News: INTRODUCING LISTENING SKILLS IN BASIC ENGLISH ONLINE COURSES (BEOC)

Claudia here again with a great article I found for ELT teachers. This article stresses the increasing importance of teaching listening skills to language learners from the beginning as well as providing quality materials that enable this skill to be developed. You can find the article via the link below:

http://newsmanager.commpartners.com/tesolcallis/issues/2013-07-16/11.html

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Infographic: Busting Myths About Online Learning

Claudia here with an interesting infographic I found that debunks some of the myths about online learning! Good for those who are or may be teaching an online language class.

http://gettingsmart.com/2013/07/infographic-busting-myths-about-online-learning/


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Bunny Hop your students into knowing directions

Don't pirate! Buy the real song for $0.99!

 We all know I am a HUGE fan of a TPR to help students remember things, feel less stress and enjoy class! This is an easy song to review directions, body parts and get kids moving!

The video below is less three minutes and goes over

1. Why I think this is great for ALL beginners (including adults)
2. An example of the dance with the adapted lyrics I tend to use
3. An example of the dance with the original lyrics

The lyrics essentially are, "Put your left foot forward. Put your right foot out. Do the bunny hop. Hop hop hop." I change them to, "First put out your right foot; then put out your left. Forwards and Backwards. Hop Hop Hop."

This version is great for ANY beginners! Adults will appreciate the classic and kids love the simplicity. The teenagers may be more interested in the hip hop version as hip hop may be a bit more their thing.

In review: If you think that your students need to learn/review words like: forward, backward, hop, left, right and foot. Then this is a simple activity. Also it is an easy activity to be combined with other bunny or spring activities:

• Sweet Little Bunny with a Fly Upon its Nose is a great song to review body parts, adjectives and animals.
• The five Easter Eggs fingerplay reviews emotions
• Teach occupations by dressing up a paper doll bunny and telling a story.

 Whether you use this on its own or with some other TPR activities I am sure your students will enjoy it!

Let us know what you thought! Tweet the writer at @ESLCarissa You can also keep track of this blog with Chris' twitter: @C_LaCross

You can read more from Carissa at http://eslcarissa.blogspot.mx/

News: Ithaca College Study Shows Bilingual Children Have a Two-Tracked Mind

Adults learning a foreign language often need flash cards, tapes, and practice, practice, practice. Children, on the other hand, seem to pick up their native language out of thin air. The learning process is even more remarkable when two languages are involved. In a study examining how bilingual children learn the two different sound systems of languages they are acquiring simultaneously, Ithaca College faculty member Skott Freedman has discovered insights that indicate children can learn two native languages as easily as they can learn one.

continue reading here: http://www.ithaca.edu/news/


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Jobs: German Language Instructor; Clarion University

Temporary instructor of German needed for fall 2013 at Clarion University in Clarion, PA.  Teach two courses, elementary and intermediate German.  Masters degree in German or related field required.  Please send letter of application and CV to Eleanor ter Horst (eterhorst@clarion.edu).  Review of applications will begin on July 29 and will continue until position is filled.

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Jobs: Middle school/high school position in Lindenhurst, NY‏

German teaching position in Lindenhurst, NY: 

This is a part time position (.8) for the 2013 - 2014 school year. There  will be three classes at Lindenhurst Middle School and one class at Lindenhurst High School. 

Applicants should contact Lisa Carboy, the ESL and Foreign Language Department Coordinator for Lindenhurst Public Schools, by email at

lcarboy@lindenhurstschools.org or by phone at (631) 867-3790.


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Jobs: Part-Time Teachers for Weekday German Classes in Louisville, CO

Schulhaus Denver/Colorado Springs needs additional teachers for its Louisville location. Our Louisville classes are taught on Tuesday afternoons. Candidates should have experience working with children and a professional degree in a field related to teaching German. We are looking for native speakers who are reliable team workers don’t mind having fun in the classroom.

 Find more information on our website: www.schulhausdenver.com

 This is a part-time position with hourly pay. We cannot sponsor a work visa.

 Please send applications to program director Birgit Mayenfels: schulhausdencos@gmail.com

 We are currently accepting applications for our Denver, Colorado Springs, and Louisville locations.

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Spanish: Cómo ser un mal profesor I

Hello, Claudia here.

Here is an interesting article on what you can do to be a bad teacher. I will be posting the second article so you can keep these "don't do's" in mind while teaching!


Cómo ser un mal profesor I: 10 sencillos pasos para limitar la participación del alumno en clase

http://actualidadpedagogica.com

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4 techniques for switching your brain into language mode

Have you ever heard of a phenomenon called "Priming"? Priming is what psychologists call it when your brain adapts to the environment around it without you realising. For example, you might automatically walk slower in a nursing home than you do in a gym. The brain helps your body to adjust, and this also affects your memory and even your confidence and the whole way you interpret situations.

Follow the link to keep reading:

http://fluentlanguage.co.uk/blog/easy-techniques-for-language-mode

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Jobs: Adjunct Instructor; Gettysburg College

The Department of German Studies at Gettysburg College seeks an adjunct language instructor for the academic year 2013-2014. The instructor will teach one advanced German language course in the fall and one intermediate German language course in the spring. The candidate must have native or near-native command of German and English, successful teaching experience, and at least a Masters degree (ABD or PhD preferred). The department has an ongoing need for a qualified adjunct.

 Gettysburg College is a highly selective liberal arts college located within 90 minutes of the Baltimore/Washington DC metropolitan area. Established in 1832, the College has a rich history and is situated on a 220-acre campus with an enrollment of over 2,600 students. Gettysburg College celebrates diversity and welcomes applications from members of any group that has been historically underrepresented in the American academy. The College assures equal employment opportunity and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, and disability.

 Please submit letter of application, curriculum vitae, and three letters of recommendation to Laurel Cohen-Pfister, Chair; Department of German Studies at lcpfiste@gettysburg.edu.

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Jobs: Middle School Teacher; Appleton, WI‏

There is a section of middle school German open for next year at Roosevelt Middle School in Appleton. Anyone interested in the position should contact Allen Brant by sending him an email as soon as possible. His email address is BRANTALLEN@aasd.k12.wi.us. This section of German needs to run in order to maintain a successful German program at Appleton North High School. There are 34 students in the class.

For more information, please visit http://www.aasd.k12.wi.us/roosevelt/.

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De l'humour...à la française!

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x11gw67_secret-de-longevite-la-minute-vieille_tv



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News: Tapestry

Hi everyone, Claudia here,

Today I came across a very interesting phone app that I think I will be incorporating to my teaching. I think Tapestry is an excellent tool for getting your students to practice their writing and work on their creativity. If you can think of other ways we could use this please let us know!

https://readtapestry.com/

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Spanish: Dos días en la vida - Jarabe de Palo

Hello all, I have a song to practice preterite today. I'm sure your students will like it!

Para practicar el preterito

Dos días en la vida - Jarabe de Palo

Hay dos días en la vida
para los que no nací
dos momentos en la vida
que no existen para mí,
ciertas cosas en la vida
no se hicieron para mí
hay dos días en la vida
para los que no nací.

El primero de esos días
fue cuando te conocí
me atraparon tus mentiras
y me enamoré de tí,
del camelo de tus risas
de tus ganas de vivir
de la crueldad de tus caricias
por las que creí morir.

Hay dos días en la vida...

El segundo de esos días
fue justo el que te perdí
se fue tu cara bonita
y mis ganas de vivir,
se acabaron tus mentiras
y de todo aprendí
que hay dos días en la vida
para los que no nací.

Hay dos días en la vida...

Me tragué todo el veneno
el que llevaban tus besos
me empapé del sufrimiento
que escondía tu sonrisa.

Descubrí que con el tiempo
me perdí todo el respeto
compraste mis sentimientos
con tus labios de carmín.

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Prisoners of English

In a globalized world where English is the dominant language of commerce and diplomacy, it's tempting for native English speakers to take the easy route. But not learning other languages comes at a great cost, explains George Haynal. Fluency in other languages opens a critical window into other cultures and mindsets that would otherwise remain closed.

Follow link to continue reading theglobalist.com


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Jobs: German Teaching Opportunities in Appleton, WI‏

There is a section of middle school German open for next year at Roosevelt Middle School in Appleton. Anyone interested in the position should contact Allen Brant by sending him an email as soon as possible. His email address is BRANTALLEN@aasd.k12.wi.us. This section of German needs to run in order to maintain a successful German program at Appleton North High School. There are 34 students in the class.

There is also a part time opening at St. Joseph's Middle School in Appleton as well to teach middle school German. If a person would be able to teach at both schools, they would have more than a 50% position. Please share this information with anyone who would be interested.  Contact the principal, Deacon Tony Abts (tabts@acesxavier.k12.wi.us) for further information.

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Jobs: High School Teacher; Glen Burnie, MD

Glen Burnie High School in Anne Arundel County MD is looking for a German teacher!  Glen Burnie is a school of approximately 1500 in suburban Maryland, just south of Baltimore.  Classes are are 85 minutes long every other day.  This school is very supportive of language learning and is looking for a strong candidate to continue to build this program.  Other area high schools in the county also offer German and the teachers are involved in the AATG community and collaborate with one another.  

All applicants must apply online at www.aacps.org

under Human Resources. 

Please contact Assistant Principal Scott McGuire at spmcguire@aacps.org for more information!

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Jobs: Middle School Teacher; Muskego, WI‏

40% position available for the coming school year in Wisconsin. It is two classes, German I and German II The school is Bay Lane Middle School, in Muskego, a suburb of Milwaukee.

It's a growing program at a good school in a good district in Wisconsin.

Apply online via WECAN:

https://services.education.wisc.edu/wecan/teachers/vacancy.cfm?ID=50163

If you have questions or anything, feel free to contact Michelle Schwab  (human resources) michelle.schwab@muskegonorway.org Dawn Zandt (school principal) dawn.zandt@muskegonorway.org

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Jobs: Long-Term Substitute; Falls Village, CT‏

Position Type: High School Teaching/Foreign Language - German

Date Posted:

5/10/2013

Location:

Housatonic Valley Regional High School

Date Available:

08/26/2013

Description: This position will be serving high school students

Job Time Frame: Late August through mid-October

Salary: $80/day for the first 39 days then move to BA1

Benefits: None

Requirements: Must be a team player, have a flexible personality and be dedicated to

student achievement.

Interested candidates should apply through our website, www.region1schools.org.  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Michelle Curtis (mcurtis@region1schools.org).

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Jobs: German Teacher; San Antonio ISD; San Antonio, TX‏

German Teacher

Opening Date:            May 22, 2013                                                                        

Closing Date:             Until Filled        

Reports To:                Campus Principal                                                                

Wage/Hour Status:   Exempt

Dept. /School:            Campus Assigned                                                              

Pay Grade:                 Teacher Salary Schedule

Terms of Employment:

10 months/187 days per year. Salary is on the teacher salary schedule on the SAISD Compensation Plan on a term or probationary contract, as applicable with additional consideration for directly related experience.

Primary Purpose:

To provide students with high quality, appropriate and engaging learning activities and experiences designed to help the students attain their maximum potential for intellectual, emotional, physical, and social growth.  Enable students to develop competencies and skills that will prepare them for success in higher education.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four year college or university
• Valid Texas Teaching Certificate with required endorsements for subject and level assigned
• Valid Teaching Certificate with required endorsements for subject and level assigned from any State Educator’s Certification Department and to have the ability to be certified in Texas
• Actively enrolled in an Alternative Teacher Certification Program
• Candidate must have satisfactory outcome of fingerprinting background check. Non-refundable fee (approximately $50.00 ) paid by the employee

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Knowledge of subject(s) to which assigned
• Knowledge of curriculum and instruction
• Ability to instruct students and manage student behavior
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to adjust and be flexible to a multitude of situations in the school environment

Experience:

• Varies

 To learn more and to apply, please visit https://saisd.cloud.talentedk12.com/hire/ViewJob.aspx?JobID=910

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Jobs: Part-Time German Teacher; Ramsey School District; Ramsey, NJ‏

Ramsey School District in Ramsey, NJ is seeking a part-time German teacher for 6th grade (1 class per day).

Position to begin September 1, 2013.

 REQUIREMENTS

New Jersey Teacher of German Certification. 

Interested persons please send your resume to:

Dr. Matthew Murphy

Superintendent of Schools

266 East Main Street

Ramsey, NJ 07446

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Jobs: German Teaching Opportunities in Colorado‏

We are looking for German teachers to teach at a new language immersion school in called the Global Village Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado.  We have sister schools in the Denver area, but this is our first year in Colorado Springs.  Our parents, teachers and students are excited to experience authentic learning in Chinese Mandarin, Spanish or German immersion classrooms.  Depending upon the grade level, our students will be immersed in one of the target languages for up to 100% of the day learning the content deemed necessary by the Colorado Department of Education.  Our immersion teachers must be native speakers and will work alongside our native English speakers to ensure that students are mastering both English and a second language.  If you are interested in applying for a job at our school, please call or email me.  You can also check us out by taking a look at our website,www.globalvillageacademy.org.


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Jobs: Visiting Lecturer in German University of North Texas

Visiting Lecturer in German

Full-time position to begin September 1, 2013 (classes begin 8/28/13). The position of Visiting Lecturer comes with full benefits and may be renewed annually based upon a favorable performance evaluation and the availability of funds.

Teaching load: four undergraduate courses per semester. Active participation in Department activities and committees is expected.

Minimum Qualifications: MA in German or related field; near-native proficiency in German and English. College/University level teaching experience in German is required.

Preferred Qualifications: ABD or PhD in German with experience teaching all levels of German language, literature, and culture.

As the nation’s 25th largest public university and the largest, most comprehensive in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, UNT is dedicated to providing an excellent educational experience to its 36,000 students while powering the North Texas region, state and nation through innovative education and research. A student-focused public research university, UNT graduates 8,500 students each year from its 12 colleges and schools and offers 97 bachelor’s, 81 master’s and 35 doctoral degree programs, many nationally and internationally recognized. UNT’s ultimate mission is to give a green light to greatness by helping its students, region, state and nation excel.

The Department of World Languages, Literatures and Cultures is a fast growing, dynamic, and vibrant unit. With 34 full---time faculty, it enrolls over 60 graduate students and 300 undergraduate majors, and serves over 11,000 students annually. It offers courses in nine languages including minors in Arabic, Chinese, Italian, Japanese, and Russian; bachelor’s degrees in French, German, and Spanish; and master’s degrees in French and Spanish. For complete qualifications and application information, please visit facultyjobs.unt.edu, and search for World Languages. Screening of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is closed.

With a population over six million, the Dallas---Fort Worth---Denton Metroplex is home to a diverse population and offers a broad range of cultural activities. Further information regarding the Department may be obtained by visiting our website (www.worldlanguages.unt.edu) or by contacting Dr. Carol Anne Costabile-Heming, Chair, Department of World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures; email:carolanne.costabileheming@unt.edu, phone: 940-565-2404.

The University of North Texas is an EOE/ADA/AA institution committed to diversity in its employment and educational programs, thereby creating a welcoming environment for everyone.

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Spanish: La infidelidad en la era de la informatica - Jorge Drexler

Hello everyone, I have a new song to share with you today. Enjoy!
Para practicar el condicional simple y compuesto y el pretérito pluscuamperfecto de subjuntivo

La infidelidad en la era de la informática - Jorge Drexler

Aquel mensaje que no debió haber leído, 

Aquel botón que no debió haber pulsado, 

Aquel consejo torpemente desoído, 

Aquel espacio era un espacio privado. 

Pero no tuvo ni tendrá la sangre fría 

Ni la mente clara, ni calculadora 

Que aun creyendo saber en lo que se metía 

Abrió una tarde aquella caja de Pandora 

Y la obsesión desencripta en lo críptico, 

Viola lo mágico, vence a la maquina 

Y tarde o temprano nada es secreto 

En los vericuetos de la informática…. 

De la informática 

Hecho a mordisco en un lapso clandestino 

Tragando aquel dolor que se le atragantaba, 

Sintiendo claramente el riesgo, el desatino 

De la pendiente aquella en la que se deslizaba. 

Y en tres semanas que parecieron años 

Perdió las ganas de dormir y cinco kilos 

Y en fashback de celos aun siguen llegando 

Las frases que nunca debió haber leído. 

En esa espiral la lógica duerme 

Lo atávico al fin sale de reposo 

Y no hay contraseña, prudencia ni fin 

Que aguante el embate de un craquer celoso. 

Y la obsesión desencripta en lo críptico, 

Viola lo mágico, vence a la maquina 

Y tarde o temprano nada es secreto 

En los vericuetos de la informática 

Y tarde o temprano nada es secreto 

Nada es secreto

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German: Word of the Week - das Handy

Here is Christina with the German word of the week!

This week:
das Handy  /  the cell phone


"Handys" are very popular in Germany just like all over the world, and almost everybody has one. Since word "Handy" sounds English, some Germans assume that it is the correct English word for "cell phone." So, do not be surprised when a German asks you for your "handy number."

Here are some examples of how you can use this word:

Ich habe ein neues Handy gekauft. / I bought a new cell phone.
Ist dein Handy ein Smart Phone? / Is your cell phone a smart phone?
Mein Handy is kaputt. / My cell phone is broken.
Mein Freund spielt immer mit seinem Handy / My boyfriend is always playing with his cell phone.
Er surft mit seinem Handy im Internet. / He surfs the internet with his cell phone.


By the way, the German term "Handy" has nothing to do with the Smurf named "Handy." To avoid confusion, the name of this particular Smurf in German is spelled with an "i": "Handi." You can also call him "Bastelschlumpf" ("handicraft work smurf").

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German: Laing - Morgens immer müde (song)

Here is Christina with another fun German song:
"Morgens immer müde" by Laing.

The four members of the this crazy Berlin electro-soul-pop group are Nicola Rost, Susanne Berivan, Johanna Marshall, and Marisa Akeny  Laing. Nicola named the band after her mother's maiden name: "Laing."

Their song "Morgens immer müde" ("Always tired in the morning") is a hymn for anybody who has trouble getting out of bed early in the morning!

Morgens immer müde Ich bin morgens immer müde, Aber abends werd‘ ich wach. Morgens bin ich so solide, Doch am Abend werd‘ ich schwach. Wenn der Wecker morgens rasselt Und der Tag nimmt seinen Lauf, Ist die Stimmung mir vermasselt, Denn ich steh‘ so ungern auf. Doch wenn tausend Lichter glühen, Bin ich jede Nacht ganz groß, Und wenn dann noch Musik erklingt, Oh, dann geht es los. Ich bin morgens immer müde, Aber abends werd‘ ich wach. Morgens bin ich so solide, Doch am Abend werd‘ ich schwach, So schwach, So schwach. In der Bar: "Zum flotten Penner" Bin ich außer Rand und Band Und ich tanze dutzend Männer Ohne Mühe an die Wand. Cha Cha, Swing und Boogie Woogie Tanz‘ ich ohne Unterlass. Schon schreit der ganze Saal: Wow, die ist ja krass! Denn ich bin morgens immer müde, Aber abends werd‘ ich wach. Morgens bin ich so solide, Doch am Abend werd‘ ich schwach, So schwach. Zwo, drei, vier, Morgens, morgens, Müde, müde, Morgens, morgens, Müde, müde, Abends, abends, Wach, wach, Abends, abends, Wach, wach, Morgens, morgens, Müde, müde, Morgens, morgens, Müde, müde, Abends, abends, Schwach, schwach, Abends, abends, Schwach. Ich bin morgens immer müde, Aber abends werd‘ ich wach. Morgens bin ich so solide, Doch am Abend werd‘ ich schwach, So schwach, So schwach. Kein Grund zu gehen, es ist erst 0:30 Uhr. Kein Grund zu gehen, es ist erst 1:30 Uhr. Kein Grund zu gehen, es ist erst 2:30 Uhr. Kein Grund zu gehen, es ist erst 3:30 Uhr. Kein Grund zu gehen, es ist erst 4:30 Uhr. Kein Grund zu gehen, es ist erst 5:30 Uhr. Kein Grund zu gehen, es ist erst 6:30 Uhr. Kein Grund zu gehen … Ich fange gerade erst an!

Always tired in the morning I’m always tired in the morning, But evenings I wake up. Mornings I am strong, But in the evening I get weak. When the alarm rattles in the morning And the day takes it course, Then my mood is all screwed up, ‘Cause I really hate to get up. But when a thousand lights are shining, I’m really great every night, And when music sounds on top of that, Then I’m off. I’m always tired in the morning, But evenings I wake up. Mornings I am strong, But in the evening I get weak. So weak, So weak. In the bar: “The Perky Hobo” I really cut loose And I dance a dozen men Right into the ground, without an effort. Cha Cha, Swing and Boogie Woogie I dance incessantly. Soon the whole room shouts: Wow, she is totally wicked! I’m always tired in the morning, But evenings I wake up. Mornings I am strong, But in the evening I get weak. So weak. Two, three, four In the morning, in the morning Tired, tired In the morning, in the morning Tired, tired In the evening, in the evening, Awake, awake, In the evening, in the evening, Awake, awake In the morning, in the morning Tired, tired In the morning, in the morning Tired, tired In the evening, in the evening, Weak, weak In the evening, in the evening, Weak. I’m always tired in the morning, But evenings I wake up. Mornings I am strong, But in the evening I get weak. So weak. So weak. No reason to leave, it is only 12:30 am No reason to leave, it is only 1:30 am No reason to leave, it is only 2:30 am No reason to leave, it is only 3:30 am No reason to leave, it is only 4:30 am No reason to leave, it is only 5:30 am No reason to leave, it is only 6:30 am No reason to leave… I’m really just starting here!

The song became famous in Germany last year when it was used in a TV ad of a German telecommunication company:




If you want to hear and see more of Laing, check out their website:
http://www.universal-music.de/laing/home

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