Spanish 2 (with a Difference)

Description

Spanish 2 Course Overview

The adventure continues! Spanish 2 is a continuation of Spanish 1 – same text but with different novels. Students from other Spanish 1 classes are welcome to join, but will be asked to take a placement test to be assured of good placement for the student – we want every student to succeed with confidence!

Explanation of method follows. Learning smarter, not harder! After 20+ years of teaching Spanish in a traditional format, I am now teaching by blending that with a different approach called the “reading & storytelling” approach (TPRS) to learning a foreign language. Research & scholarly studies reveal that students learn to speak and use the languages faster, and better, with this approach – it equips every learner, from the gifted student to the dyslexic. Success – and fun!

Students will be speaking, understanding, and reading the language from the first week – growing in ability quickly. Grammar is taught every class through meaning and application.

My daughter just finished her 2nd year of Spanish with Mrs. Mac. What a blessing her teaching and experience has been! Mrs. Mac is a fantastic teacher who understands what it takes to teach and learn a new language. The exposure my daughter had to the language through the videos and songs was extremely helpful in learning the language and retaining the information, in addition to the learning it through a fun and entertaining avenue! Highly recommend Mrs. Mac!

While your student will speak and converse a lot, this is more than a conversational language class. Grammar is included through meaning and repetition and small doses of concentrated material –– the student acquires language because he or she understands what is being said.

There are many benefits to foreign language study, from the academic, to the business world, to the understanding of our own language. All of this is true – and it is required for entrance to many colleges. However, languages are meant for communication – and communicating the most important thing of all, the love and Truth of God, is our highest and greatest purpose with language. With language we build relationships – through those relationships we gain the “ear” of others to share the Truth of the Gospel.

I just took the university Spanish placement test and I tested out of their college Spanish requirement! But I’m planning on continuing and going to study abroad in a Spanish-speaking country.

In this class, we begin this journey through fun, and the ability to use the language as we learn it. I can scarcely wait to begin! Students should plan on 30-40 minutes of work each day, four days per week (plus the live class on a 5th day). This work at home is foundational to achievement. We will work through our text and read one or two novels completely in Spanish, depending on class achievement.

This course uses a lot of “out of the text” material, so we will move through this text very slowly, adding other core learning materials through the year. This text will be the same one we used in Spanish 1. Scripture memory will always be included, as well as praise songs, hymns, contemporary music, culture, foods and games.

I appreciate you sending out the grades and also the honor society certificate. More than anything I just want to let you know what a positive experience this class has been for our daughter. You’ve challenged and stretched her, and she’s learned so much. She really enjoyed your class; it was a high point of her week throughout the whole year!

Parents: Please inform me (instructor) if you know your student has dyslexic/learning issues. I believe those students can find success through this approach, but it will help me to know. I also have back-up resources to recommend.

Novels planned: TBA by end of July. Cost will be approximately $7 each

Grade Levels

• 9-12

Prerequisites:

• Spanish 1, grade B or better (discuss with instructor for exceptions).
• Important: If you are entering the class from another course system, please contact the instructor for a small placement assessment. We want to be sure this is the best fit for you!
• Spanish 2 Placement Test [PDF]