Why we speak Spanish in Spanish Class
In a few minutes Spanish class will begin. Hopefully you will be pleasantly surprised
that the primary language of communication will be in Spanish. This may cause
some frustration at first, but there is an extremely good reason for doing this. I
assure you that I am not trying to torture you, annoy you or make you feel
inadequate. It would be easier for me to teach you in English, but paradoxically, that
would be the worst thing I could do to you. I want you to learn Spanish. In order to
accomplish this goal, you have to learn to think in the language both listening and
speaking. As you faithfully follow the classroom procedures listed below, your path
to Spanish language learning will be much easier.
1. Listen carefully to what is said, trying to understand. At first you will not
understand all (any) of what I say. I know that. I do not expect you to
understand. But, don’t tune me out; don’t panic. Stand your ground, grit
your teeth, and try to catch the “gist” of what I am saying. Watch for gestures,
facial expressions, words that are similar in English and other clues. While you
have to tolerate a little vagueness at first, a successful language learner is a
good guesser; use your imagination.
2. Communicate as best you can in Spanish. At first, it will be a few words or
phrases, you will have to return to the level of a child while communicating.
Try to accept that. If you are learning to play tennis as an adult, I would not
expect you to be able to serve a top spin kick serve to the back hand right
away…skills take time, practice and more practice to develop. As soon as
possible I will give you the tools to communicate. We will practice with a
“Coping Card” and you should use the words and phrases on it as often as you
can. I will conduct a number of activities that will help you practice using
these tools.
3. Try not to feel pressure or anxiety. Don’t have unrealistic expectations,
such as speaking Spanish at the same level as your English in a few weeks.
Grades will be based on your performance, but I view this as a process of
“perfecting” not “perfection”. I will give you time to prepare for tests and
quizzes, and will do my best to help you get ready for them. I am on your
side, remember? I am just as eager as you are for you to learn this amazing
language. Accept correction and suggestions with good humor. I will try to
correct with tact and gentleness. Do not be alarmed if others in the class
seem to be understanding more or seem to be going faster than you. It will
just seem that way. Or it may be that others have had some background in
the Spanish language and will naturally have an advantage. Others may have
more ability to learn a foreign language easily and quickly (aptitude). But
these same differences exist in sports, art, music, public speaking, etc. Adjust
and accept the differences, rather than getting down on yourself. Evaluate
your individual progress in terms of your own growth, not by the apparent
growth in others. If you want to quicken your pace, spend more time studying
and speaking.
4. Learn from others. Language is best learned with someone else. Find a
partner taking Spanish and practice before or after class…or on your cell
phone. As you learn new things to say, practice them with your friends and
family, or with those who speak Spanish. Listen to what others say and get
ideas from them. If you can’t find someone to practice with, practice with
yourself. Make up little plots and conversations in your head, practicing
what you would say in different situations.
5. Ask for help or clarification if you need it. Don’t assume you are the only
one who doesn’t understand. Speak up and say, “No entiendo” (I don’t
understand) or “Otra vez” (again, please). I will be happy to try and explain it
in another way.
6. Prepare yourself outside of class. The grammar explanations are quite
clear in the book. Using VHL central, Senor Gomez does a fabulous job of
explaining the grammar concepts as well. I expect you to have studied the
material prior to coming to class so we can use the time to practice, practice
and practice some more. Additionally, you need to know your vocabulary.
You will be responsible to know the vocabulary from Spanish to English
(hola:hello) and then from English to Spanish (hello:hola). There are many
words in each chapter. Make flash cards, use quizlet, review your notes,
explore VHLcentral and all the amazing tools available…study, study, study.
It will make coming to class so much easier and fun when you are prepared.
Take at least 15 minutes every day to go over vocabulary and grammar. Just
as a tennis coach wants his player to serve baskets of balls outside the lesson
time, I want you to prepare as much as you can outside of class.
7. Be spontaneous and uninhibited. Learning Spanish can be fascinating and
fun. Laugh at/with me, at/with others, at/with yourself. Add enjoyment to
the satisfaction you will receive as you gain fluency in the language. When
you understand, smile or nod; when you don’t, shake your head or look
perplexed. Help me out so I can help you communicate and make
connections.
8. Think positively. Everything I say or do has a positive interpretation-never
negative. Please reciprocate by being positive at all times, with yourself and
with others. Come visit me between classes or after school, not just when you
have problems, but just to talk to me and tell me how things are going. I want
to help you do your best. We are on the same team.
With affection, your Spanish Teacher,
S. Jones