In this structured ongoing class meeting once weekly, the Tagalog language will be gently introduced to your learners. This has similar content to my other class for younger learners, TAGALOG FOR LITTLES, but instruction is designed and paced for older children, yet still beginners.

Tagalog learners need frequent practice. This is why I created this course to allow Tagalog learners to meet regularly to learn frequently used vocabulary words and to practice words they might already know. Starting with colors, shapes, numbers and counting, days of the week, the weather, animals and the family, they will start to grow and develop their Tagalog vocabulary. Giving them the knowledge of just words in isolation is not enough. I will teach them how to use the words in short, simple sentences so that they can speak the language slowly in their daily lives. 

Lessons are themed for consistency. Each theme will last at least two weeks, depending on the understanding of the learners. As they gain more mastery over the theme and topic, we will move on to the next. I prepare and provide worksheets for learners to stay engaged during class and some days there will be homework assigned but it is optional and just an additional resource I like to give students to further reinforce their understanding and memory. I love creating colorful flash cards for my lessons and sending each student a printable version to enrich their learning experience. It is yet another tool for the students to remember the lessons learned during class. I always recommend using this complimentary resource as a quick way to go over vocabulary words at home.

During class kids will participate in discussion. Please note that they do not need to speak in Tagalog the entire time. This is a beginners class so I always assume that learners speak little to no Tagalog. I will teach them the words, phrases and sentences. Instruction will be 60-40 English-Tagalog. I will host interactive games where I will encourage learners to use Tagalog to answer questions so they will be intuitively learning as they play. I am also a big believer in play-based learning so I will incorporate appropriate crafts when needed to supplement our lesson. A material list will always be provided well in advance.

Below is the rough schedule of the course. Please note lesson themes will usually extend past the weeks listed below to allow learners to practice the vocabulary in practical ways, such as asking questions and answering questions in Tagalog using the words they just learned. This is what will really help them acquire the language and not just throwing a bunch of foreign words to them.

Week One January 11: Mga Kulay (Colors)
Week Two January 18 : Pagbilang (Counting)
Week Three January 25: Bahagi ng Mukha (Parts of the face)
Week Four February 1: Ang Aking Mag-anak (My family)
Week Five February 8: Mga Gamit sa Pag-aaral (Things for school)
Week Six February 15:  Karaniwang Pagkain (Common Food)

Learners do not need to know the language to join the class. As mentioned, this is a beginner course and all you need is a love of learning.