Technology: Soo Meta

Hello everyone, I recently learned about this very handy tool for teaching that I will be trying out soon. Take a look and tell us what you think. Soo Meta is a free storytelling tool that will help you to collect, sort, edit and publish web content faster and easier than ever before.

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Spanish: Diplomas de Español como Lengua Extranjera (DELE)

Diplomas de Español como Lengua Extranjera   DELE

The Diplomas in Spanish as a Foreign Language (DELE) are official qualifications certifying the degree of competence and mastery of Spanish, granted by Instituto Cervantes on behalf of the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport of Spain.

The DELE Diplomas are internationally recognized and enjoy great prestige not only among public and private educational institutions and authorities, but also in the business world and chambers of commerce. They constitute a guarantee in assessing and evaluating linguistic competence in the Spanish language.

In many countries, the DELE Diplomas have been adopted by educational authorities and accredited schools as a complement to their own evaluation systems. They are useful to facilitate promotion at work and access to education, both in Spain and in the other countries where the tests are taken.

For information on recognition of the DELE Diplomas in a specific country, please contact the Instituto Cervantes centres, the examination centres in that country, or Instituto Cervantes.

 For more information follow this link  DELE



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8 Characteristics Of A Great Teacher

"What makes a teacher strong? What differentiates the best from the rest? There’s no shortage of bodies (some dramatically misguided) attempting to solve this riddle. The answers are nebulous at best." 

Follow this link to read more http://www.teachthought.com/teaching/8-characteristics-of-a-great-teacher/

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News: Flickr Update

Hello all, Chris here with a quick update. We've got a lot more updates to our Flickr photo collection so if you need any pictures for your lessons, feel free to check it out:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/languageteacherstoolbox/

We will be expanding our content areas greatly in the coming weeks with a focus on Latin America and Germany so stay tuned! If you have any particular requests, please drop us a comment and we'll try our best to get you a variety of great pictures!

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German: Wise Guys - Jetzt ist Sommer (song)

Here is Christina with a fun German song that will put you in a sunny mood no matter what the weather outside is like:
"Jetzt ist Sommer" ("Now It's Summer") by the famous German a capella group Wise Guys

Jetzt ist Sommer Sonnenbrille auf und ab ins Café, wo ich die schönen Frau'n auf der Straße seh. Dann 'n Sprung mitten rein in den kalten Pool und 'n Caipirinha - ziemlich cool! Sonnenmilch drauf und ab zur Liegewiese, wo ich für mich und Lisa eine Liege lease. Wir lassen uns gehn und wir lassen uns braten - alles And're kann 'ne Weile warten... Und wenn nix draus wird wegen sieben Grad, dann kippen wir zu Haus' zwei Säcke Sand ins Bad. Im Radio spielen sie den Sommerhit - wir singen in der Badewanne mit: Jetzt ist Sommer! Egal, ob man schwitzt oder friert: Sommer ist, was in deinem Kopf passiert. Es ist Sommer! Ich hab das klar gemacht: Sommer ist, wenn man trotzdem lacht. Sonnendach auf und ab ins Cabrio, doch ich hab keins, und das ist in Ordnung so, weil der Spaß daran dir schnell vergeht, wenn's den ganzen Sommer nur in der Garage steht. Manchmal, wenn ich das Wetter seh', krieg ich Gewaltfantasien, und die Wetterfee wär' das erste Opfer meiner Aggression, obwohl ich weiß: Was bringt das schon, wenn man sie beim Wort nimmt und sie zwingt, dass sie im Bikini in die Nordsee springt? Ich mach' mir lieber meine eig'ne Wetterlage, wenn ich mir immer wieder sage: Jetzt ist Sommer! ... Ich bin sauer, wenn mir irgendwer mein Fahrrad klaut. Ich bin sauer,  wenn mir einer auf die Fresse haut. Ich bin sauer, wenn ein And'rer meine Traumfrau kriegt und am Pool mit dieser Frau auf meinem Handtuch liegt. Doch sonst nehm' ich alles ziemlich locker hin, weil ich mental ein absoluter Zocker bin: Ich drücke einfach auf den kleinen grünen Knopf und die Sonne geht an in meinem Kopf: Jetzt ist Sommer! ... Ab ins Gummiboot - der Winter hat ab sofort Hausverbot! ... Scheiß aufs Wetter, egal ob man friert: Sommer ist, was in deinem Kopf passiert. Es ist Sommer! ...

Now It´s Summer Sunglasses on and off to the cafe, where I see the pretty women on the street. Then a jump right in the middle of the cold pool and a Caipirinha (Brazilian cocktail)- pretty cool! Suntan lotion on and off to the sunbathing lawn, where I rent a sun chair for me and Lisa, We let ourselves go and we let ourselves fry, everything else can wait... And if we can't do anything because it's 7 degrees, then we'll bring two sacks of sand in the house and dump them in the bathtub. On the radio play summer hits- we sing along in the bathtub: Now it's summer! Regardless of whether one sweats or freezes: Summer is what happens in your head. It's summer! I have made this clear: It's summer if one laughs in spite of everything. Sunroof off and into the convertible, but I don't have one, and that's alright, because the fun passes quickly, if it stays in the garage all summer long. Sometimes, when I see the weather, I get violent fantasies (?), and the weather forecaster is the first victim of my agression, although I know: What would it mean, if one took them at their word and forced them, to jump in the North Sea in a bikini? I do prefer my own weather conditions, if I always say to myself again: Now it's summer! ... I am cross, if someone steals by bike. I am cross, if somebody hits me. I am cross, whenever someone else takes my dream woman and lies on my towel at the pool with this woman. However, I'll take everything else pretty easily, because in my head I'm an absolute gambler: I just press the small green button and the sun goes on in my head: Now it's summer! ... Off to the rubber boat- Winter is now banned! ... F*** the weather, whether one freezes: Summer is what happens in your head. It's summer! ...

If you like the Wise Guys, you should have a look at their website and check out their other songs!

http://www.wiseguys.de/


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German: Verb of the Week - dürfen (04/28/2013)

Hallo alle zusammen! Here is Christina with your weekly German verb.
This time: dürfen / to be allowed to, may


Principal parts: dürfen / durfte / gedurft
Helping verb: haben
Type: modal verb


Examples:

Darf ich bitte noch eine Stück Schokolade haben? / May I have another piece of chocolate, please?
Ja, aber du darfst nicht alles essen. / Yes, but you are not allowed to eat all of it.

Präsens

ich darf
du darfst
er darf
wir dürfen
ihr dürft
sie dürfen


Perfekt

ich habe gedurft/dürfen
du hast gedurft/dürfen
er hat gedurft/dürfen
wir haben gedurft/dürfen
ihr habt gedurft/dürfen
sie haben gedurft/dürfen


Präteritum

ich durfte
du durftest
er durfte
wir durften
ihr durftet
sie durften

Plusquamperfekt

ich hatte gedurft/dürfen
du hattest gedurft/dürfen
er hatte gedurft/dürfen
wir hatten gedurft/dürfen
ihr hattet gedurft/dürfen
sie hatten gedurft/dürfen


Futur I

ich werde dürfen
du wirst dürfen
er wird dürfen
wir werden dürfen
ihr werdet dürfen
sie werden dürfen


Futur II

ich werde gedurft/dürfen haben
du wirst gedurft/dürfen haben
er wird gedurft/dürfen haben
wir werden gedurft/dürfen haben
ihr werdet gedurft/dürfen haben
sie werden gedurft/dürfen haben


Präsens Konditional

ich würde dürfen
du würdest dürfen
er würde dürfen
wir würden dürfen
ihr würdet dürfen
sie würden dürfen


Perfekt Konditional

ich würde gedurft/dürfen haben
du würdest gedurft/dürfen haben
er würde gedurft/dürfen haben
wir würden gedurft/dürfen haben
ihr würdet gedurft/dürfen haben
sie würden gedurft/dürfen haben


Präsens Konjunktiv

ich dürfe
du dürfest
er dürfe
wir dürfen
ihr dürfet
sie dürfen

Perfekt Konjunktiv

ich habe gedurft/dürfen
du habest gedurft/dürfen
er habe gedurft/dürfen
wir haben gedurft/dürfen
ihr habet gedurft/dürfen
sie haben gedurft/dürfen


Präteritum Konjunktiv

ich dürfte
du dürftest
er dürfte
wir dürften
ihr dürftet
sie dürften 


Plusquamperfekt Konjunktiv

ich hätte gedurft/dürfen
du hättest gedurft/dürfen
er hätte gedurft/dürfen
wir hätten gedurft/dürfen
ihr hättet gedurft/dürfen
sie hätten gedurft/dürfen

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Spanish: Español, lengua que se transforma pero no muere en las redes sociales

Hi all, here is an interesting article about modifying Spanish when chatting on the internet. I think this would be an good article to discuss in class with your students and compare to how they text or chat in English.

Español, lengua que se transforma pero no muere en las redes sociales

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Jobs: Early Childhood/Elementary Teacher - Ashford Park Elementary School, DeKalb County Schools, GA‏

Ashford Park Elementary School in DeKalb County, Georgia seeks certified Early Childhood Education/Elementary Education applicants for the new German Dual Immersion program for the 2013-2014 school year. This program represents the first public German dual immersion school in Georgia’s history.

Applicants should:

- Be certified to teach Early Childhood Education or Elementary Education

- Demonstrate near-native proficiency in German language (this can be demonstrated either by passing the Georgia German Exam [currently called the GACE]or by scoring Advanced-Low or higher on both the OPI and WPT).

- Hold a Bachelor's degree, Master's degree preferred.

The specific job announcement will be posted soon by DeKalb County Schools. In the meantime, any qualified applicants should contact DeKalb County Schools World Languages Coordinator Ms. Rhonda Wells at rhonda_l_wells@fc.dekalb.k12.ga.us
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Jobs: German jobs in Fort Collins, Colorado‏

Positions available in Fort Collins, Colorado:

Fort Collins High School in Fort Collins CO is looking for a German teacher (part time .72). The application will close May 7th.

http://www.applitrack.com/psdschools/onlineapp/default.aspx?Category=Secondary+-+Licensed

Global Village Academy is looking for full time Elementary German Immersion Teachers.

http://www.globalvillageacademy.org/employment

Candidates should fill out online applications for these positions.

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Infographics: Today’s Leaders in Educational Technology

Courtesy of: Schools.com




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Jobs: Long-term substitute HS position, Eastern Pennsylvania

Anticipated long-term substitute position, high school, first semester of the 2013-2014 school year.  Northampton Area School District, in the Lehigh Valley area of eastern Pennsylvania.

http://www.northampton.k12.pa.us/jobs.cfm?job=5420&cat=3&getjob=1

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Jobs: Part-time position, John Carroll University, Cleveland, OH‏

The Department of Classical & Modern Languages & Cultures at John Carroll University in University Heights (Cleveland), Ohio is seeking a part-time instructor of German for the academic year 2013-2014, commencing September 3, 2013, to teach 1 and possibly 2 sections of Beginning German, MWF at either 8 am or 9 am or both. Salary commensurate with degree and experience. Requirements: minimum M.A. in German, language teaching experience, letters of recommendation. Send inquiries and/or letter of interest and CV via e-mail to department chairperson, Dr. Martha Pereszlenyi-Pinter mpereszlenyi@jcu.edu or call(216) 397-4723 or 4371. Inquiries will be acknowledged. Review and interviews will begin in late July, and will continue until the position is filled.

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News: N.D. Students chat with peers in Norway

Fifth-graders in Grand Forks, N.D., exchanged homework, sang songs and even learned some Norwegian words as part of a recent Skype videoconferencing session with their peers in Norway. Through a cultural exchange project this year, the two classes also have collaborated on a blog, traded homemade videos and raised money together to buy books for students in Ethiopia.


"What they get is that global awareness -- that there are kids in another place in the world that are just like them, with the same interests, wanting the same things, liking the same things," teacher Alice Smith said.

You can read more about this exciting exchange via the full article here.

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Jobs: Part-Time German Teacher at Addison Trail High School in Addison, Illinois‏

We have a German teaching position available at Addison Trail High School in Addison, Illinois for the 2013-14 school year. It is a .4 German Teaching Position, levels 1-4.

Interested applicants should apply online through dupage88.net

http://www.generalasp.com/d88/onlineapp/default.aspx?Category=High+School+Teaching+(Part-Time)

Please direct all questions to Ms. Jessica Noelke, jnoelke@dupage88.net

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Jobs: Part-time German teaching position, Clark University, Worcester, MA‏

Part-Time Visiting Instructor in German

Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts, will be hiring a part-time visiting instructor in German for 2013-14. In the fall of 2013, the position will involve teaching one section of beginning German and one section of intermediate German. The spring load will consist of one section of beginning German (possibly also one section of intermediate German, but this is dependent on funding). Position is potentially renewable. M.A. required.  Send letter of interest and CV and the names of three references to Germansearch@clarku.edu. Applications received by May 1, 2013, will receive full consideration.

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Jobs: Part-time position, German preschool program, New York, NY‏

Teacher needed for a German language preschool program in Downtown Manhattan, part-time position mornings

Kinderspiel, a German preschool program is looking for a German preschool teacher starting in the middle of July. This is a part-time position from appr. 8:30am to 1:30pm. There could be some afternoon opportunities as well. The teacher will be joining an existing team as part of the expansion of our program.

We offer a warm, community-oriented learning environment with low teacher-child ratios and incorporating enrichment programs such as art, music, movement, and yoga. Our preschool classroom offers early childhood educators the chance to work with a small class size. The classroom will be mixed ages from 2-4 years and not exceed 12 children.

The ideal candidate is a native German speaking certified preschool teacher. We are looking for an energetic, creative proactive person with an early childhood education and a few years of experience. Additional qualifications like experience in the U.S. preschool system, Montessori or other specializations like art, music or yoga skills are a plus. Candidates must be warm, nurturing and possess excellent verbal and written communication skills. Candidates must have a work authorization, be able to successfully pass a background check and provide all required documentation for the Department of Health. 

We offer competitive compensation, paid vacation time and holidays and certain other benefits.

Candidates should apply via email with a cover letter expressing your personal teaching philosophy and a current resume. Once selected for an interview, please provide two references. The candidates should be prepared to do a demonstration class after the initial interview.

Please submit your cover letter and resume including salary requirements via our websitewww.kinderspielmanhattan.com.

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News: Baltimore educator advocates for more foreign language instruction

Baltimore County, Md., schools superintendent Dallas Dance recently outlined his vision for the district's future, listing foreign language as one of his top priorities. Dance said he believes students should begin learning languages in elementary school rather than middle school, and that the change will make students more competitive in the global workforce. He also said he will focus on getting students better access to technology.
You can read more about the superintendent's plans via the article linked here.


Let us know what you think! Connect with us @C_LaCross, #edtech

News: Which devices are replacing the computer lab?

Choosing the best digital technology to use in schools is not easy and one size does not fit all, according to educators in a New Hampshire district. Technologists at Winnacunnet High School are looking to move beyond computer labs and replace outdated technology. What has been found thus far is that that different disciplines require different devices and that the biggest payoffs come when students are able to access devices throughout the day. What technology changes has your school made?

You can read more about the changes at this school here.

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German: Clueso - Gewinner (song)

Here is Christina with another beautiful German love song:
"Gewinner" by Clueso





The song is great for doing it in class because some of the words from the song appear in the video and the lyrics reflect on the common phrases they contain by playing with them:

Gewinner

An allem, was man sagt, an allem, was man sagt ist auch was dran
Egal, wer kommt, egal, wer geht, egal, es kommt nicht darauf an
Ich glaube nichts, ich glaub an dich, glaubst du an mich, ich glaub ich auch
Ich frage mich, ich frage dich, doch frag ich nicht: „Fragst du dich auch?“

Ich bin dabei, du bist dabei, wir sind dabei, uns zu verlieren
Ich bin dabei, bist du dabei, sind wir dabei, uns zu verlieren?
Ich bin dabei, du bist dabei, wir sind dabei, uns zu verlieren
Ich bin dabei, bist du dabei, bin ich dabei, uns zu verlieren?

Leichter als leicht geht es vielleicht, leichter als das, was vielleicht war
Leichter als leicht, es ist nicht weit von hier zu dem, was noch nicht war
Suchst du mich, dann such ich dich, ist die Versuchung groß genug
Ich lass es zu, komm, lass es zu, komm, lass es uns noch einmal tun
 

Ich geb nicht auf, gehst du mit mir,

gehst du mit mir mit auf uns zu?
Fällt dir nichts ein? Komm, leg nicht auf, 
komm, reg dich auf und komm zur Ruh

Winner

All in all, what they say, there's something to all the things they say
No matter who comes, no matter who goes, no matter, it doesn't matter
I believe nothing, I believe in you, do you believe in me, I believe I do that too
I ask myself, I ask you, but I don't ask: "Do you ask yourself too?"

I am, you are, we are in the process of losing ourselves
Am I, are you, are we in the process of losing ourselves?
I am, you are, we are in the process of losing ourselves
Am I, are you, are we in the process of losing ourselves?

It maybe works easier than easy, easier than the things that were
Easier than easy, it's not far from here to the things that have not yet been
Do you search for me, then I search for you, is the temptation big enough
I'll allow this, come, allow it, come, let's do it one more time
 

I don't give up, do you come with me,

do you come with me to face each other?
Does nothing come to your mind? Come, don't hang up, 

come, don't fluster, fluster and find peace

If you would like to find out more about Clueso, a very talented young German singer, songwriter, rapper, and producer, you should check out his website:

http://www.clueso.de/en/


Let us know what you think! Connect with us @C_LaCross