Welcome to Spanish class! We are going to do so many exciting things in Spanish this year. Our classes will practice speaking, reading, writing, and listening in Spanish. We will also explore Hispanic culture, including music, geography, traditions, and Saints. Did you know that almost 600 million people in the world speak Spanish? It is the second most spoken language in the world - second only to Mandarin Chinese! There are almost 50 million Spanish speakers in the United States alone. What a helpful language to learn!
The best way to learn Spanish is to speak it - which is why Spanish class will be for listening and speaking in Spanish.
Homework: In grades 3-8, homework prepares students to participate in class. We use worksheets, vocabulary, and projects and there will be several homework assignments each week. Students must come to class with all assignments completed.
Assessments: There will often be a very short quiz at the beginning of class in grades 4-8. We will have other assessments as we accomplish skills in whatever chapter we are working on. Grades 3, 4, and 5 work on just one chapter for the entire year. Grades 6-7 complete two chapters. Grade 8 reads magazines, a novel, watches movies, and more - reviewing and practicing with the Spanish they have learned at St. Catharine.
Tips to Help Students learn Spanish Vocabulary 1. Memory sheet - fold a piece of loose leaf paper in half, lengthways. Write the Spanish word on one side and its English translation on the opposite side of the fold. Students can quiz themselves by reviewing with one side folded under at a time. 2. Write a word you are having trouble with, and its translation, five times. (pay attention to accent marks and spelling when copying) 3. Put a list of words you are studying someplace where you will see it often - on the bathroom mirror or on your desk at home. 4. Flash cards 5. Use an online study tool, like Quizlet. 6. Do your homework!!!