Fast-Tracked Spanish - Me Gusta/No Me Gusta II (Basic Conversation 11th - 12th)

Topics: This follow-up course reinforces Me Gusta I. We will move into verbs and what the students like to do and reinforce what they enjoy - swimming, reading, playing, running, cooking, etc. We will solidify their ability to ask their partners questions on what they like to do and get them comfortable expressing their hobbies. Activities will also build more conversational comfort in expressing emotions.

Students will build on expressing their likes and dislikes, (me gusta, me encanta, me fascina, me importa, me molesta and no me gusta...) We will begin to bring in reasons about why they like or dislike things. This is the beginning of stringing together basic conversations that are applied to real life. Vocabulary learned will be student-driven and based on their likes and dislikes and reasons for it.  Based on the students' level(s) and learning speed, we will begin talking about likes and dislikes with nouns - me gustan las palmas o los arboles (I like palm trees or trees) and with verbs - me gusta caminar/nadar/bailar (I like to walk/swim/dance). I will begin to introduce a few more new terms me apetece (it appeals to me) and me falta (I am missing). They will gain confidence in asking these questions - te gusta (do you like), te molesta (does it bother you?), te importa (is this important to you?). We will build upon the vocabulary the students already have and complement it with other verbs and nouns based on some of their interests/disinterests. 

Class structure: The class is applied conversation for basic to intermediate Spanish levels. We begin with a basic check in - how everyone is doing and feeling. This helps build class connection and unity. Students will also introduce themselves. Students who are not as comfortable in this will have the template model - estoy bien, estoy mal, estoy muy contenta/o, estoy cansanda/o, etc. We will then move into the gustar verbs. I will review the structure in a group setting and students will either choose to work in small groups to practice or for us to work as a group since it already is a small group. They will practice asking questions, as well as answering on their likes and dislikes. We will go over any homework previous students wish to share during this class.

Teaching style: I am quite interactive and make classes fun for students. My goal is to inspire a love of language. I make classes relevant and practical to students' lives, therefore making it easier for them to retain it. There will be some online games they can play during class but more so for homework. I am a college professor with a full-time tutoring business in languages, history and world affairs. My Spanish background comes from living/working in Panama, Colombia and Spain, and working in Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, Argentina, Uruguay and the Dominican Republic. If you would like more information about me and my style, I have a website that synthesizes that essence and long list of recommendations from parents and students. I catalyze inspiration.

Prerequisites: For this class, 11th and 12th graders, as well as and first, second year Spanish high school students are welcome, depending on their ease of conversation. This course is designed for students who are learning/striving to be conversant. Anyone needing extra support can also book private tutoring on Outschool with me.