When I was a new teacher, I was overwhelmed by the different approaches and methods of teaching language. I fell back on the only thing I knew at the time, how I had been taught, through very strict, textbook heavy, grammar-translation methods. Throughout MAFLT, I have so enjoyed learning and researching more effective methods of teaching language to students in today's classrooms.
I believe that the more opportunities students can see themselves learning language within, the more they will feel confident to seek out.
I believe that language is a living, breathing way to humans to connect with each other. Students should be able to see Spanish as a way to connect with culture, heritage, and stories.
In many language classes grammar and vocabulary are isolated examples of unrelated topics. They do not relate to the students' lives or language usage outside the classroom. By connecting grammar and vocabulary in authentic, big picture ways, these can help create bridges students can use to build towards deeper proficiency.
In the past, I taught culture as knowledge about different countries. Now I view my students' stories and heritage experiences as ways to highlight the intersection of Spanish culture in our everyday lives. Living in an agricultural based town in Northern California, my students and I have the opportunity to engage in Mexican culture every day. Helping highlight actual places from my students' lives where culture is lived and experienced as well as amplifying the voices of my students helps raise cultural awareness.