A challenge is always good!

I have a new assignment!  I am now half time grade 3/4 immersion and half time 1/2 Core French, grade 2 Health/Gym and Kindergarten gym!  I am thrilled!

Meeting my immersion students on the first day was a little scary, since they had already gotten used to another teacher's routine, and I was about to switch it up on them a little bit.  Although I was nervous, the first day was awesome!  We got right to work and I was so impressed with their ability to express themselves in French.  I thought that some of my work would be too challenging, but they powered through and blew me away!

I am learning that challenging students is a great thing and allows everyone to shock themselves with how much they can actually do!  the goal is to that certain amount of challenge that will not discourage the students.  I had the students so a shared reading of biography on Kandinsky the other, and before my lesson, I thought that it might be too difficult for them.  Turns out that if I model how to break down the text properly, the kids that definitely understand!  They were able to translate and find the meaning of this sentence:  "Il a créé la première œuvre non figurative de l'art moderne, c'est-à-dire qui ne représente pas le réel."!  INCREDIBLE!  I strongly believe that this little bit of challenge increase students engagement.  They couldn't take their eyes off of the SMART Board, and really, all we were doing is reading a biography! 

I'm also reading the two first novels of the Mlle Charlotte series: La Nouvelle Maîtresse & La Mystérieuse Bibliothécaire.  Two wonderful, hilarious novels.  The students get to sit where they want in whatever position they want and simply listen and assist me in breaking down every word, every sentence, every paragraph to ensure that everyone understands.  They are allowed to stop me at any moment to repeat or discuss the meaning of a part of the story.  I highly suggest these novels.  Your students will be hooked!  Mlle Charlotte has a way of capturing the attention of everyone, whether it be boys who like sports or video games, or girls who like to draw, fix their hair or put on makeup. 

Enjoy the read!  It`s worth it!

Madame Stéphanie :)