Hola,

The robotics classroom is not free of conflict. Involving students in project-based learning and team collaboration can be challenging as they are forced to explore communication and interaction with others. Robo-convos is a simple strategy that I use whenever I have to mediate a conflict between students. It is based on the "I statement" technique that allows us to reflect on our feelings, actions, and find a solution to a specific interpersonal problem. ​

Hasta pronto,
Doctora Collado

Hello,

Can we ever be too grateful? I don't think so. I have been building a gratitude mindset for years. At certain points, I have felt as if I was exaggerating on my expression of gratitude. But no, the simple act of saying thank you to someone or stating mentally how grateful I am for something, makes me feel good automatically about my life and everything that encompasses it. It is the quickest pick-me-up tool. 

Happy Thanksgiving,
Doctora Collado

Hola, 

As time passes by, I find more ways to foster emotional intelligence in the Spanish classroom. Something as simple as having these word strips available for students, helps them in learning to acknowledge their feelings and set intentions. Watch the video to learn how the idea came about and click on the link below to get the list of words.

Abrazos,
Doctora Collado

Hola,

Last year I was inspired by the keynote address of Laura Terrill at the Northeast Conference on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (NECTFL), on the use of compelling images. It made me reflect on missed opportunities to spark interest in the target language culture due to always prioritizing the use of Spanish in the classroom. This year, I decided to put it to the test by incorporating the work of Dulce Pinzón entitled "The Real Story of the Superheroes" in my fifth-grade classes. Watch the video to find out what I learned in the process.

Abrazos,
Doctora Collado

Hola,

You may have come across a meme in social media that referred to a spirit animal. Well, way before these memes started trending, finding your spirit animal as a tool to understand your personality or a phase in your life, was already a spiritual practice. Today, I share how I stumbled upon my spirit animal and what I have learned in the process.​

Abrazos,
Doctora Collado

Hola,

This year for Proyecto L.E.E. I chose to dress as Zulema, the main character in La Polilla en el Baúl. Watch the video to find out about the process of designing the lesson. Below is a link to the story and reading on moths. 

Hasta pronto,
Doctora Collado

Hola,

In this post, I share how teaching the cultural tradition of Día de los Muertos led me to develop love and respect for it by changing my perspective towards life and death. It is now a meaningful personal practice. 

Abrazos,
Doctora Collado

Hola,

As a child, I was exposed to the work of Conny Mendez, a Venezuelan writer, and metaphysicist that published books on how to tap into the power of our minds. The books were small and colorful. Probably the reason why they were so appealing to me. In looking back, I realize that it was not a coincidence that those types of books were placed along my path, like a cookie trail. Given my modest upbringing and lack of networks, learning how to have the right mindset was crucial. My life today is a result of those desires, thoughts, and ideas I once thought unattainable. So, I do believe that there is something to how we wish for things and manifest them. However, the constant exposure to a world of negativity makes it challenging for us to stay focused on good ideas and plans that will benefit us and those around us. Today, I share how a simple word display I started in my classroom using magnetic letters, has brought light to the concept of setting intentions and manifesting them. I hope you find it helpful. Otherwise, you may want to try using one of Conny Mendez’s book titles as a mantra, as I do, “piensa lo bueno y se te dará”  which translates into think of the good and it will happen to you. It is the one I always think the most. 

Abrazos, 
Doctora Collado

Hola,

Today I reflect upon how I teach who I am and invite you to do the same. I heard this premise from writer and educator, Parker J. Palmer. Click on the link below to listen to Dr. Palmer explain what it means to him. 

                                          We Teach Who We Are - Video

Hasta pronto,
Doctora Collado