Florida's German teachers meet in New Port Richey

The meeting was held under the organization of Mrs. Hanna Neubauer of Gulf High School, Mrs. Andrea Newbolds of River Ridge High School, and Dr. Nancy Decker of Rollins College of Orlando.

This year the three-day "Sprachbad" weekend was held at River Ridge High School in New Port Richey. At this annual event, teachers from all over Florida meet to receive updated information on best practices, exchange ideas, network, and practice their German.

Participating teachers started to arrive at the Ramada Inn in New Port Richey on Friday evening from as far as Miami and even Georgia. It began with dinner and break-out sessions, followed by all-day session at River Ridge High School on Saturday.

Under the guidance and instruction of Mr. Uwe Kasper, owner and cook of "The German Restaurant" in Holiday, Teachers of German were taught how to make an authentic German meal and how to incorporate cooking into the German curriculum. Mr. Kasper not only instructed in food preparation but also explained in his animated and entertaining way the origins and variations of the foods being prepared.

Saturday afternoon was spent with Mrs. Silvia Tolisano from Langwitches.org. She presented on Technology Integration in the Foreign Language Classroom and guided teachers in exploring Blogs, Wikis, Flickr, and iPods. She provided participants with many practical ideas for using these new technologies in the Classroom.

Her presentation was followed by Mrs. Carol Moon of St. Leo University. Carol introduced participants to the many possibilities of Online Library Resources for the German classroom.

Saturday evening and Sunday morning served as a forum for teachers to share best practices as well as to plan "Sprachbad 2008".

The FATG very much appreciates the time and dedication of the presenters as well as the kindness of River Ridge's staff to allow the use of the Home Economics Room, German Classroom, and the Computer Lab. Thank you Mrs. Vickie Tenant, Mrs. Becky Dobbins, Mr. Jim Michaels, Mrs. Cortneay O'Connell and all of River Ridge's staff for their support.

- Ihr alle seid einfach supertoll!!! -

—Contributed by Mrs. Neubauer