domingo, 25 de octubre de 2026

Prepping for MaFLA 2026 got me in a sharing mood

I am very excited to be heading to MaFLA to be presenting a session called "Spoiler Alert" this Friday, 10/30/26. I attended MaFLA numerous times and I have presented there quite a bit: a six hour workshop (2013), a three hour workshop (2018) and various other sessions. One of my faves was this one from 2012 when Twitter #langchat was a thriving PD space... seems so long ago now! Not only have I shared a lot at the MaFLA conference, but I have learned A LOT. MaFLA is an excellent state organization! 

Working on my MaFLA presentation this weekend had me looking through my blog and and seeing how much I have posted, share and reflected here throughout the years - whoa, that is a lot! That has me in a sharing and reflecting mood...

I am at a new school this year - back to PUBLIC education and back in my home state of Massachusetts - which I am very happy about. 

My students (and colleagues - hey Molly if you are reading!) are a pleasure to work with! I have some curriculum docs to work with, but I also have some freedom to get where I need to get. It is the first time in a VERY long time that I don't have readers, which I am adapting to, but really missing. Instead of readers, I am using Gemini to help me create stories and I will also be using some movies along the way.

For my Spanish 3 Honors class, our theme for the quarter is "La vida buena". So far, we have done two units, both based on stories that are based on songs/music videos. The first one was "El mismo sol" (very easy - just wanted to see where students were and have them feel comfortable. The second unit was a much more robust and it was based on the song and music video "La Samaria"(see below). I can't share the entire unit because I compiled a lot of purchased resources that can't be shared, but here is a version with some links and docs taken out and here is the slideshow with some videos and docs taken out. Gemini helped me create the story (not a super engaging story, but it worked) and a few other things - and saved me LOTS of time!

I am excited about the final (shorter) unit for "La buena vida" theme! It is based on one of my favorite Ana Tijoux songs, "Millonaria". I LOVE the song, the video and the message so much! 


I used Gemini to help me with quite a few things in this unit, including the story which is a bit weird and more of a description of the video and song. 


On the note of PD, if you are looking for something pretty special to do this summer, join me and AnneMarie Chase in Segovia, Spain!

domingo, 20 de septiembre de 2026

ACQUIRE & INSPIRE: Immersive Spanish Teacher Workshop Series in Segovia, Spain


ACQUIRE & INSPIRE: Immersive Spanish Teacher Workshop Series in Segovia, Spain

Join Kara Jacobs and AnneMarie Chase on a ten day Professional Development trip in Segovia, Spain from July 1 - July 10, 2027.

Workshops:

You will participate in six morning workshops designed to hone your Acquisition Driven Instruction skills, taught by Kara and AnneMarie. Topics range from Unit Design, Comprehensible Culture, Assessment and you’ll even experience the magic as a student, by getting a taste of acquiring a new language, and participating in a film study.  Our small group (limited to 12 participants) will allow you plenty of time to dig in, ask loads of questions and process your learning along with other motivated, like-minded ADI Spanish teachers from all over the US and beyond. The cherry on top is the location of our workshops: right in the heart of Segovia’s casco histórico, just steps away from the Plaza Mayor. 

AnneMarie, doing her thing

Just out the door from our workshop space and around the corner, you'll find Segovia's beautiful Plaza Mayor, the perfect spot to grab a snack during our morning break.

Kara, doing her thing

Homestay, optional:

You have the opportunity to spend 9 nights with a Spanish host family, right in the city of Segovia, within walking distance from our workshop location. You’ll enjoy a light breakfast, lunch and dinner with your new familia española who is excited to share their city and home with you!   And just to put your mind at ease, our host families are carefully vetted and have been hosting students for years with Centro de Estudios Hispánicos de Segovia, our partner in this trip.When matching you with a host family, we’ll consider dietary preferences, allergies, pets, and other factors that will help make your stay enjoyable. Additionally, you’ll have a private bedroom and shared bathroom during your stay. Please keep in mind that air conditioning is not common in Segovia, and your room will likely not be air conditioned. 


If you prefer to make your own accommodations:

If you’d rather not stay with a host family, this year we’ve added another option. Join us for all the fun: PD sessions, cultural excursions, and evening meet ups, but each evening, head to your own place. Segovia has plenty of AirBnBs and hotels to choose from, and the food options are endless.  When you’re booking, be sure to find something within walking distance from the Plaza Mayor. 

Keeping cool at "La granja", 2025 partcipants

Sunset within the city walls, 2025

Break between workshops, 2025

Cultural Activities:

Segovia has so much to offer and we will take advantage of it! You’ll spend most mornings in professional development workshops, but afternoons and evenings are dedicated to discovering Segovia and its culture. No visit would be complete without exploring the magnificent Alcázar de Segovia. We’ll also learn about the historic acueducto romano that towers over the city and wander through the walled casco histórico. In addition, we’ll take a day trip to the charming town of San Ildefonso to enjoy its magnificent gardens and tour the Palacio Real de La Granja. Saturday is yours to design—whether that means visiting Segovia’s many museums and cafés, strolling its picturesque plazas, or even taking a quick day trip to Madrid or Salamanca with your colegas. We also have a few cultural surprises planned along the way. By the end of the program, you’ll leave Segovia not only steeped in Spanish culture, but also inspired and ready to bring fresh ideas and experiences back to your classroom.

2025 participants

Toasting with a tinto de verano after a walking tour, 2025

Who is this trip designed for?!

Spanish teachers who are interested in developing their Acquisition Driven Instruction/ Comprehensible Input Teaching skills alongside like minded teachers. An adventurous spirit is important too: if public transportation, staying with a Spanish family who won’t have air conditioning and lots of walking, a bit of hiking and climbing many stairs doesn’t sound like a good time, this isn’t the trip for you! If you have questions or concerns, please reach out; we’d love to chat with you! 

Climbing the bell tower of the cathedral

Hiking from the Judería to the cemetery

Sound like the trip of a lifetime? We would love for you to join the adventure! Spots are limited to 12  participants, so don’t wait to sign up!

Total Cost: $2,700 USD

What’s included? 

  • Homestay experience (private bedroom, shared bathroom) including a light breakfast, lunch and dinner each day

  • 6 Professional Development Workshops (divided into 14 sessions) taught by Kara Jacobs and AnneMarie Chase

  • Cultural activities in the afternoons/evenings

  • Farewell dinner

  • Certificate of completion for 50 hours of Professional Development

OR: $2,300 USD

Total Cost: $2,700 USD

What’s included? 

  • 6 Professional Development Workshops (divided into 14 sessions) taught by Kara Jacobs and AnneMarie Chase

  • Cultural activities in the afternoons/evenings

  • Farewell dinner

  • Certificate of completion for 50 hours of Professional Development


What’s not included?

  • Flight to and from Madrid

  • Transportation to and from Segovia  (Bus or Taxi, we will provide detailed recommendations)

  • Travel Insurance, optional but recommended

  • Snacks, souvenirs and spending money (our participants enjoy going out for a quick bite during our morning break, since Spanish breakfasts are much lighter than typical American ones.)

  • Optional graduate credits through Southern New Hampshire University, if this interests you, please inquire!

2

025 participants enjoying a cafecito during our morning break on the Plaza mayor

Ready to join us?! Next steps and important dates:

ASAP: Sign up here and pay $700 deposit to reserve your spot, limited to the first 12 registrations!

  • Deposits can be paid by check, made out to “Spanish Teacher PD Abroad LLC” and mailed to:  Kara Jacobs PO Box 500, Andover, NH 03216, Checks must be received within 10 days of completing the form to hold your space. 

  • If you prefer to pay by credit card, you can pay via PayPal paypal.me/SegoviaADI, however PayPal charges a 3% processing fee so the deposit total is $721

January 31st - 2nd payment of $1000 

($1030 if you pay by credit card through paypal.me/SegoviaADI)

May 1st - final payment of $1000 ($600, if you choose the No Homestay option)

             ($1030 / $618  if you pay by credit card through paypal.me/SegoviaADI)

TBD: Zoom meeting for participants, to learn more details regarding schedule, packing, etc. 

A few more things:

We need a minimum of 12 participants for this trip to move forward. In addition, given current economic uncertainty and fluctuations in the USD-Euro exchange rate, we are monitoring costs closely to ensure the trip remains feasible. With this in mind, we ask that you wait until January 15th before purchasing plane tickets or making final travel arrangements. On that date, we will confirm that the trip is officially on—at which point you can book your flights, start packing, and get excited! If we are unable to move forward with this trip, your $700 deposit will be fully refunded.

Cancellation & Refund Policy

We understand that plans can change, and we want to be as fair as possible while also ensuring that we can meet our commitments in Spain. Please review the following cancellation policy before reserving your spot:

  • Deposit ($700 / $721 via PayPal): Fully refundable if the trip is canceled by organizers. If you withdraw, deposits, less PayPal fees (if applicable), are refundable until January 15, 2026. After January 15, the  deposit is non-refundable, unless we can fill your spot.
  • Second Payment ($1000 / $1030 via PayPal, due January 31, 2026): Refundable, less PayPal fees (if applicable), until March 1, 2026. After March 1st, this payment is non-refundable, unless we can fill your spot.
  • Final Payment ($1000 / $1030 via PayPal, due May 1, 2026 or $600 /$618 if arranging own accommodations): Refundable, less PayPal fees (if applicable), until June 1, 2026. After June 1st, this payment is non-refundable, unless we can fill your spot.

If the trip is canceled by organizers (e.g., not reaching 12 participants, extreme circumstances): All payments and deposit, less PayPal fees (if applicable), will be refunded in full.

If the trip is canceled by organizers (e.g., not reaching 12 participants, extreme circumstances): All payments and deposit, less PayPal fees (if applicable), will be refunded in full.

If you have any questions, email AnneMarie (senorachase@gmail.com) or Kara (kjacobs147@gmail.com). We hope you can join us!


lunes, 13 de abril de 2026

New movie ---> Kayara

I'm always looking for good movies to use in the classroom and currently, in my Advanced Spanish class, I am using the Peruvian/Spanish (see article here) movie Kayara:

To get the movie, I use my VPN and bought it on YouTube. I am using it in my advanced class, but it would also be excellent for ANY level.

It is a simple, appropriate movie, but has LOTS of culture in it. Before starting the movie, students learned some basic information about Perú and Renata Flores. Here is the unit packet.

Here are some of the videos that students saw as we got ready to watch the movie:







We also used some Garbanzo readings and some excellent Dreaming Spanish videos (premium), so I can't share. 

Here is the assessment that students took BEFORE starting the movie:
  • Interpretive Listening and Intercultural Competence: Preguntas sobre Perú, Renata Flores, Francisca Pizarro, Francisco Pizarro y los Incas
  • Presentational/Interpersonal Speaking and Intercultural Competence: Hablarás sobre estas preguntas con un grupo de compañeros. 
    • ¿Qué piensas de Renata Flores y la canción "Francisca Pizarro"?  ¿Cómo conecta su música con lo que has aprendido de Perú - hoy en el pasado? ¡Haz conexiones!
    • ¿Con quién - de tu cultura u otra cultura que hemos estudiado - puedes comparar y contrastar Renata Flores y su música? 
I will be sharing more soon as we continue with the movie! 

And after this movie, I think we are going to watch this one, produced by the same film company: