Friday, January 30, 2009

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.

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

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!!!

Monday, January 19, 2009

¡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!

Sunday, January 18, 2009

¡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.

Friday, January 9, 2009

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!

Friday, January 2, 2009

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!