Forum Replies Created
-
Posts
-
Lesson Title: What are taxes for?
Date of Class: 4/23/18
Day of Class: Monday
Time of Class: 6-7:30
MC: Maureen
DJ: Maureen
Assistants/Shadowers/Auditioner: n/a
Module: taxes!
How Many Learners: 5
Materials Status (loyalty cards, alphabet sheets, etc):
great!
Self EvaluationPreparation: 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) 8
Reflection: “It was ok.” (1) vs. Life-changing Epiphany (10) = 7Total Score: 45
What happened (as short or as long as you like, but be specific): As the same five people have been coming to class, they’ve been getting to know each other and where each other is from, etc. They are learning each other’s strengths and weaknesses and are helpful with each other. I started printing out the dictated sentences in large font so two of the lower level learners can use it to refer to and I love when they challenge themselves to close their eyes and listen to me repeat sentences and give it a try without the reference crutch. I’m pretty sure one of the learners is somewhat illiterate in his native language and has a glitch between what he sees and what he reads. Not sure how to address this. This group sure does love games and begs to keep playing even when class is over. “One more! One more!” I love that they have the opportunity to use their notes during game play to spell words, but some of them either flip their pages over or move them aside to not use the crutch; they want to challenge themselves and sit in the driver’s seat of their language learning journey. Super fun class! :)
Lesson Title: Hiking the Hoyt Arboretum in Portland
Date of Class: 4/18/18
Day of Class: Wednesday
Time of Class: 6-7:30
MC: Maureen
DJ: Maureen
Assistants/Shadowers/Auditioner: 0
Module: Local Flora
How Many Learners: 5
Materials Status (loyalty cards, alphabet sheets, etc):
good!
Self EvaluationPreparation: Forgot to Show Up (1) vs. Every Hair In Place (10) = 8 (oops, nope! I forgot candy!!!) 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) = 8
Reflection: “It was ok.” (1) vs. Life-changing Epiphany (10) = 7Total Score: 43
What happened (as short or as long as you like, but be specific): Class had the most people so far!! 5 whole learners! I gave some challenging sentences for the learners to write, but they rocked them–I knew they could do it. I really enjoy lessons like these in which a unique part of Portland is showcased. I brought actual maps of the Hoyt Arboretum and pitted pairs against each other to find trail names. Learners asked questions about exactly where this magical living museum is located and they seemed excited to visit and explore. Since one of the dictated sentences involved directions on how to get there easily on MAX, they have everything they need to be a tourist in their own city! (I really hope they go) I have confidence that these learners will keep coming to class and I hope they tell all their friends. I had fun wearing my tour guide hat and hope to do this kind of lesson again and again.
Lesson Title: Making an Emergency Kit
Date of Class: 4/17/18
Day of Class: Tuesday
Time of Class: 2-3:30
MC: Maureen
DJ: Maureen
Assistants/Shadowers/Auditioner: Judy!
Module: Emergency Preparedness
How Many Learners: 8
Materials Status (loyalty cards, alphabet sheets, etc):
good.
Self EvaluationPreparation: Forgot to Show Up (1) vs. Every Hair In Place (10) = 5
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) =7
Poise: Charlie Brown (1) vs. Prince (10) = 6
Reflection: “It was ok.” (1) vs. Life-changing Epiphany (10) = 6Total Score: 37
What happened (as short or as long as you like, but be specific): This class was extremely collaborative, even for Rockwood. The way the seating worked out, HL learners were in just the right places and were very happy to assist their seatmates. There were four different first languages for the eight people in the class! Learners seemed very interested in what things are in an Emergency Kit and we looked on our phones to find each item so everyone would know what these items looked like. We were also curious about the acronym, NOAA, as in radio. PLayed a quick 8 minute game of BINGO with cards I had leftover from last class, but I forgot to save the bingo caller’s list, so Judy and I had to figure it out using process of elimination with the unused cards. Very casual and communicative class.
Lesson Title: Social Media. What you can see and who can see you!
Date of Class: 4/12/2018
Day of Class: Thursday
Time of Class: 2-3:30
MC: Maureen
DJ: Maureen
Assistants/Shadowers/Auditioner: Christiane
Module: Internet social media
How Many Learners: 6
Materials Status (loyalty cards, alphabet sheets, etc):
good
Self EvaluationPreparation: Forgot to Show Up (1) vs. Every Hair In Place (10) = 7
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) = 8Total Score: 44
What happened (as short or as long as you like, but be specific): We welcomed a brand spankin’ new shadower to her very first shadow experience. She was having back difficulties and asked to sit instead of circulating around the room, so I parked her next to a very low level learner so she could give one-on-one help. We had a good time asking each other what social media we use and learners asked lots of questions such as the meaning of isolate and benefit during dictation. We played a very competitive game of LETTER TILES AAAaaand BINGO since one of the learners whose name rhymes with ‘wanna’ begged to play it. Christiane, the shadower, said she had a delightful time with the class and asked what days I’m teaching next week so she could assist me again. I was touched. :)
Lesson Title: Portland’s big interesting trees
Date of Class: 4/11/2018
Day of Class: Wednesday
Time of Class: 6-7:30
MC: Maureen
DJ: Maureen
Assistants/Shadowers/Auditioner: Maureen
Module: Local Flora
How Many Learners: 3
Materials Status (loyalty cards, alphabet sheets, etc):
great!
Self EvaluationPreparation: 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) = 7
Reflection: “It was ok.” (1) vs. Life-changing Epiphany (10) = 7Total Score: 43
What happened (as short or as long as you like, but be specific): This is the third time I have used this lesson about Portland’s 292 Heritage Trees. It’s not because I am lazy and love recycling, but because people seem to really enjoy learning about these crazy trees right here in their city and neighborhoods and the photos are colorful and fantastic. The names of these trees are great because the words are not ones they’ve heard before but are easily sounded out and don’t throw any curve balls–Catalpa, Scarlet, Walnut, etc. Learners enjoy looking at the maps and finding some of the trees right in their areas. They’ve likely seen a handful of these trees! We used the last ten minutes of the class to play the letter tile game to see who could use the tiles to spell words I called out the fastest. It got quite vicious and one learner actually got out of his chair and stretched before the next word was called. (He wanted to beat his wife who was kicking his ass). We laughed and it was good fun. If the attendance continues on this trajectory, there will be FOUR learners on Monday!
Lesson Title: Filing Your taxes in Oregon
Date of Class: 4/9/2018
Day of Class: Monday
Time of Class: 6-7:30
MC: MaureenSeastarteacher
DJ: Maureen
Assistants/Shadowers/Auditioner: n/a
Module: Taxes!
How Many Learners: 2!
Materials Status (loyalty cards, alphabet sheets, etc):
great!
Self EvaluationPreparation: 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) = 6
Poise: Charlie Brown (1) vs. Prince (10) = 6
Reflection: “It was ok.” (1) vs. Life-changing Epiphany (10) = 5Total Score: 37
What happened (as short or as long as you like, but be specific): This was the first class in a long time, so only two learners showed up. A lot of the class was spent filing out paperwork for SUN and practicing the protocol for the class procedure. Learners were on either side of the skill level spectrum. Though the topic was a little boring, we laughed while asking each other questions and I pretended to be another learner, changing my seat and talking in different voices. They laughed (at) with me and we played bingo and ate candy. I t0ld them both to bring their friends/family and spread the word about this class. We’ll see!
Lesson Title: Prepare Your Family for an Emergency
Date of Class: 4/3/18
Day of Class: Tuesday
Time of Class: 2-3:30
MC: Maureen
DJ: 0
Assistants/Shadowers/Auditioner: Judy
Module: Emergency Preparedness
How Many Learners: 7
Materials Status (loyalty cards, alphabet sheets, etc):
We desperately need loyalty cards!!!!!
Self EvaluationPreparation: Forgot to Show Up (1) vs. Every Hair In Place (10) = 7
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) = 6
Reflection: “It was ok.” (1) vs. Life-changing Epiphany (10) = 6Total Score: 38
What happened (as short or as long as you like, but be specific): We had a brand-new learner who came about 10 minutes late and brought her daughter (about 3). She spoke Russian and had a nice time connecting with the other learners and was very friendly. She wanted to know where everyone was from and seemed extra happy to be able to converse in her own language with another learner. I dictated sentences about the initial planning for an emergency such as a volcanic eruption or earthquake. Some learners seemed a little confused about the differences between a First-Aid kit (which we focused on in the last module) and an Emergency Preparedness Kit until we showed them the first-aid kit the library had on hand and what an emergency preparedness kit looked like–one that would have water and food, etc. We asked each other if we had emergency preparedness kits–a few had. *hopefully, I can scrounge around and find items for an E.P.K. to pass around for next week. At least some photos!!!
Lesson Title: You are what you eat
Date of Class: 3/20/18
Day of Class: Tuesday
Time of Class: 2-3:30
MC: Maureen
DJ:Maureen
Assistants/Shadowers/Auditioner: Judy!
Module: Prevention and Wellness
How Many Learners:14
Materials Status (loyalty cards, alphabet sheets, etc):
good.
Self EvaluationPreparation: 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) = 7Total Score: 41
What happened (as short or as long as you like, but be specific): We welcomed back a learner who was in her home country for 4 months. It was so nice to see her and the other learners were giving her hugs. I dictated short sentences about the connection between what we fuel our bodies with can help prevent diseases. I passed out a photocopy of a plate with fork and knife divides into sections. Learners guessed where each food I called out belonged and we wrote the food on our plates where it belonged–the PROTEIN section, the WHOLE GRAINS section or the FRUITS & VEGETABLES section. They were tripped up a few times, but enjoyed yelling out their thoughts. We asked each other if we liked this food or that food in RR, found terms on the TOP 10 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE 2015-2020 DIETARY GUIDELINES FOR AMERICANS sheet I handed out, then played “perfect plate bingo!” helpful, communicative class with two newcomers (one to me and one for everyone).
Lesson Title: What do you need in a first aid kit?
Date of Class: 3/13/18
Day of Class: Tuesday
Time of Class: 2-3:30
MC: Maureen
DJ: Maureen
Assistants/Shadowers/Auditioner: Judy
Module: Prevention & Wellness
How Many Learners: 11
Materials Status (loyalty cards, alphabet sheets, etc):
I forgot to check, but assume there are now enough loyalty cards since I saw new ones (cut) in the little box.
Self EvaluationPreparation: Forgot to Show Up (1) vs. Every Hair In Place (10) = 7
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) = 7
Poise: Charlie Brown (1) vs. Prince (10) = 6
Reflection: “It was ok.” (1) vs. Life-changing Epiphany (10) = 6Total Score: 39
What happened (as short or as long as you like, but be specific): I dictated a few short sentences, then had them write down a bunch of items one would find in a first aid kit. We passed around each item after the word was written so that they could see what it was and get another chance to practice their reading/pronunciation. I deliberately used alternating plural and singular nouns so they could practice that as well–ie. THIS ointment and THESE bandageS. Didn’t get through the entire list as there were a small handful of low level learners, but they seemed to enjoy passing around the items. After I put the items back inside the kit, I showed them the complete FAK and we practiced saying it. Very chatty class with everyone helping each other as usual! :)
Lesson Title: How much physical activity do you need?
Date of Class: 3/6/2018
Day of Class: Tuesday
Time of Class: 2-3:30
MC: Maureen
DJ: Maureen
Assistants/Shadowers/Auditioner: Judy and new(ish) shadower, Brian.
Module: Prevention & Wellness
How Many Learners: 11
Materials Status (loyalty cards, alphabet sheets, etc):
We desperately need loyalty cards!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Self EvaluationPreparation: Forgot to Show Up (1) vs. Every Hair In Place (10) = 7
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) = 7
Poise: Charlie Brown (1) vs. Prince (10) = 6
Reflection: “It was ok.” (1) vs. Life-changing Epiphany (10) = 7Total Score: 39
What happened (as short or as long as you like, but be specific): We dictated sentences having to do with physical activity to stay well and to ward off diseases. During the round robin, we asked each other what we enjoyed doing for physical activity. There were many different responses including yoga, swimming and in-line skating (guess who? ;) ). We then acted out several different types of exercise including rowing, bowling and Frisbee throwing. I held up signs with those activities written on them to see if learners could recognize the words and mime the activity. It was funny to see who was looking to whom to give it a try. Very chatty lively class! Brian was a great shadower and gave meaningful and indiscriminate help.
Lesson Title: Portland’s Community Gardens
Date of Class: 2/28/2018
Day of Class: Wednesday
Time of Class: 2-3:30
MC: Maureen
DJ: Maureen
Assistants/Shadowers/Auditioner: n/a
Module: Community Agriculture
How Many Learners: 11
Materials Status (loyalty cards, alphabet sheets, etc):
We need loyalty cards!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Self EvaluationPreparation: Forgot to Show Up (1) vs. Every Hair In Place (10) = 7
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) = 7
Poise: Charlie Brown (1) vs. Prince (10) = 7
Reflection: “It was ok.” (1) vs. Life-changing Epiphany (10) = n/a 6?Total Score: 41
What happened (as short or as long as you like, but be specific): I dictated sentences about Portland’s community gardens that were varied in length and difficulty with several repeating words and phrases. During the RR, I asked the learners about their own gardens. They really loved talking about their gardens and I was surprised at the ones who said ”Yes, I enjoy gardening!” We played gardening bingo and a few of them giggled when I said “WEED!” as one of the bingo words. Oh humans!….what’re ya’ gonna do!? :)
Lesson Title: The Human Skeleton
Date of Class:2/6/2018
Day of Class: Tuesday
Time of Class:2-3:30
MC: Maureen
DJ: Maureen
Assistants/Shadowers/Auditioner: asst. Judy
Module: At the Doctor
How Many Learners: 10
Materials Status (loyalty cards, alphabet sheets, etc):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) = 6
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) = 6Total Score: 43
What happened (as short or as long as you like, but be specific): I dictated sentences having to do with bones in the skeleton to piggyback on Amy’s lesson about doctor’s appointments and broken bones. Learners seemed amazed about our bones fusing together and having fewer bones in our bodies as we reach adulthood. They looked things up on their phones and showed each other what they found. We passed around my wooden human body and showed each other specific bones in our Round Robin such as patella and clavicle. We played “Bodacious Beautiful Body Bingo” at the end of class and ate banana bread I brought in for everyone regardless of who won the bingo game. I am amazed and so proud of a few of the learners whose English mastery has grown in leaps and bounds since we first met. :)
Lesson Title: Medical History
Date of Class: 1/30/2018
Day of Class: Tuesday
Time of Class: 2-3:30
MC: Maureen
DJ: Maureen
Assistants/Shadowers/Auditioner: May
Module: At the Doctor
How Many Learners: 18
Materials Status (loyalty cards, alphabet sheets, etc):
good
Self EvaluationPreparation: Forgot to Show Up (1) vs. Every Hair In Place (10) = 6
Technique: Completely Incompetent (1) vs. Flawless Delivery (10) = 5
Engagement: Snoring Loudly (1) vs. Absolutely Riveted (10) = 7
Connection: Open Hostility (1) vs. Kumbayah (10) = 7
Poise: Charlie Brown (1) vs. Prince (10) = 4
Reflection: “It was ok.” (1) vs. Life-changing Epiphany (10) = 6Total Score: 35
What happened (as short or as long as you like, but be specific): Class was really big–18 learners! And May did a great job with keeping her poise, projecting her voice and pacing the class. We dictated sentences having to do with medical history–some sentences were tricky and learners all helped each other. There was a large disparity between levels. May played a video and dictated sentences we heard on the video. One of the speakers is broken, so the video was barely audible and there might not have been a connection between the video and the subsequent dictated sentences. Maybe we should replace the speakers or come up with a better way to use media. May did a great job having each learner repeat the letter combinations–she seemed like a seasoned teacher! After class, we had a meaningful and productive chat about ways to improve the class. it was a fun and lively class and we had a lot of giggles when we used the word “hemorrhoids.” :)
Lesson Title:
Date of Class:
Day of Class: Tuesday
Time of Class: 2-3:30
MC: Amy Rose
DJ: Maureen
Assistants/Shadowers/Auditioner: Judy
Module: Nutrition
How Many Learners: 11
Materials Status (loyalty cards, alphabet sheets, etc): goodSelf Evaluation
Preparation: Forgot to Show Up (1) vs. Every Hair In Place (10) =
Technique: Completely Incompetent (1) vs. Flawless Delivery (10) =
Engagement: Snoring Loudly (1) vs. Absolutely Riveted (10) =
Connection: Open Hostility (1) vs. Kumbayah (10) =
Poise: Charlie Brown (1) vs. Prince (10) =
Reflection: “It was ok.” (1) vs. Life-changing Epiphany (10) =Total Score: * ( I forgot to have Amy do a self-evaluation, we just talked about the lesson and how she and we (Judy and I) felt about her dress rehearsal.
What happened (as short or as long as you like, but be specific): First off, Amy did a fantastic job with her dress rehearsal. She was loud and proud and poised. Even though she forgot a few small things, learners were kept on their toes and seemed to enjoy talking about the squash recipe. A few new learners came to the class late, so introductions had to be partially redone. Amy was quick to do a short yell and spell to make sure the new learners were welcomed, edited her longer sentences while gauging the competency of her median learner on the fly and remained upbeat and poised. She also worked one-on-one with a few very low level learners while keeping track of how far along most learners were with their sentences. Two enthusiastic thumbs up for Amy’s dress rehearsal!!
Lesson Title: Eat the Rainbow!
Date of Class: 1/16/18
Day of Class: Tuesday
Time of Class: 2-3:30
MC: Maureen
DJ: Maureen
Assistants/Shadowers/Auditioner: Larissa, Judy!
Module: Nutrition
How Many Learners: 13
Materials Status (loyalty cards, alphabet sheets, etc):
materials are stocked, but where the f*ck did our loyalty card box go????????????????????????????????
Self EvaluationPreparation: 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) = 7
Poise: Charlie Brown (1) vs. Prince (10) = 7
Reflection: “It was ok.” (1) vs. Life-changing Epiphany (10) = 7Total Score: 39
What happened (as short or as long as you like, but be specific): Class was super chatty, which I liked because these wonderful learners haven’t seen each other in a while and they wanted to catch up. I dictated several sentences about food–one food for each color in the rainbow. Not absolutely sure all of the learners got the connection; some were translating RAINBOW on their phones are were confused about how we were going to eat this meteorological phenomenon. There were two new learners assisted by a volunteer with Lutheran Charities. Hopefully, they were not too overwhelmed and will visit again. Class moved a little slowly due to the very low level of one of the newcomers, but everyone helped one another and the class was extremely communal and positive.