Allison Wienhold: Spanish Teacher & Creator of Mis Clases Locas

In this presentation, Allison shares her expertise in creating effective routines that save time, engage students, and promote relaxation. From using projected slides to batch planning and incorporating authentic music videos, she provides valuable insights and practical tips to make your classroom run smoother. So, get ready to learn how to establish routines that not only optimize learning but also create a positive and enjoyable environment.

To assist teachers in planning and preparing for their first week of school, Allison presents a plan with interesting activities. This plan showcases what can be done during these days to start with the target language immediately from day one. It highlights the key to success with different preparations and outlines the main goals that need to be considered for this crucial first week.

In this session, Allison discusses her reasons for showing films and lists the types of films that are appropriate for students at different levels of proficiency. She then shares examples of pre-viewing and during viewing activities as well as post-viewing assessments for each mode of communication.

Allison begins by acknowledging that many teachers will already be familiar with using music with their students. After a quick review of the benefits and some useful suggestions for finding current, authentic songs, she goes on to share a wide variety of practical classroom ideas. These include ‘one off’ activities, ways to incorporate music into your weekly routine, as well as an introduction to music bracket mini-units.

Allison’s presentation offers activities teachers could possibly use in teaching a target language using a novel. Various activities for pre-reading, reading, and post-reading sessions to be used during class or in online classes are suggested. She also provides tips to successfully teach a language using novels from preparation to assessment.

Allison Weinhold is a one-woman world language department, and in this presentation, she talks about her transition from teaching according to traditional methods to a CI approach in a desk-free classroom. She offers teachers several crowd-pleasing CI activities to use immediately as well as a list of resources. From this presentation, teachers will gain confidence in their own transition from a traditional textbook to a CI approach and ideas for CI activities that they can implement immediately.

Allison Wienhold, a Spanish department of one, believes in offering her high school students many opportunities to move as a way of increasing their focus on learning. She credits foreign language teachers like Annabelle Allen and Martina Bex with some of her inspired ideas for movement while describing 12 different methods of incorporating movement into Spanish classrooms. Ms. Wienhold favors movement games and activities that require minimal preparation and resources; all she hopes for are open minds and enthusiasm.