Language Sensei

A Language Teacher's Journey

December 3, 2013
by leesensei
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Taking the Time to Ask “How’s it going?”

As teachers we’re often so concerned about finishing a class in time that sometimes we forget how far we have come. This year has started a new emphasis for me on reflective learning. As I take the time reflect on … Continue reading

November 19, 2013
by leesensei
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Leaving the Lurk Behind

In my last post I talked about joining Twitter and the inevitable question “what do I do next?” It’s natural to spend some time exploring Twitter and its usefulness as a Personal Learning Network (PLN). But there comes a time … Continue reading

November 12, 2013
by leesensei
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I Signed Up for Twitter…Now What?

Okay – so you listened to all those people who go on and on about their personal learning network (PLN) and signed up for Twitter. You still aren’t sure ‘this is for you’ and so there you sit – with … Continue reading

November 5, 2013
by leesensei
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Two Ways To “Power” Up MFL Students’ Learning

This year I returned to teaching the ‘new’ Grade 9 course. They are young, keen and full of energy. Many I get have never really been in a modern language classroom taught by a language specialist.  As a teacher I … Continue reading

October 28, 2013
by leesensei
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“Connected”? Let Me Count The Ways…

As “Connected Educator” month draws to a close – I reflect on the importance of, and variety of ways, that an educator makes connections and ‘is’ connected. I know that the opportunities have never been more varied – but in … Continue reading

October 16, 2013
by leesensei
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“Everyday Situations” – The Taste-Test Activity

Remember those classic “Coke vs. Pepsi” commercials – where unsuspecting cola drinkers took a ‘blind’ taste test (don’t know which they are sampling) and then were stunned, or not, that what they thought they liked they didn’t? My original training … Continue reading

October 1, 2013
by leesensei
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A Picture for 1000 Words (or Situations)!

As a world language teacher a picture or visual is key for me. In the past that meant finding, cutting out and preparing pictures for a variety of uses.My cupboard is packed with laminated photos – of items, places and … Continue reading

September 23, 2013
by leesensei
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“We Have Nothing to Fear (but Teachers on Twitter)”

Okay – I’m not political, and not really looking at my blog as a place to rant. I have used it to ‘wax poetical’ about the amazing things that happen on Twitter for teachers who actively use it. The PLN … Continue reading

September 17, 2013
by leesensei
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Conversation Circles…or “I spoke in the TL for 45 Minutes?!”

If I told a student that I expected 45-50 minutes of sustained discussion in the target language they’d laugh and say no way. But I watched it today in my Grade 12 class – as students used the pretext of … Continue reading

September 9, 2013
by leesensei
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The New First Days…(“Yo Ho Ho” )

Each year I strive to improve the way that class begins. This year, armed with my metaphoric pirate eye patch from my summer reading (“Teach Like A Pirate“) and a renewed belief in what constitutes review – my 18th start … Continue reading

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