Student Progress

Three years ago I had the same groups for the course of two years. My co-worker suddenly went to another school and they hired a 7th-grade teacher. So, I became the 8th-grade teacher. It was a pleasure to have had the same groups for 7th and 8th grade. I saw their growth, when speaking, writing, reading, and listening. Unfortunately, in the middle of the year covid hit. It was devastating to not see my students during graduation nor field trips nor saying goodbye to them and wishing them the best in high school. But I did see how much they transitioned.

It was rewarding to me when some mentioned they went to Florida or Mexico and spoke Spanish. It was rewarding when others mentioned they went to the Deli or McDonalds and they ordered in Spanish. It was rewarding when they mentioned that they were able to fully understand their family members. Lastly, this year I have had many parents come back and tell me their kids are in honors for Spanish. This is not about salary. It is what you do for others. It's loving your students and giving them the foundations and more to be able to communicate with others not in their native language but in Spanish. Things like these memories are the ones I will forever take with me.

We read a book called “¡Estamos en un libro!” By Mo Willems about Elefante y Cerdita. The students loved the book. Later, they had to create a dialogue about anything they thought could fit the images without the use of notebooks. All was straight from their minds. I thought this was a cute little book that a student-created. You'll see small faces, and later on, during the year she makes full essays and it's lovely to see that growth. It required students to use verbs, adverbs, and extend their vocabulary.