Writings, Wanderings

Being a Spanish teacher, I am always looking for online resources to support my students especially these past two months when all instruction has been done virtually. Here are three sites that have been helpful for language practice. They are all free (or have large portions that are free) and the first two address multiple languages. Plus, they aren't just written vocabulary or grammar practice; there are also opportunities for reading and listening practice too. I've used these sources for both myself and my students. Hope you enjoy! Duolingo : available through a web browser or as an app, this free website has dozens of languages to practice from the most popular Spanish to less-studied Dutch, Hebrew, and Swahili and even the fictional Klingon. Each lesson is short, most little segments taking me less than five minutes. Lessons focus on specific topics although will pull from previous vocabulary (also sometimes unexpected like when the word "duck" popped up ...

I first heard of Stomp years ago but attending a performance was one of those secondary bucket list items. You know, the activities that sound neat and you'll do them if the opportunity comes up but you won't go out of your way to make it happen? Two weeks ago I had the opportunity to see Stomp at a theater in DC with an acquaintance, and I have to say that this is a show that needs to be on the bucket list of anyone interested in musical performance. For those of you unfamiliar with this group, they are percussionists who utilize anything but drums pretty much to create music. Our show started with a solo performer pushing a broom across the floor, but soon the stage filled with seven performers each wielding a broom in a series of charged movements. This number was only the first to amaze me with the athleticism of the cast. (I seriously found myself wondering how their legs were able to endure the beatings they took night after night without anyone suffering from shin s...