My Experience as an Auxiliar de Conversación
2019-2020
Asunción Rincón
I worked in Asunción Rincón, which is located in the neighborhood of Chamberí. Asunción Rincón is an infant and primary school (CP INF-PRI). Here, there is bilingual program throughout the primary grades (1-6). Each grade level has two classes. In total there are four auxiliares assigned to my school. Two of us work primarily with the upper three grades (4-6), and two of us work primarily with the lower three grades (1-3). I was assigned to work primarily with grades 1-3, however I also have a couple classes with grade 4.
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The typical school day is divided into three main parts, each with two classes. There is a break between each equaling six classes total a day.
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Activities
Games- We often use games with the lower grades to create high involvement and response with the material. Presenting material in interesting ways for students not only helps them retain the information, but also creates and strengthens relationships between students and teachers
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Lapbooks- Lapbooks are a combination of a craft and a collection of a students work. It is similar to a portfolio, but focused on one specific unit or topic. Here students cut and glue pictures to create their lapbook. This helps them have a centralized location for their new material that they can access in a creative manner.
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Whiteboard Activities- There are several ways we have utilized white boards in class, but one of the most common ways is to practice spelling and writing. For example, all of the students would have a whiteboard and dry erase marker and I would dictate sample sentences involving key vocabulary words from the unit. The students would then have to write down what I had said. I would individually check each student's work for errors. If there were errors, I would tell them to try "___" word again until they got it correct.
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Flashcard/Vocabulary- Probably the most common activity and resource we use are flashcards to practice vocabulary and work on memorization. There are several ways flashcards can be used for memorization. One way is to ask the student to correctly identify the object or word on the card. Another way is to create conversation by using the cards as topics. This way we can ask students questions or students can create questions for us, both leading to open ended conversations about the vocabulary.
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Madlibs- Madlibs are a way for students to combine new vocabulary and parts of speech in one activity to work on creating sentences in a fun way. It also helps students to recognize incorrect sentences that do not follow correct syntax or sentences that have vocabulary that is not normal for that particular situation.
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Online/Multi-Media Resources
Kahoot!
Kahoot! is an online quiz game platform that allows teachers to create their own or use preexisting quizzes to informally assess student's understanding of the material. This can also be utilized inside or outside of the classrooms to review content and engage students with the material because it can be accessed anywhere through internet. Teachers are also able to make assignments with Kahoot! and have the students present the knowledge to the class through Kahoot!
Quizlet
Quizlet is based around the concept of flashcards. This site is meant to review and memorize content in an efficient and meaningful way. There are several ways students can utilize Quizlet. The first being the classic flashcard style of side A is the term and side B is the definition or language equivalent. Another way a student can utilize Quizlet is by using the "writing" function, which is where students spell out the correct corresponding term correctly. One nice thing in general about Quizlet is that it will read aloud and pronounce the term for the student to hear. This can help a student to work on pronunciation in a a foreign language without having a speaker of the target language with them while studying.
Presentations
(Both can be found under the "Files" tab)
Introduction
At the start of every year there is a period where new auxilaries are integrating into the school. To help with becoming a member of the school, a presentation of your background can help make connections faster and create relationships with teachers and students. This is the presentation I used during my first week at Asunción Rincón.
Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a very American holiday. I was asked to create a presentation about how I personally celebrate Thanksgiving in America so that the students could see the difference between how all of the auxiliares celebrate the same holiday in America. It includes family traditions, my favorite Thanksgiving food, and memories of past Thanksgivings.
Instructional Videos
School Events
Holidays
Holidays are always an important part of any culture or country. Here in Spain is no different. At Asunción Rincón there is an integration of holidays into the educational environment. This stimulates student productivity and raises moral. As our role is international, the auxiliares at my school share how similar holidays are celebrated in our home countries. We help decorate the school and put on programs, such as our Halloween celebration where we had stories and a rotation of activities for students at all primary grade levels.
Field Trips
Field trips play a role in every school, allowing students to get first hand experience and exposure to their very own community. Students are able to meet people and learn from them, seeing how these people play a role in their daily lives. For example our school took a trip to the local fire department for the afternoon.
Assemblies
Assemblies at Asunción Rincón are typically held in our gym. These are times for students to hear lectures, see theaters, or perform their fine arts for their peers or parents. This a very informative time where students can share the same experience and create conversation about the events that happen at our school. For example, students this year have presented their winter holiday program and also watched an anti-bullying theater.
Winter holiday project completed by the Auxiliares de Asunción Rincón
