Flawless Delivery (10) = 6
    Engagement: Snoring Loudly (1) vs. Absolutely Riveted (10) = 7
    Connection: Open Hostility (1) vs. Kumbayah (10) = 8
    Poise: Charlie Brown (1) vs. Prince (10) = 6
    Reflection: “It was ok.” (1) vs. Life-changing Epiphany (10) = 8

    What happened (as short or as long as you like, but be specific): Dictated short sentences with “you are,” your and you’re since learners have been asking a lot of questions about both contractions and the difference between your and you’re. This group is so high-level that I can be a lot more nit picky about their responses both in their writing and their pronunciation which we worked on a lot. They are a very chatty group and I’m glad that the child care issue seems to be cleared up. I also enjoy the fact that one of the learners’ child has joined the class and seems to enjoy competing with her mom.

    in reply to: Oliver Elementary – Winter 2020 #12099
    Maureen Riggs
    Spectator

    Site: Oliver Elementary
    Lesson Title: What to do if you’re outdoors
    Date of Class: Feb 18, 2020
    Time of Class: 9:30 AM
    MC: MaureenSeastarTeacher
    DJ: MC Entered attendance, no DJ
    Assistants/Shadowers/Auditioner:
    Module: Know Your Rights
    How Many Learners: 2
    Materials Status (loyalty cards, alphabet sheets, etc): good

    Self Evaluation

    Preparation: Forgot to Show Up (1) vs. Every Hair In Place (10) = 7
    Technique: Completely Incompetent (1) vs. Flawless Delivery (10) = 7
    Engagement: Snoring Loudly (1) vs. Absolutely Riveted (10) = 6
    Connection: Open Hostility (1) vs. Kumbayah (10) = 7
    Poise: Charlie Brown (1) vs. Prince (10) = 7
    Reflection: “It was ok.” (1) vs. Life-changing Epiphany (10) = 6

    What happened (as short or as long as you like, but be specific): I purposely chose this lesson with lots of your/you’re sentences since learners have been asking a lot of questions about contractions and your/you’re differentiation. I dictated short sentences pertaining to taking photos and notes if you’re ever asked questions outside. We did a lot of work on pronunciation as well. These learners ask a lot of questions and are so dedicated to their learning; they want to make sure they have it right.

Viewing 15 posts - 1 through 15 (of 142 total)