Ongoing Spanish Immersion Class (for Intermediate Speakers) (Imagine Immersion)

What will class be like?

Learners will build their Spanish proficiency in speaking, writing, listening, and reading by engaging in conversation surrounding the topic of the day.  Learners can expect that I will speak in Spanish 100 % of the time.  (The only exceptions when I would say something in English would be if there were an immediate safety issue or a rare clarification need in English).   While I will instruct 100% in Spanish it is NOT expected that the learner can respond 100% in Spanish in conversation. The class will equip the learner with strategies to stay in the target language when they get "stuck" ultimately learning the vocabulary and increasing their grammatical structures.  This is all accomplished by using cognates, gestures, and visuals.

Does the learner need to already know Spanish?

This class best suits the intermediate learner who has a general foundation of Spanish vocabulary being able to express their interests, family, hobbies and other broad topics.  This could be from a variety of language exposures. The number one success factor in the class is a learner who is interested in trying.  *Generally, if the parent is unsure if their child is ready for the intermediate level, I encourage the child to try it (understanding it will be taught 100% in Spanish) and then we can go from there to decide if my beginning class would be a better fit.

Will the learner need to interact with the teacher or other students?

The highest growth will happen when the learner participates with both the teacher and other learners.  HOWEVER, the most important thing to me is that learners feel safe and comfortable.  At the beginning of class when I establish expectations, I am sure to create a respectful environment that encourages learners to take risks to challenge themselves to express themselves in a new language.  They are NEVER force output before they are comfortable.  I always offer a "pass" option or I help them along with what they want to say.  I believe whole heartedly in praise and encouragement and I build a learning environment that celebrates everyone.  I prefer cameras to be on but understand there are times they need to be turned off.

What will the structure of class be like?

While there will be planned topics, the goal of the class is to facilitate acquisition of the language (which is the natural process by which we pick up language).   We will have moments where we break down a grammar component but for the most part, language will be "picked up" in context of doing an activity, describing a picture, or playing a game etc.  

5 minutes- introductions/small talk
5 minutes- warm up activity/ introduction of topic
10 minutes- work with the language to do an interactive activity or craft
10 minutes- share what everyone came up with & say our good-byes.

What topics will be taught?

My style is neither traditional nor a process of memorization.  I want to make the learning memorable. the flow of class will be natural as we will allow conversation steer the direction of vocabulary & grammar structures needed to express oneself. That being said, there will be planned topics to "spark" conversation but the direction will really be learner-led and will determine the direction of instruction based on their learning needs

Topics will include the following & learners can jump in at any time.
Week 1: June 20Theme: introducing oneself & interests
Week 2: June 27  Theme: describing self,  hobbies,  & summer activities
*July 4th- no lesson
Week 3: July 11 Theme: family, travel & summer activities
Week 4: July 18  Theme: food & friends
Week 5: July 25 Theme: pets, & animals
Week 6:  Aug 1 Theme: school