My Why
My ultimate goal is to do good in the world. I believe that by fostering a love of learning, encouraging critical thinking, and providing access to knowledge, I can ignite a passion for lifelong growth and make a positive impact on the world.
teaching approach
Teaching Approach
Best Teaching Practice
Teaching Approach
This is the big-picture philosophy that guides your teaching. It reflects your beliefs about how students learn best. There are different approaches, like the communicative approach (focuses on using language for communication) or the behaviorist approach (focuses on rewarding desired behaviors).
Teaching Method
Best Teaching Practice
Teaching Approach
This is the practical plan for putting your approach into action. It involves specific techniques and activities used in the classroom. So, a Communicative Approach might use a method like Personalized Question and Answer (PQR) for Interpersonal Communication.
Best Teaching Practice
Best Teaching Practice
Best Teaching Practice
These are strategies that are proven to be effective in most situations. They're based on research and experience and can be used within different approaches and methods. For example, using formative assessment (checking for understanding throughout a lesson with thumbs up or down) is a best practice that can be applied in many different contexts.
Teaching Philosophy
My teaching philosophy centers on the idea that language is a tool for communication. Like Dr. Krashen's Comprehensible Input theory fact, I believe learners acquire language most effectively by engaging with compelling comprehensible input. This allows them to grasp meaning through context and visuals, subconsciously absorbing new structures. While grammar holds a place, explicit instruction takes a backseat to fostering meaningful communication and engagement with the language. While the research of Dr. Bill Van Patten clearly demonstrates that language acquisition varies from person to person, assessments and grades maintain a balance between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. Language acquisition is a marathon, not a sprint.
Communicative Approach
Communicative Approach
Communicative Approach
In linguistics, the Communicative Approach emphasizes understanding language as a tool for communication, not just a set of rules. It focuses on a learner's ability to use language effectively in real-life situations, rather than just memorizing grammar drills. This approach is often applied in language teaching methods in which meaning is greater than form.
Communication is the expression, interpretation, and negotiation of meaning in a given context (Van Patten 2017).
Comprehensible Input
Communicative Approach
Communicative Approach
Dr. Stephen Krashen's theory fact of Comprehensible Input revolves around the idea that language acquisition happens best when learners are exposed to language that is slightly above their current level of proficiency (i+1). This comprehensible input allows them to understand the meaning from context and visuals, even if they don't grasp every single word. Through this exposure, learners subconsciously acquire new language structures without the need for explicit grammar instruction. The key is to keep learners engaged with compelling and comprehensible content.
Examples of Activities
Communicative Approach
Examples of Activities
- Calendar Talk
- Picture Talk
- Storytelling
- Story Listening
- One Word Image
- Free Volunteer Reading (FVR)
- Clip Chats or Movie Talks
- Pop-up Grammar
- Super 7 Verbs and Sweet 16 Verbs
- Non-targeted Storytelling
- Readers Theater
- Happy Points
- Total Physical Response (TPR)
- Personalized Question and Answer (PQR)
- Timed writing
Formative Assessment
Formative Assessment
Formative Assessment
Formative Assessment (Quiz/Exit Slips) to check for comprehension in the Interpretive Mode.
Levels 1-3: Translating from L2 to L1.
Level 4 and up: Answering comprehension questions verbally or written in complete sentences in the targeted language.
All Levels: Tracked Timed Writing in the Targeted Language
Summative Assessment
Formative Assessment
Formative Assessment
Summative Assessment (Test/Exam)
- Interpretive Mode (Listening and Reading)
- Presentational Mode (Timed Writing or Writing Prompt)
- Interpersonal Mode (Conversation)
Project Based Learning
- Video Project
- Book Project
Rubric
Formative Assessment
Rubric
Based on class proficiency goals.
- A Exceeding
- B Meeting
- C Approaching
- D Little Evidence
- F No Evidence
Grade Scale
AP Spanish Language and Culture
AAPPL Proficiency Test
Option 1
- 20% Interpersonal Communication
- 15% Reading
- 15% Listening
- 15% Writing
- 15% Speaking
- 20% Cumulative Exam
Option 2
- 20% Quizzes
- 30% Tests and Projects
- 10% Reading
- 10% Listening
- 10% Writing
- 20% (Interpersonal) Speaking
AAPPL Proficiency Test
AP Spanish Language and Culture
AAPPL Proficiency Test
The ACTFL Assessment of Performance toward Proficiency in Languages (AAPPL) is a web-based proficiency and performance assessment of K-12 standards-based language learning. Qualifies for the Seal of Biliteracy.
*ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages)
AP Spanish Language and Culture
AP Spanish Language and Culture
AP Spanish Language and Culture
Timed standardized test that assesses your proficiency in five key areas that are crucial for effective communication in Spanish.
- Communication
- Culture (Products and Perspectives)
- Connections
- Comparisons
- Communities
Themes
- Families and Communities
- Science and Technology
- Beauty and Aesthetics
- Contemporary Life
- Global Challenges
- Personal and Public Identities
Classroom Management
Students are expected to listen and track the speaker with the intent to understand, however, a classroom contract can be co-created and revisited throught the year as needed. Classes are rewarded with a point system (Happy Points) and compete against other classes for an end of the semester reward. Points are updated on a viewable Google Sheets page with feedback on what classes are doing well or how they can improve.
Copyright © 2025 Esmeralda Mora - All Rights Reserved.