8th Grade Spanish Fashion Shows

Students in Periods 4B & 5B will be presenting their fashions shows in Spanish on Monday. Stay tuned for some pictures on the Blog. The classes who presented on Friday were quite the "fashionistas."!!!

7th Grade - Period 6B - Test on Monday 12/7

Lo Siento! I forgot to post this last week! But just in case, I want to remind you that you have a test on Monday over Capítulo 2A. Be sure to review ALL vocabulary lists because the test will use vocabulary from past units. You should be able to put your verbs in the correct form, know your subject pronouns, be able to describe the order of your classes and talk about why you like a class and what the class is like in Spanish.

The website www.phschool.com is a great resource to review.

Oral Presentation - 7th Grade Spanish - Period 3A (one semester)

Students wrote a brief paragraph today describing themselves in Spanish. On Wednesday, they should be prepared to give a presentation in which they include their name, origin, age, birthday, and a favorite color. The focus of their practice should be on accurate pronunciation and fluency. This presentation will count as an oral test grade.

Spanish classes could use your help!

We're running low on some basic supplies. If anyone would like to donate hand sanitizer, kleenex or copy paper for the class, it would be greatly appreciated!

Muchas gracias!

8th Grade Spanish - New Project

Spanish Ad Project Due: Periods 1A & 1B on December 2nd
Periods 4B & 5B on December 3rd

Use words from your current vocabulary lists to create an ad for a clothing store in Spanish. The ad should contain at least 10 different items, a picture of each item for sale,the name of the item for sale and the price in Mexican pesos. Use an exchange rate of 1 peso equals 8 cents (U.S.).

To receive all 20 points for the project, words should be spelled correctly and the overall project should be neat, visually pleasing, and colorful.

The following are some extra words you can use to enhance your ad in Spanish:

"Super Ganga" = Super Sale/ "Tienda" = Store/ "por" = for...."2 gorras por 150 pesos"

"Barato" = Cheap/ "Descuento" = Discount/ "Sólo Sábado" = Only Saturday /

un paquete de = a pack of

This project will count as a test grade. The presentation of the project will count an additional 20 points as an oral test grade. We will discuss how to do the oral presentations on December 2nd and 3rd.

Vocabulary Tests for 7th & 8th Grade Spanish (one semester)

Students should review vocabulary lists to study for tests next week.

8th Grade: Periods 1A & 1B - Test on Monday (November 23rd)- Clothing vocabulary

7th Grade: Period 3A - Test on Monday (November 23rd) - Calendar vocabulary

8th Grade: Periods 4B & 5B - Test on Tuesday (November 24th)- Clothing vocabulary

Salsa Meets Again!

Salsa Club will meet again this Thursday (November 19th) in the Health Room (Mrs. Platock's Room) from 2:10-3:30 p.m. We've had to change our regular Wednesday meetings this month due to Veterans' Day and Thanksgiving Week Holidays. Hope you can still come!

7th Grade - Intro to Spanish - Period 3A - Test

Students in Period 3A will be tested on Tuesday (November 17th) on numbers 0-100. The test will be an oral test where I will dictate numbers in Spanish and students must translate and write the correct numerals.

Also, students received new vocabulary today on calendar words. They are working on giving the day and date in Spanish. See the files for an updated lists of all vocabulary taught this semester for Intro to Spanish - 7th Grade.

8th Grade Spanish - Test on Places

Students in 8th Grade Spanish will have a test on their places vocabulary. They should know how to translate vocabulary from English to Spanish and spell the words correctly. They should also be able to give the correct word for "the" to match the vocabulary word (for example, the house = "la casa") Knowing how to ask the question - "Where are you going?" and give an answer "I am going to...." should also be reviewed.

Periods 1A & 2A - test on Friday - November 13th

Periods 4B & 5B - test on Monday - November 16th

Salsa Club Meets on Thursday - 11/12/09

Salsa Club will meet on Thursday (November 12th) since school is not in session on Wednesday for Veterans' Day. We will meet at 2:10 in Ms. Platock's room (on the other side of the music suite). Hope to see you there!

7th Grade-Intro to Spanish-first semester

Spanish Ad project was assigned today and will be due on Friday, November 6th.

Project Guidelines: Use words from your current vocabulary lists to create an ad for a store in Spanish. The ad should contain at least 10 items, a picture of each item for sale, and the price in Mexican pesos. Use an exchange rate of 1 peso equals one 8 cents (U.S.).

To receive all 20 points for the project, words should be spelled correctly and the overall project should be neat and visually pleasing.

The following are some extra words you can use to enhance your ad in Spanish:

"Super Ganga" = Super Sale/ "Tienda" = Store/ "por" = for...."2 libros por 72 pesos"

"Barato" = Cheap/ "Descuento" = Discount/ "Sólo Sábado" = Only Saturday

ssigned today and will be due on Friday, November 6th.

Salsa Club meets Wednesday - October 28th

We will have our next Salsa Club meeting on Wednesday, October 28th, at the usual time from 2:10 to 3:30 for 6th Graders. Students in 7th and 8th grade who attend the afterschool dance are welcome to come to Salsa Club after the dance from 3:30 to 4:00 p.m. Please call or e-mail if there are any questions.

Don't forget to bring a healthy snack and something to drink.

See you on the dance floor...in Mr. Beckstrom's music room!

Test - 7th Grade - Intro to Spanish - Period 3A

On Tuesday, October 27th, students in Period 3A will have a test on the vocabulary to describe the classroom and items found in a classroom. Check the files for a study list. Using the flashcards is a great study tool. Look at the picture and say the word aloud in Spanish to practice correct pronunciation. This time I will say the words in Spanish and you will be required to write the word in English.

Vocabulary Test - 8th Grade - Intro to Spanish

The 8th grade Intro to Spanish classes will have a test on the descriptions vocabulary list.

Periods 1A/2A - Tuesday, October 27th

Periods 4B/5B - Wednesday, October 28th

You can check the files for a study list. I recommend using your flashcards as a study tool and practice saying each one out loud. For this test, I will say the words and you will write what the words means in English.

Beginning Spanish - Period 6B - Test

Students in 7th Grade Beginning Spanish (Period 6B) will have a test on Wednesday, October 28th. The test will cover all material from "Para Empezar," "Capítulo 1A," and "Capítulo 1B." Although the focus of the test is on the more recent vocabulary and grammar, listening and comprehension sections of the test require knowledge of past vocabulary, so it is always a good idea to review all notes. All worksheets for Capítulo 1B will also be collected on Wednesday, so make sure that you are caught up with all of your work.

Salsa Club meets Wednesday - October 14th

Calling all "Salseros"! Our next Salsa Club meeting will be on Wednesday. We'll meet in the Music Suite at 2:10. Please bring your "dancin" shoes" and something healthy to eat and drink for a snack. Parents should pick you up in front of the school at 3:30. See you on the dance floor!

7th Grade - Intro to Spanish - Per. 3A - Test

Students should review vocabulary to prepare for a test on Thursday, October 8th on colors and class objects. Make sure you know how to ask and answer the question "What color is it?" in Spanish. See the files for a complete list of vocabulary.

7th Grade - Beginning Spanish - Period 6B - Test on Monday

Students should be prepared to take a test on Capítulo 1A on Monday, October 5th. Review all vocabulary and make sure all worksheets 1A-1 thru 1A-8 have been completed. Come prepared with any questions on the worksheets, etc. We will review and then take the exam.

The exam will have both a listening section and multiple choice questions. If you are given a statement or question in Spanish, you should be able to choose an appropriate response.

7th Grade - Intro to Spanish (Period 3A) - Colors Project

Students are learning the colors in Spanish. Practice saying the words aloud and spelling them correctly. See the last section of the files for a study list.

Students should also create a colors project to practice their colors. This project counts as a quiz grade and is worth 20 points. Draw, copy or create a picture on the computer that has a minimum of 10 colors. Color in the picture and label each color correctly in Spanish. Spelling counts!!! Projects are due on Wednesday - September 30th.

Last Call for Salsa Club Permits

Please turn in your permits to attend the first meeting of Salsa Club on Wednesday - September 30th from 2:10 to 3:30 p.m. Permits are due by Monday and can be turned in to Mrs. Mobley in the Main Office or Mrs. Dennis in Rm. 356.

If you did not get a permit at school and wish to attend, please go to the files and print a permit from the Salsa Club folder.

See you on the dance floor! (...in Mr. Beckstrom's music suite!)

P.S. Remember to bring a healthy drink and snack and remind your parents to pick you up in the front of the school at 3:30 p.m.

8th Grade Spanish - Quiz on 9/25 or 9/28

Please review the songs "De Colores" and "Guantanamera" for a quiz. Practice your vocabulary by covering parts of the song and then trying to fill in the blanks.

Periods 1 & 2 - A Day - Quiz on Monday - September 28th

Periods 4 & 5 - B Day - Quiz on Friday - September 25th

See the files for copies of the songs.

Quiz -Intro to Spanish - 7th Grade - Period 3A

Students should review numbers from 0-20 to prepare for a quiz on Thursday - September 24th. They should be able to write each number correctly as well as translate simple math problems in addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. See the files for a list of vocabulary.

Weather Tracking Project - 7th Grade - Per. 6B only

Students in Period 6B are tracking the weather in various Spanish-speaking cities around the world for one week. Your project will be due on Tuesday, September 29th..

Your charts should include a title with the name of the city, the days of the week, the dates, maximum and minimum temperatures and a brief weather description for each day - all in Spanish. Next to or under the chart, you should also include a paragraph describing the location of the city, its population and a few interesting facts or attractions to visit. This paragraph can be in English.

All sentences should be written with correct spelling and punctuation. The presentation should be neat, and creativity in presentation of your information is always a plus!

Salsa Club starts on Wednesday - September 30th

"Take the Lead" and learn how to dance...Come to Salsa Club starting on Wednesday, September 30th. We will meet in the Music Suite every non-early dismissal Wednesday from 2:10 until 3:30 p.m. All 6th, 7th, and 8th graders are welcome to attend. You don't have to be in Spanish class and you don't have to have a partner. BUT...you do have to have a permission slip signed by Monday, September 28th in order to attend. See Mrs. Dennis in Room 356 for information and permits.

Please wear comfortable clothes that meet school guidelines. You should also have shoes with a back strap, closed back, or sneakers....NO FLIP FLOPS or BARE FEET!

Plus, it's a good idea to have a healthy drink and snack. Be prepared to sweat!

See you on the dance floor!

8th Grade - Intro to Spanish 2- Upcoming Quiz

Students in 8th grade Spanish should be prepared to write sentences describing pictures of various types of people. Periods 4 & 5 will be tested on Monday (9/21) and periods 1 & 2 will be tested on Tuesday (9/22).

Intro to Spanish - 7th Grade - Test - Friday - 9/18

Study your map to identify countries where Spanish is spoken. Here is a cool website that can help you practice with interactive map puzzles.

Beginning Spanish - Quiz - Thursday - 9/17

Review words to describe the weather and seasons. This test will also incorporate a listening and reading section that covers a mixture of previous vocabulary.

Beginning Spanish - Quiz - Tuesday -September 15th

Just a reminder to review your calendar words and vocabulary to describe objects in the classroom. See files for lists of words.

Intro. to Spanish - 7th Grade - Test on Monday - Sept. 14th

Students should start reviewing the social expressions vocabulary list to prepare for their next test on Monday, September 14th. Please see files for a complete list.

Vocabulary Lists Posted for Beginning Spanish

If you forgot your notebook or are unsure of your translations, students taking the 7th Grade Year-long Spanish course can consult the files for vocabulary lists. The lists for the first chapter are under "Para Empezar." A great way to study is to fold back one side of the list and practice going from Spanish to English and then from English to Spanish. You should be prepared to take your first test on Friday, September 11th. This test will cover the social expressions, numbers, and parts of the body. Don't wait til the last minute to review!

First Test - Intro to Spanish - 8th Grade

Students should start preparing for their first vocabulary test on parts of the body on September 8th (Periods 1 & 2) or September 9th (Periods 4 & 5) They should be able to translate words from Spanish to English. All students should have a set of flashcards to help them study. A word list is also available by checking the files. ¡Buena Suerte! (Good Luck)

7th Grade - Intro to Spanish - 1st Test

Intro to Spanish - 7th Graders will have their first test on the Spanish alphabet next Tuesday - September 1st. Be ready to recite the entire alphabet without looking at your notes. Each letter is worth one point. Please look at the Files if you need reminders on how to say each letter. You can also go to www.alphabetpage.com for a website to help you hear the individual sounds of the letters.

¡Bienvenidos!/Welcome!

Wow! It's already time to go back to school. I can't believe how fast this summer went by! Spanish classes have moved to the 3rd floor this year (Rm. 356), so I have been busy getting my room ready. If you are signed up for Spanish classes the first semester and would also like to start getting ready for class, here is a list of supplies you will need:

All classes:
1 package 3 x 5 white index cards
lined paper
pencils or black/blue ink pens
Spanish-English dictionary (optional).....plus....

Introduction to Spanish (7th or 8th grade): pocket folder with center prongs OR one inch 3-ring binder

Beginning Spanish (7th grade):
one inch 3-ring binder with 5 tab dividers


¡Hasta luego!/See you later!

¡Muchas Gracias!

Thanks to all the students for their excellent participation in the Fiesta. The paper flower decorations and placemats you made created a festive atmosphere, and the nice variety of dishes you brought in were "delicioso."

End of Year Fiestas on Wednesday - June 3rd

Everyone should be searching for a recipe to prepare for the "Fiestas" on Wednesday, June 3rd. This is your opportunity to try something new and explore some of the foods and drinks from Spanish-speaking countries. Arroz con Pollo (Chicken and Rice, Empanadas (small beef or chicken pies) and Flan (a custard dessert) are some of my favorites. Just "Google" "Spanish Recipes" and you will find a ton of great ideas....appetizers, salads, vegetables, main dishes, desserts, or drinks. Find something you would like to try.

The plan is to bring your dish to the cafeteria before school on the morning of June 3rd. I will be there from 7:15 a.m. to 7:35 a.m. We will be able to use one of the cafeteria refrigerators to store your food if it needs to be kept cold.

The 2nd period 6th grade class will go down to the cafeteria during the regular class time for their "Fiesta." The 8th grade Spanish classes will meet as usual in your classrooms for 3rd, 4th, and 5th periods to make decorations and prepare for the party. The 6th period Spanish class will meet in the cafeteria along with the other 8th grade classes during 6th period for the "Fiesta."

Everyone should be prepared to help with clean-up and to take their leftovers home at the end of the day.

This should be a really fun opportunity to socialize with all the 8th graders and get a "taste" of a little Spanish culture.

Any parents or guardians who would like to volunteer to help with the party should e-mail me at dennisl2@duvalschools.org.

Final Exam - Friday - May 29th

Students received a "Final Exam Study Guide" yesterday and are encouraged to begin reviewing vocabulary and notes to prepare for the exam next Friday. All of the vocabulary words are posted in the files as well as a list of trivia notes.

The exam will have both an oral and a written section. For the oral section, I will spell words using the Spanish alphabet and say number combinations such as "249." Students must write the correct word or number. The written section will have 10 true-false and 40 multiple choice questions based on vocabulary, grammar, and trivia.

Grade 8 - Vocabulary Quiz on Tuesday - May 19th

Be sure to review your vocabulary lists on "Las Actividades" to prepare for a test on Tuesday (May 19th). This is your first test that matches Spanish with Spanish. For example, you might match "hablar" with "por teléfono" to create a phrase that makes sense in Spanish. (Answer = to talk on the phone)

New Vocabulary on Activities/Quiz on Friday for Grade 6

Hola! I introduced some new vocabulary on how to describe various activities in Spanish on Friday. Students should have written these phrases in their notes today and can consult the files to check for correct spelling. The 6th grade class will have a quiz on these phrases on Friday. 8th grade classes will have a quiz next week due to changes in scheduling this week for 8th grade activities.

Test on Telling Time - Friday

Students should be practicing how to tell time in Spanish to prepare for a test on Friday. Tonight you should make 4 clocks with various times. We will use these to practice for the test on Friday. Be sure to ask questions during class if you are confused or feel unprepared for the test.

New Vocabulary List on Telling Time

Today students learned the basics of how to tell time in Spanish. It's important to feel comfortable with numbers 1-59 in order to tell time, so you may want to review your numbers as well. See the files for a list of vocabulary.

We are also starting group projects to present newscasts in Spanish. Today students selected their groups and the Spanish-speaking country from which they will "broadcast." Each day we will work about 20 minutes on preparing the scripts and graphics. Each broadcast is required to have a news item, weather forecast, and a commercial. Once those are approved, groups will practice and then present their newscasts for the class. I'm looking forward to seeing how what we've learned this semester can be pulled together to create some entertaining programs!

Last Salsa Club Meeting Changed to Thursday 5/7!

Please note that the last Salsa Club meeting for the year has been changed to Thursday, May 7th. A faculty meeting was already scheduled for Wednesday, so I hope everyone will still be able to attend on the new date. Don't forget to bring your "healthy snacks" and arrange to be picked up by 4:00 p.m. in front of the school. ¡Hasta jueves!

New Vocabulary List on the Weather

Today students were introduced to a new list of vocabulary words to describe the weather and seasons in Spanish. See the files for a study list. This week we will continue to work with this group of words in class, but it's a good idea to start studying and preparing now for your quiz on Friday.

Next Quiz on Friday

There will be a quiz on the new animals vocabulary on Friday (April 24th). Students who did not finish workbook Ex.9A-9F on p. 15-18 should finish the work at home. Homework assignment for tonight is to bring a picture of your favorite animal from the vocabulary list. We will use the pictures for speaking practice in class on Wednesday.

New Vocabulary List on Animals

Students were introduced to a new list of vocabulary on different animals. If absent, they need to complete their workbook pages 15-16. You can access the list by going to the files.

Salsa Club Meets Wednesday - April 22nd

¡Hola, salseros! Salsa Club will meet on Wednesday from 2:45 to 4:00 in the Music Room.

Parents, on Saturday, May 2nd, the Foreign Language Department for Duval County will be hosting a booth at the World of Nations Celebration in Metropolitan Park. I asked Salsa Club members if they would like to help pass out brochures and greet people in Spanish at this event. They may also get a chance to demonstrate a little Salsa dancing as well. The students will be admitted for free. Please let me know as soon as possible if they would like to attend by either calling the school at 346-5650 X145 or send an e-mail to: dennisl2@duvalschools.org.

Ad Project Due Wednesday

Students should use words from their current vocabulary lists to create an ad for a store in Spanish. The ad should contain at least 10 items, a picture of each item for sale, and the price in Mexican pesos. Use an exchange rate of 10 pesos equals one U.S. dollar.

To receive all 20 points for the project, words should be spelled correctly and the overall project should be neat and visually pleasing.

The following are some extra words students can use to enhance their ad in Spanish:

"Super Ganga" = Super Sale/ "Tienda" = Store/ "por" = for...."2 libros por 90 pesos"

"Barato" = Cheap/ "Descuento" = Discount/ "Sólo Sábado" = Only Saturday

New Vocabulary and Upcoming Quiz

Students are working on calendar words like days of the week and months of the year. For a complete list, see the files.

A true-false/multiple choice quiz will be given on Thursday over the trivia notes.
You should have 45 different entries in your notes.

And....always keep reviewing that vocabulary!!!

Salsa Club Meets on Wednesday - April 8th

Calling all Salseros!!! We will meet on Wednesday, April 8th in the Music Room. Be sure to bring something healthy to drink and make arrangements to be picked up by 4:00 in front of the school.

Oral Quiz on Wednesday - 3/25

Be sure to review numbers vocabulary so that you are able to recite your numbers by ten's from memory with correct pronunciation (diez, veinte, treinta, cuarenta, cincuenta, sesenta, setenta, ochenta, noventa, cien).

If you need help with pronunciation, there are a number of excellent websites with sound files. Just google "Spanish numbers" and pick one you like.

New Vocabulary to Describe the Classroom

We've added a new list of vocabulary to describe things you find in a typical classroom. Please see the files to check that your notes are correct and start studying. Flashcards with Spanish on one side and English on the other are always a great way to start. Even better, find a picture of the object instead of writing it out in English.

To give us some materials for conversation about the classroom, students were asked to create an "ideal classroom" drawing. Hmm, I wonder what that will look like.....big screen tv's? .....a computer at every desk?.....a teacher for every student?....no teachers??? ¡Ay, chihuahua!

Salsa Club Meets Wednesday - March 18th

Hola, Salseros,

Salsa Club will meet again this Wednesday, March 18th, since we do not have an early dismissal this week. We will be taking some pictures for the yearbook and will continue practicing steps in Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, and Casino Salsa. Please wear shoes you can dance in and bring something healthy to drink. Everyone should arrange to be picked up by 4:00 p.m. ¡Hasta miércoles!

Next Quiz on Friday, March 13th

Spanish classes will have a quiz on both colors and class materials on Friday, March 13th. You should be able to match Spanish with the correct word or phrase in English, identify pictures of objects in Spanish, and know how to ask and answer the question "What color is it?" in a complete sentence in Spanish. Don't wait til the last minute to study!

New Vocabulary List on Classroom Materials

Today students were introduced to a new vocabulary list. Check your notes for correct spelling, etc. by taking a closer look at the vocabulary files. Our next test will be over the objects in the classroom and colors. It's never too early to start studying. Flashcards are always a great way to study. Cut out small cards and put the English on one side and the Spanish on the other.

Salsa Club Meets on March 11th

Salseros, get ready to move those feet to the Merengue beat! We're meeting again on Wednesday in the music room. Bring something to drink and make sure you have a ride home by 4:00 p.m.

New Vocabulary and Assignment

Today students learned how to say colors in Spanish. See the files for a study list or to make sure you copied notes correctly. To practice, students are creating a picture using at least 10 different colors. Label each color in Spanish or create a color key in Spanish. Yes, spelling counts! Here's your opportunity to show your artistic side! This project is due Tuesday (March 3rd).

By the way, parents should look for a progress report on Tuesday (March 3rd). Please feel free to contact me with any concerns at 346-5650 X145.

Salsa Club Meets Wednesday

Calling all Salseros! We meet again on Wednesday, February 25th. Bring your dancing shoes and something healthy to drink. Be sure to make arrangements to be picked up by 4:00 in front of the school. ¡Hasta miércoles!

6th Grade Assignment Due Monday 2/23

6th Graders - Time to show that creativity by making your own Spanish cartoon. The cartoon should have a minimum of 4 sections and should use at least 10 different social expressions. Remember to follow through with one theme throughout the cartoon. Print should be easy to read and clear, and cartoon as a whole should be visually pleasing....that means neat and organized.

P.S. to Parents: Everyone in 2nd Period earned an A or B on their recent vocabulary test! ¡Buen Trabajo, clase!

Next Test on Social Expressions

Time to start reviewing for your next test on social expressions. You should be able to go from English to Spanish, from Spanish to English, or give appropriate answers in Spanish to some of the questions like "What's your name?" and "Where are you from?"

6th Graders - Test on Wednesday - February 18th

8th Graders - Test on Friday - February 20th

A great way to practice is to visit www.classzone.com . Just click on "Etapa Preliminar" and the "Flashcards." You can study only the ones on our test or learn a few new words.

Retest Option Available on Map Test

Let's try this again. Many students failed the test on locations of Spanish-speaking countries last week, so it's time to get it together, study, and retest. There are two options:

Wednesday - February 18th - 7:15 - 7:30 a.m.
(Ask Señora Dennis for a pass to come to the Spanish classroom as soon as you arrive at school. If you are prepared, the test should not take more than 10 minutes.)

OR

Thursday - February 19th - 2:40 p.m.
(This option is for car riders or walkers. Make sure you have transportation home by 3:00 p.m.)

Crossword Puzzle Assignment

Students in both 6th and 8th grade classes were asked to create a crossword puzzle (crucigrama) using at least 15 expressions from their "Social Expressions" vocabulary list (see files for list). A great resource for this activity is www.armoredpenguin.com. They should print both an answer sheet and a blank to fill in answers. If the internet is not available, students can use graph paper (available in the classroom). Project should be completed by Tuesday (2/17/09).

Note to Parents

Just a quick reminder that Salsa Club will meet on Wednesday - February 11th. Parents need to pick up students by 4:00 in front of the school.

Progress Reports will be given on Monday - February 9th. All 8th grade students will receive an additional printout that shows the breakdown of the grade so far.

If you see a number of zeros, remind students they should ALWAYS check the "Make-up Folder" in class to make sure they complete all assigned work. Vocabulary notes and reminders about upcoming quizzes and tests are also available on this blog.

Thanks for your support!

Let's Get Talkin'!

Students are transforming into Spanish speakers and taking on new personalities in Spanish classes. Each student has chosen a Spanish name and is working on basic social expressions that allow them to introduce themselves and talk about where they are from. With 21 countries where Spanish is the official language, they have a lot of choices! Check out the files to see the list of expressions.

Students in the 8th Grade classes also need to prepare for the map test scheduled for next Wednesday (February 11th). The "Map Puzzle" website is a great way to practice.

6th Grade -Test on Thursday

Students in 6th Grade Spanish will take a map test on the location of Spanish-speaking countries. A list of countries will be provided, but students most know where to place each name. Don't wait til the last minute to study!!!

Where in the world is Spanish spoken???

Students can get better acquainted with where Spanish speaking countries are located by doing some of these interactive map puzzles.Just be careful that you're not just seeing how fast you can complete the puzzle...actually pay attention to the locations!!!

You may also like to visit this site about Mexico created especially for Spanish students. You can learn a little more about history, customs, foods, games,...you name it!

8th Graders - First Test Grade

After some delays with field trips and grade recovery, we're getting back on track with the 8th grade "Introduction to Spanish" classes. Your first test is an oral test on the alphabet. Be prepared for testing on Monday. To practice, visit the website www.alphabetpage.com.

El Alfabeto/The Alphabet

Students learned how to say the letters of the Spanish alphabet today. Although the notes they took in class today can help them study, a great resource where they can listen to the sounds of each individual letter can be found at www.alphabetpage.com. I've also posted a copy of notes in the files. Practice, practice, practice!

Students in 6th Grade Spanish will have a test on the alphabet on Tuesday,
January 27th). Tests for 8th Grade students will be postponed until after
Grade Recovery....but keep practicing!!!

¡Bienvenidos a la Clase de Español!

Welcome...¡Bienvenidos! I'm so happy to meet all of my new students and parents! This blog will give you an excellent way to keep up to date on important class events, study lists of vocabulary, and upcoming quizzes and tests. Please feel free to take a look at the files to view a more detailed explanation of the course curriculum.

To be prepared for class, students will need to bring the following materials: lined paper, pencils or pens, and 2 - pocket folders with prongs. One folder will be used for class notes and will be brought back and forth to class each day. The other will be used for a small workbook of worksheets and will be kept in class. For your convenience, folders will be available for $1.50 from the PTSA School Store after school on Thursday.

Also, don't forget to have your "Rules and Procedures" forms signed by a parent.

¡Gracias y hasta luego!

¡Fiestas Fabulosas!

Students ended the semester with some "Fiestas Fabulosas." The 6th grade students provided colorful decorations by making "papel picado" and stringing it around the classroom. The 7th grade students made paper flowers to decorate the tables. Everyone shared a variety of Spanish dishes including arroz con pollo, enchiladas, empanadas, homemade salsa, guacamole, flan, pastel de tres leches, and much much more. Everything was "delicioso." A special thanks to all the parents who helped with set up and clean up. I simply could not have done this without you! Thanks also to Chase Fowler and Chase Bowcock for their musical contribution of "La Bamba" on electric guitar.

It's Time for a Fiesta!

It's almost time to say "Adiós" to our Spanish course. During this last week, we will be having parties or "Fiestas" so that students can enjoy trying out some typical Spanish foods. Students have volunteered to bring in some great dishes or different things needed for the parties, but that doesn't mean they've told their parents! Just so there are no surprises, parents may want to ask their students about their plans. Fiestas are scheduled on the following days:

Periods 1 and 2: Tuesday - January 13th
Period 4: Wednesday - January 14th
Periods 5 and 6: Thursday - January 15th

Students can bring their dishes to Room 214 (across the hall from the Spanish class) before school. I will have coolers for storage and 2 microwave ovens if something needs to be reheated. Please put food that needs to be reheated in microwave-safe containers. By the way, many students volunteered parents to help. I will try to contact parents over the weekend to confirm. Thank you in advance for your help! Fiestas are always fun!

Final Exam - Wednesday - January 7th

Ahhh! Winter Break is almost over. I hope you had time to relax and have fun with family and friends. We'll be back to work in a few days, so I wanted to remind you that you have your final exam for "Introduction to Spanish" on Wednesday, January 7th. That gives us two days to review all vocabulary, grammar, and cultural info. from the entire semester! Although I am confident you will remember everything, it wouldn't hurt to start reviewing...the sooner, the better!!! See you soon!

P.S. There are a number of students who have not turned in a Final Project. Please see the files for instructions and turn in the project ASAP!

Muchas Gracias!

Dear Students and Parents,
Thank you so much for the gifts, goodies, and holiday wishes. It's always nice to feel remembered and appreciated during the holidays. Muchas gracias a todos!