Positivity and Proficiency

Hi again!  Today I want to share how I approach grammar in my classes.  I currently have 4 classes of German 1, 1 class of German 3, and 1 class of AP German 4.  In my level 1 classes, I teach grammar more as vocabulary and break it down more.  In my opinion, students do not need to conjugate all of the verbs or use all possessive pronouns on the same day.  This doesn't stick with the students and not all students are ready for everything at once.  Many students use something because they hear it or see it but aren't quite sure about the why.  Students are still getting grammar instruction in my class, but it's not the main focus.  Instead of saying our goals are conjugating verbs, we say what we are doing with that grammar instead.  Our goal is to tell what a friend or family member likes to do in his/her freetime.    For example, when we talk about our hobbies in class, I will have students talk about themselves for one day.  I show them the verb conjugations they will ne

  Blog Post #1...Here We Go! Welcome!  I have thought about starting a blog for a couple of years now but have been reluctant to do so.  There are so many amazing Spanish and French teachers who have blogs and share what they are doing in their classrooms.  The German teaching world is blessed with a great community of teachers who share a lot; I couldn't survive without the numerous Facebook Groups that exist (AATG Listserve Fans!!) or conferences.  We don't have too many German teachers who are blogging though or sharing things a little more in depth.  I've been so nervous to do so too and thought of many reasons not to start a blog.  I am not that great of a writer, my German is not perfect, and even though I am in my 14th year of teaching I am such a work in progress as a teacher (especially during these Covid times).  I steal so many ideas from other teachers and don't always create things myself.  Often I think if I'm doing this, everyone is doing this so I do