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Semester 1: Preliminary Unit, Unit 1, 2 and 3
- Communication: Semester one focuses on units that involve describing people and objects. This is a big part of basic communication in any language. Students should be able to describe people in the affirmative and the negative aspect. This mean that they can say "My mother is nice." or "My mother is not mean." This allows students to support their own language and find alternative when they have difficulties recalling vocabulary.
- Grammar: Semester one's grammar goal is focusing on adjective agreement. This is the first time students will be able to use complete sentences to express their thoughts. Many statements that students make this semester will involve describing people and things. Since adjectives function differently in Spanish than they do in English, it will be important to focus on this concept during Semester 1.
Semester 2: Unit 4, 5, 6 and 7
- Communication: Semester two focuses on units that involve describing what we do in general. In order to express what we do in general, we must use the Present Indicative Tense. We will also focus a little on the Immediate Future Tense in order to describe what we are going to do. Students should focus on the variety of activities that they do on a daily basis.
- Grammar: Semester two's grammar goal is focusing on verb conjugation, especially with Regular AR, ER and IR verbs. This school year is the first time that students will be able to use complete sentences to express their thoughts. Many statements that students make this semester will involve describing what we do in general. Since verb conjugation is very limited to non-existent in English, it will be important to focus on this concept during Semester 2.
Vocabulary: Vocabulary must be studied. It is important to study the vocabulary little by little every night. Know that flashcards are not always the solution to studying. Most students do well by putting the vocabulary in real life context; moreover, it helps students more to speak the vocabulary aloud within context.
Concept: When we discuss a "concept" in class, it will involve the knowledge of grammar. It is important that students use all of their resources to study the grammar and communication because it generally differs from English to Spanish. Concepts are supported and taught in the classroom but are also supported on my webpage with references and videos in case you are struggling or are absent during an explanation.