Spanish 1 for High School – Language & Culture
This course introduces students to the basics of Spanish through engaging activities and cultural exploration. My unique approach combines interactive lessons with real-world applications. Perfect for beginners starting their journey!
What's included
24 live meetings
18 in-class hoursHomework
1 hour per week. Types of Homework: Vocabulary Practice: Students will be given vocabulary lists to review and practice at home. Short Writing Assignments: Simple writing exercises to practice sentence structure and grammar, such as composing short paragraphs or dialogues. Listening Exercises: Links to audio clips or videos for students to listen to and answer questions about. Cultural Exploration: Occasionally, students may be asked to research a cultural topic and share their findings in the next class. Homework Frequency: Homework will be assigned after each class session, with a focus on reinforcing the key concepts covered that day. Checking for Correctness: Homework will be reviewed at the beginning of each class. Students will have the opportunity to discuss their answers and ask questions. Homework will not be graded, but completing it is strongly encouraged to ensure steady progress and understanding of the material. Assignment Requirements: While not all assignments are mandatory, consistent completion of homework will significantly benefit students' language learning and comprehension. By completing these assignments, students will be better prepared for class discussions and activities, helping them make the most of their learning experience.Assessment
Role of Assessments: Assessments play a crucial role in this class by helping to track students' progress, identify areas for improvement, and reinforce learning. They provide valuable feedback for both the students and the instructor to ensure that the course objectives are being met. Types of Assessments: Quizzes: Short quizzes will be given at the end of each week to review and reinforce the material covered. Oral Assessments: Periodic speaking exercises where students will demonstrate their ability to use vocabulary and grammar in conversation. Written Assessments: Short written assignments or tests to evaluate students' understanding of grammar and sentence structure. Listening Comprehension: Exercises to assess students' ability to understand spoken Spanish. Frequency: Weekly Quizzes: Administered at the end of each week. Oral Assessments: Conducted bi-weekly during class time. Written Assessments: Given at the end of major units (every 2-3 weeks). Listening Comprehension: Integrated into weekly quizzes or as stand-alone assessments. Assessment Format: In-Class Assessments: Most assessments will be conducted during class to allow immediate feedback and discussion. Take-Home Assignments: Occasionally, written assessments may be assigned as take-home tasks to provide students with additional practice. Requirement for All Students: Participation in Assessments: All students are expected to participate in the assessments to ensure they are meeting learning goals. Feedback and Improvement: Assessments are designed to be low-pressure and are used primarily to guide instruction and support student growth. They will not be graded harshly but are an essential part of the learning process. By incorporating a variety of assessment methods, this course aims to provide a comprehensive evaluation of each student's progress and support their continued development in learning Spanish.Grading
Grades can be offered upon request.Class Experience
US Grade 9 - 12
Beginner Level
Welcome to Spanish 1: Teen Explorers, where beginners embark on an exciting journey to learn Spanish and explore the vibrant cultures of Spanish-speaking countries. This 8-week course meets three times a week for 45 minutes each session and is designed to make learning Spanish fun and engaging for teenagers. It is the equivalent of one year of Spanish 1 at the high school level. What will be taught? Basic Spanish vocabulary and phrases Fundamental grammar concepts Pronunciation and listening skills Introduction to Spanish-speaking cultures How is your class structured? Weekly Lessons: Each week focuses on a new topic with interactive lessons and activities. Rotation Stations: Students will be divided into groups for different activities, including reading, writing, speaking, and listening exercises. Cultural Exploration: Each session will include a cultural component, such as exploring a holiday or tradition from a Spanish-speaking country. How will you teach? Interactive Lessons: Engaging activities that include games, discussions, and group work. Multimedia Resources: Use of slides, video clips, and music to enhance learning and make it enjoyable. Real-World Applications: Activities designed to apply language skills in practical, everyday situations. What's your teaching style? Student-Centered: Focus on active participation and interaction among students. Interactive and Engaging: Lessons designed to be fun and dynamic, with a variety of activities to keep students interested. Supportive and Encouraging: Creating a positive learning environment where students feel comfortable practicing their new skills. How much will learners get to interact with you? High Interaction: Students will have ample opportunities to interact with me through live discussions, group activities, and individual feedback. Games and Activities: Regular use of interactive games to reinforce learning and make it fun. Discussion and Q&A: Open discussions and Q&A sessions to address any questions and provide additional support. By the end of this 8-week course, students will have a strong foundation in basic Spanish and a greater appreciation for the rich cultures of the Spanish-speaking world. Join us on this exciting adventure and start your Spanish journey today!
Learning Goals
Develop Basic Vocabulary: Students will learn essential Spanish vocabulary related to everyday topics such as greetings, numbers, colors, family, school, food, travel, and shopping.
Engage in Simple Conversations: Students will be able to participate in basic conversations, ask and answer questions, and express simple ideas and needs in Spanish.
Syllabus
24 Lessons
over 8 WeeksLesson 1:
Basic greetings, introductions, and farewells
45 mins online live lesson
1 assignment
Lesson 2:
Introducing yourself and others
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Practicing greetings and introductions through role-play
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Asking and answering simple questions
45 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Language of Instruction
Spanish
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Sources
For this class, I will provide all necessary curriculum, books, and materials. Additionally, a classroom will be created in Duolingo, and students are expected to dedicate a minimum of 10 minutes a day to practice their Spanish skills using this platform.
Primary Source:
Duolingo Classroom: Students will use Duolingo to reinforce vocabulary and practice language skills daily. A classroom will be set up for all students to join, ensuring structured and guided practice.
Supplementary Materials:
Instructor-Provided Curriculum: All lesson plans, worksheets, and activities will be created and provided by the instructor.
Multimedia Resources: Videos, audio clips, and slides will be used during class sessions to enhance learning and engagement.
These resources are designed to support and enrich the learning experience, providing students with comprehensive and engaging materials to aid their Spanish language acquisition.
Teacher expertise and credentials
2 Degrees
Master's Degree in English from American College of Education
Bachelor's Degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences from University of New Mexico
I bring a wealth of relevant training and lived experience to teaching Spanish and ensuring students feel confident communicating in the language. Here’s a summary of my qualifications:
Relevant Training:
Licensed to Teach Spanish: I hold a valid teaching license with a specialization in Spanish, ensuring I am well-equipped with the pedagogical skills and knowledge to teach the language effectively.
Master's Degree in ESL/Bilingual Education: Completed coursework with a focus on linguistics and language instruction, providing a strong foundation in teaching Spanish as a second language.
AP Spanish Language and Culture Teacher: Taught everything from Spanish 1 to high school Spanish, focusing on both language skills and cultural knowledge.
AP Spanish Language and Culture Reader: Graded AP exams for the College Board, gaining a deep understanding of the skills and knowledge required for students to excel.
Lived Experience:
Native Spanish Speaker: Growing up in a bilingual household in Puerto Rico, I have an intrinsic understanding of the Spanish language and its cultural nuances.
Over 10 Years of Teaching Experience: I have more than a decade of experience teaching Spanish, with a focus on ESL students and dual language education, ensuring my teaching methods are refined and effective.
International Exposure: Hosting foreign exchange students and traveling to Spanish-speaking countries, enriching my cultural understanding and teaching approach.
Professional Experience: Successfully implemented innovative teaching approaches like the flipped classroom model, demonstrating my ability to create engaging, student-centered learning environments.
Community Engagement: Active member of Kappa Delta Pi and involvement in various educational initiatives, highlighting my commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
By combining these experiences with a passion for making language learning enjoyable and practical, I aim to create a dynamic and supportive classroom environment where students can thrive and confidently use Spanish in real-world situations.
Reviews
Live Group Course
$38
weekly or $300 for 24 classes3x per week, 8 weeks
45 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-18
6-12 learners per class