Happily, reading this text helped me refocus my efforts as I teach my own family Spanish. I am once again investing additional time in presenting comprehensible input in Spanish throughout the day. It is so easy to give directions or make comments about our activities in Spanish. I also dug out some of my favorite Spanish picture books and began reading with the kids in Spanish more frequently. They love it and I am always amazed at how much language they acquire through reading aloud together. I also expand my vocabulary with this technique.

Additionally, I am more aware than ever of the Affective Filter. My son in particular is quick to put up his filter and I have to be continually aware of this fact. I even theorize that his filter is active and prevents acquisition/understanding in other subjects as well. We are testing out several methods to lower his filter when it is preventing his enjoyment of educational opportunities! Mostly, recognizing that the filter is a problem helps me, the teacher, look for ways to do something fun and lighthearted to take the emphasis off of effort and struggle and put the laughter back into our classroom. In my experience, putting a smile on his face is the surest way to dissolve his filter at any given moment.