A teacher's vision...

When you enter my classroom, you will see the flags from all the Latin American countries and a bigger one from Spain, the reason that flag is bigger it’s because Spain is considered the motherland of this language. I have a couch on one of the corners next to a bookcase filled with books from all levels of Spanish for my students to read, I call it “Rincón de lectura” (Reading corner). I have 30 individual desks lined up, 15 on each side of the room for a better class interaction between the students and me. I have one white board and one smart board that I use for my interactive lessons, I love it! The use of technology is very important in my classroom hence I have computers and tablets for online activities and lessons.

I want my classroom to feel like the Latin culture, warm and cozy. I want people to feel the same way I feel when I walk into my aunt’s home in Mexico; loved and welcomed. I truly believe that if I can make them feel like that they will be connecting with the culture on another level other than me in front of a board going over a “verb” lesson. Food and music will also be a big part of my class and lessons and for that I want to invite parents to participate and maybe have a “cooking” night on which we will be preparing famous recipes from different “Latin American” countries. Karaoke “nights” will be incorporated too because they students need to practice their new vocabulary in a fun way. 

A classroom’s atmosphere plays a big role in a student’s success and interest in your class that’s one of the reasons why I want my students to feel welcomed. I want them to engage and never forget what they felt every time they walked in Mrs. Rivera's classroom.