A World Language Teacher's Dream (Taking Authentic Text to the Next level)

SpeakIt! for Language Learners

As a language teacher, I'm always trying to make learning as authentic and real as possible.  What if every student was given their own personal tutor to read the target language text out loud?  Students would be able to hear authentic language at the press of a button, and improve pronunciation effortlessly.

Now you can.  There is an extension in Chrome called SpeakIt.  SpeakIt allows you to copy text from any site, and converts text to speech.  I know what you are thinking, "It's too fast for me to understand."  You are right!  In order for a language learner to really benefit from Authentic speech, it must be comprehensible.  This is where SpeakIt ROCKS!!!  If you go into the option settings, not only are you able to change the language, but the speaking rate can be adjusted.  This allows you to take any authentic text, and listen to it while you read along at a comfortable pace.  The ability to slow down the rate of speaking makes SpeakIt a language learner's dream.  I love this app!!!

SpeakIt! Extension for the Chrome Browser

We need more Marias in the world.

#SOSVenezuela and #PrayForVenezuela

I know the world is a crazy place right now, but Venezuela also needs HELP!!! WE BUY OIL FROM THESE PEOPLE!!! If you don't care about the people, at least care about the oil they sell us. Things are changing fast. #prayforvenezuela twitter, Venezuela SOS in Facebook. Please watch and care about the Venezuelan people.

English Version:

If you are close to the DFW, come join the protest and help us bring attention to the Venezuela crisis. We are asking for English speakers to also attend and get involved. If you feel up to it, wear white to signify a peaceful protest.

https://www.facebook.com/events/713303375388496/

Sagrada Familia

La Sagrada Familia

60 minutes recently did a segment on the Sagrada Familia, a famous church, in Barcelona, Spain.  It's one of the most incredible structures on earth.  If you ever go to Spain, make the trip to La Sagrada Familia.  It's a once in a lifetime opportunity and no matter what your religious beliefs, your breath will be taken away.

House of Lords Debates the Importance of World Languages

On October 28, 2010, the House of Lords spent an hour and 20 minutes discussing the importance of speaking languages other than English. Baroness Coussins, chair of the all parliamentary group on modern languages, discussed the need for England to invest in foreign language learning.  As a LOTE teacher, how cool is it to see the government spend almost an hour and a half discussing the importance of learning a second language.

Talk Radio in England (You and Yours) discusses Language Learning 08/31/2010

You and Yours is a BBC radio show that discussed the issue of learning languages a couple of months before the October 28, 2010 debate in the House of Lords.  It was a fascinating discussion and is worth a listen.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00thxg0#p009r16y