Wednesday, December 16

5th and 6th graders received a sheet of Christmas vocabulary to  use in oral sentences.  We sang a Christmas carol in Spanish, Noche de Paz, Silent Night. Copies of the song were distributed.  We discussed some ways Christmas is observed in Spain and Latin America  There is no homework.

                           I wish all of my students and their families a Merry Christmas
                                                and a Happy New Year.

                                                         Mrs. Linda      

Monday, December 14

Grades K-4 and K-5 learned a new song about members of the family.  We will be learning the vocabulary to talk about family members and activities in January.  They also learned a new song about feeling happy or sad.

Grade 1  Students prepared a vocabulary sheet with holiday terms.  They drew a picture for each word.

Grade 2  Students made a new bilingual book to take home.  It is about things that shine--las cosas que brillan.

Grade 3  Grade 3 also made the bilingual book about things that shine.  Each child read the story to me.  Students are doing so well in Spanish literacy skills.  I am very proud of them.

Grade 4  We discussed the meaning of Christmas, el espiritu navideno.  Students  received a list of vocabulary associated with the holidays to take home.  There are about thirty words on the list.

There is NO homework.  Have a blessed Christmas and a wonderful New Year's Day holiday.

                                                   Miss Linda

Wednesday, December 9th. 

Grades 5 and 6 shared their homework assignment from last week.  Each student who came to class with their homework had the opportunity to read and perfect their pronunciation of Spanish by sharing their original sentences.  Twenty sentences were required, but three 5th graders wrote many many more sentences. i am so proud of them.  

6th Grade:  Sixth graders who came to class with their homework assignment made a bilingual book to share with a younger sibling , or other family member. Students then read the book to the class in order to practice their presentation.  Please ask you child to share the book with you.  If your child does not have the book, they did not make one.  Those students who did not complete homework worked on the missed assignment and also have an additional homework assignment which is due next week.  The homework for ONLY those students who did not turn in homework on Wednesday is:  

Write five sentences with each of the following subjects and verb forms:  Yo tengo, Tu tienes, el or ella tiene, nosotros tenemos, ellos or ellas tienen.  This means, I have, you have, he, or she has, we have, they have.  ALL STUDENTS  IN THE GROUP WHO DID NOT MAKE A BILINGUAL BOOK DURING CLASS WORKED WITH ME ON THIS AND BEGAN THE ASSIGNMENT BEFORE LEAVING CLASS. If you unsure if your child needs to do this missing assignment and the newly assigned homework, please do not hesitate to contact me.  Students  were given lists of nouns to use in the creation of their sentences.  There is NO homework for students who handed in their homework from last week. 

5th Grade:  Miss Tuckers's class shared their homework.  They worked on adding new subjects to the verb, "tener."  All students completed their work in class and have no new homework assignment. 

Miss Lisa's 5th Grade:  Most students finished their work, but several students have a few sentences to complete for next week.  They need to write five sentences each with Tu tienes________(a noun in Spanish.)  Also:  Nosotros tenemos_______(noun in Spanish),  and Ellos or Ellas tienen______(noun).  Students have picture dictionaires and language vocabulary cards to assist them with the remaining sentences. 

      Have a great weekend. Thank you for your interest and support in SJDS's  Spanish  Language Program. 

                                                      Miss Linda 

                                                    Merry Christmas!  

Monday, December 7

Grades K-4   Students reviewed all songs and poems.  We played a game to learn holiday vocabulary.  I was very pleased with the children's reciting of the days of the week and months in Spanish.  Next week, we will sing some Christmas songs in Spanish. The children heard the story, LLego la Navidad.  Christmas is Here.

K-5  We reviewed questions.  The children know so many expressions in Spanish! We also reviewed weather terms, days of the week, months, and new holiday vocabulary.  WE played a game to introduce new vocabulary.  Children heard a Christmas story.  They really enjoyed the story in Spanish about Papa Noel, Father Christmas.

Grade 1  Students reviewed the dialogue about the playground.  Everyone had a chance to recite their lines in a small group.  Next week, I will prepare a new dialogue for the class.  They really like the dialogues.  If you would like your child to bring a copy of the dialogue home, please let me know. You can send me a text at 626-833-0417.

Grade 2  Second grade read the little bilingual books they made last week.  Ech child had a chance to read the story. I sent the books home so you can ask your child to share it with you.  Next week, children will prepare a new book to take home.  The beauty of these books is that there is an English translation for you.

Grade 3  We corrected the homework.  Then we made a bilingual book.  Your child took the book home to read with you.  There is no homework.

Grade 4  We corrected the homework.  Children who did not do the assignment have a chance to hand it in next week with this week's homework.  This week, children will write a sentence with the subject:  Nosotros and the verb tenemos.  This means We have.  EX:  Nosotros tenemos los libros.  They should also use Ellos/ Ellas  They.  Ellos tienen las manzanas.  Students have cards they can use to supply the noun.

Please contact me if you have questions.

      Srta. Linda

GRADES 5 & 6   Students have a homework assignment. They need to write 20 sentences using Yo tengo and an object which can be the classroom objects we learned in class or any noun which represents  an object  Ex:.Yo tengo.un borrador. I have an.eraser Several students took home picture dictionaries to assist them. If possible, students can also write sentences in the third person: El tiene una pluma negra..He has a black pen. We wrote numerous examples in class and I looked at student work before  students left.

Monday, November 30  
K-4 classes played a game to learn to identify classroom objects in Spanish.  They loved the game!  We reviewed all of our songs and will be learning some carols for Christmas next week. The children also reviewed all basic questions and answers in Spanish.

K-5  K-5 also played the classroom object game and reviewed questions about themselves in Spanish.  We will be singing some carols in Spanish next week.

Grade 1  Grade 1 began to learn a new dialogue in Spanish.  Several parents asked to have a copy of the dialogue sent home so they can review it with their child.  If you would like a copy of the dialogue, please contact me.  The dialogue is about two children meeting on the playground and talking about school and leisure time.  It is in Spanish with known vocabulary.

Grade 2  Children made a bilingual reading book.  I plan to give the children a new story every week.  Due to an error on my part in assembling the booklets,  they will take the book home next week along with the second book.  The book is called, "Que necesito?"  "What Do I Need?"

Grade 3 played a game to review classroom objects and the verb "to have."  "Tener. They need to write 10 to 20 sentences using the verb, "tener."  Ex:  Yo tengo el lapiz amarillo.  Yo tengo la pluma de various colores.  I have the yellow pencil.  I have the mulicolored pen.  They may use the following vocabulary:  lapiz- pencil, pluma- pen, borrador- eraser, tijeras, scissors, pegadura, glue, regla, ruler, liga- rubberband, papel- paper.  They may also add adjectives.  Yo tengo el lapiz blanco con negro, etc.

Grade 4  Students also played a game to review classroom vocabulary.  They need to write 10 to 20 sentences as explained above under "Grade 3."  Grade 4, however, may also write sentences in the negative explaining what they "do not" have.  EX:  Yo no tengo el lapiz verde.  Tengo el lapiz rojo.
They may also write sentences using the verb in the third person singular:  Beau tiene el papel blanco.   I do not have the green pencil. I have the red pencil.  Beau has the white paper. All students copied a model sentence from the whiteboard.  Here are some sentences to copy:  Yo tengo las tijeras negras.
Yo tengo la liga.  Yo tengo la pluma azul.  Yo tengo la pegadura morada,  Yo tengo el borrador rosado.  Yo tengo el borrador y el lapiz.

Yo no tengo el lapiz rojo.  Yo no tengo el borrador.  Juan no tiene la liga.  Susana no tiene el lapiz.
I don't have the red pencil.  I don't have the eraser.  Juan doesn't have the rubberband.  Susan doesnt have the pencil.

    Have a great week.



Miss Linda

Monday, November 16.

    There is NO HOMEWORK for any Spanish classes which meet on Mondays.    I wish all of my students and their families a most blessed Thanksgiving.  Grades 5 and 6 have an assignment which is due tomorrow, November 18.  This assignment was given last Wednesday to grades 5 and 6 only.
Please see last Wednesday's blog for more information on grades 5 and 6 homework.  It was posted last week to give students plenty of time to complete the assignment.  There will be no homework for grades 5 and 6 over the Thanksgiving holiday.

                                              Srta. Linda



                                                     

Wednesday, Nov. 11

Sixth Grade took their retest if they had not passed the first verb test.  We discussed the handout on Salamanca.  Homework is to finish the questions and prepare a report on Salamanca. 

Fifth grade discussed Salamanca.  They need to finish the questions, although most students finished in class.  They need to prepare a report on Salamanca, Pamplona, or Madrid.  Some students in fifth grade wanted to do all three Spanish cities.  Hearing that they did, made my day! Only one report is required, however.  I will, of course, accept all three!  I love hearing students in fifth grade talk about wanting to go above and beyond the assignment and also sharing the information with their parents and friends. 

                                        

Monday, November 9.

K4 reviewed weather terms, days of the week, months of the year, and basic questions about themselves.  The children heard a story about opposites with really fantastic illustrations!

K-5 Children also reviewed weather expressions, days of the week, and months of the year.  Most children can name the months of the year in Spanish!  I also read a story about opposites to the class. K-5 students can answer many basic questions about themselves in Spanish!

1st Grade Students asked and answered questions entirely in Spanish!  We also reviewed weather expressions, days of the week, months of the year, and colors.

2nd Grade  Students reviewed their questions and answers from last week.  The questions emphasized basic questions about the months of the year.  Students had the opportunity to ask as well as answer questions in Spanish.  Second graders are doing very well in oral language and reading simple sentences in Spanish.

3rd Grade  Third Grade shared their homework assignment.  I recorded the homework and asked students to take their work home to complete the new homework assignment for next week.  Students need to compose ten sentences telling what they like to eat and ten sentences telling what they do NOT like to eat.  They copied the model sentences in class.  Me gusta comer________(name of food in Spanish).  No me gusta comer_________(name of food in Spanish).

4th Grade  Students presented the new dialogue in class.  They need to substitute circled words in the dialogue with words from the handout I gave to their teacher to distribute to them.  It is due next week.

                          Have a great weekend!  I can't believe how quickly these three months have passed!

                                                              Atentamente,

                                                           Srta. Linda

Please feel free to contact me about the homework.  You can text me at: 626-833-0417.

Wednesday, November 4.

Grade 5 took their essay test in class today  When they  finished, we read about Pamplona and the famous Corrida de toros,  The Running of the Bulls.  Students received a list of eight questions to answer.  Most students finished the questions in class.  We will discuss their answers next week and talk more about Pamplona.  There is NO homework for students who finished the questions in class.  Homework is to finish answering the questions for discussion next week.

Note:  Students MAY prepare a report/poster about Pamplona.  Many students asked if they could have a homework assignment!  I am so pleased that they wanted MORE work.  I give homework every week, but decided to reward students in fifth grade who have worked so very hard these  first nine weeks.  Therefore, I would love to have fifth graders prepare a report on Pamplona if they so desire.  It is NOT mandatory for next week.

Grade 6  Five students were recognized for high achievement in Spanish grammar.  They received a special folder as a reward  One student had a perfect score of 100.  He received a notepad and a special folder.  Students were given their tests back.  We discussed their errors.  There will be a retest for those students who  did not receive a 70 or above.  That will take place next Wednesday, November 11.

6th grade took their essay test in class.
They received the informational sheet about Pamplona.  All questions must be answered by next week for classroom discussion.  That is the homework  We will discuss the project I would like students to do for Pamplona next week in class.

                                                      Have a great weekend.  I can't wait to grade the essays!

                                                            Srta. Linda

Monday,  November 2.

Grade K-4 reviewed weather terms and numbers. They also played a game and sang songs to review parts of the body.  Children listened to three stories in Spanish about fish, bats, and butterflies.  I have some stories in Spanish for preschoolers.  If you would like to borrow some, please send me a note with your child's teacher.

K-5 answered basic questions in Spanish.  They also listened to three stories about bats, butterflies, and fish.  We reviewed weather terms and played a game to reinforce naming parts of the body.

Grade 1  Grade 1 did not meet. They attended a program about Native American culture at the library.

Grade 2  Grade two answered questions about their birthdays, days of the week and months of the year in written form.  I asked them to take the paper home to practice answering questions.

Grade 3  Students who completed their homework shared their shopping lists.  Creating a shopping list in Spanish was last week's assignment, as listed on my blog last week.  The activity is an authentic learning experience for children. They did an excellent job!  Please contact me if you do not understand the purpose of the assignment.  We began the list in class. I never simply ask students to do an assignment without relating their task to classroom work and previously learned vocabulary and concepts. We completed a list on the whiteboard for students to use as a model.  Homework for Grade 3 is to draw pictures of food and related items such as fork, tenedor, cuchara, spoon, plato, plate, etc. After drawing the foods, they need to write the Spanish word in each box under the picture.  They may create as many pictures as they wish, but I am requiring at least sixteen--eight in each box on both sides of the paper I gave each child. Students said they wanted to make many, many sheets of pictures and Spanish vocabulary.  One student asked me, "How much is 16 x 4? When I told her, she said she would fill "64" boxes with words and pictures.  Remember, I am only asking students to prepare 16!



Grade 4  Children presented last week's dialogue.  They were given TWO new dialogues to study at home.  Some children presented one of them in class already.    Next week, the rest of the class will present the dialogues.  Grade 4 is doing an excellent job learning Spanish.  They are very motivated to learn a second language.  I would like to thank fourth grade parents for their support and cooperation.  Parents play a very important role in their children's attitude toward what they are learning in school. I corrected the dialogues they created as  homework last week.  I am amazed at how well students write in Spanish!

                                          Have a great week,

                                                Srta. Linda

Wednesday, October 28

Today students in grade 6 took a verb test.  This was a review of previously studied verbs.  Five students did very well.  Students will have an opportunity to retake the test in two weeks. Students presented their reports on Madrid.  Only students who had not completed last week's homework needed to prepare the report.  The rest of the class turned in their questions and answers about Madrid.  Students are reading quite well now in Spanish.  The multiple choice questions are an excellent way to ensure that students are understanding the information sheets I distribute about  each Spanish city.

Miss Lisa's Class had the opportunity to hear a presentation by a guest speaker.  Mrs. Mouannes shared her knowledge of Lebanese and French.  She wrote each child's name in Lebanese.  She also expressed the names of the days of the week and months of the year for us.  It was a wonderful experience for the class!  We have been learning about the many contributions of
Arabic culture to Spanish culture and language  as we study various cities in Spain.

Miss Tucker's  class reviewed parts of the body and clothing terms by decorating a pumpkin.  They presented the calabaza to Miss Stone. It was a fun activity in Spanish.  Children could be heard saying, "Calabaza needs el sombrero" and "las mano, las manos."  I loved it. They loved it.  Miss Stone seemed really pleased with the "calabaza."
                                 
                                         5th  and 6th Grade Homework 

Homework for Wednesday, November 4th, was distributed to each student.  Students need to prepare a notecard with a paragraph about ONE of the Spanish cities they had studied.  Then, they will copy the paragraph in class on Wednesday.  The paragraph needs to be in Spanish.  They have received zerox copies which  give all the information they may need for the exam. They also were given their reports and posters back to use in preparation of the report. Several 6th grade  students did not want to take their poster home to assist them with the assignment.  If you have any questions, please call me for clarification.  I have been making phone calls and sending notes home advising parents of missing assignments.  Your child will not receive an A or a B if they do not complete the homework assignments.  Outside projects are an important part of his or her grade.

                                                     Srta. Linda

                                                         

Monday, October 26

Today was Costume Day!  K4 learned the names of their costumes in Spanish.  We also played Quien tiene?  Who Has It?  I distributed pcitures of classroom objects and the children needed to respond by saying, Yo tengo el ( name of object they held).  We sang our pumpkin song and reviewed weather terms.  It was a good day to do so!  I can conduct the class almost entirely in Spanish!  Children learn so quickly at a young age. 

K5 did not come to class.  They had their Halloween parties at 2. 

Grade 1   Children pasted their clothing pictures on sheets of paper which will be used for a class clothing book.  We reviewed colors and adjectives  by making a tree and putting different colored leaves on the branches.  This lesson was conducted entirely in Spanish.  Each child had to tell about their tree's different leaves in complete sentences.  WE will continue with our clothing vocabulary next week.  There is no homework. 

Grade 2 Students also made trees and described the trees in complete sentences in Spanish. Students did an excellent job with this lesson.  We learned the names of various costumes children were wearing in Spanish.  

Grade 3 Students presented their dialogues.  Homework for next week is to write a shopping list of at least ten to fifteen items from the list I distributed to them.  

Grade 4 presented their dialogues with word substitutions.  NEW homework is to create/write a dialogue about two people talking about what they are going to buy at the market.   Students copied down the beginning conversations.  They are:  Yo voy a comprar (then the student will list three or four items in Spanish from their list. )  Next person in the dialogue will start with Yo voy a comprar ( Then he/she will list three or four items from the list).  Students need to continue the dialogue with about four or five lines of dialogue using the same language structure:  Yo voy a comprar..... Yo voy a comprar means I am going to buy.  Some students wanted to name non-food items, which  is OK. Students received DUPLICATE copies of food vocabulary so there is no need to look up translations on the internet unless they wish to do so.  This assignemnt is HOMEWORK.  It is due on Monday, November 2. 

                                         Please contact me if you have any questions. 

                                                          Srta. Linda 

Wednesday, October 21.

Grades 5 and 6 presented their projects on Granada, Spain.  there were several sixth graders who did not do the project.  Several of those students are now missing two or more assignments which they have chosen to not  make up  I gave all students the opportunity to make up missed assignments before the Oct. 15 report cards were distributed.  Most students took advantage of this opportunity to improve their grade.  I will be notifying parents of the missed assignments.  Students who do not choose to make up assignments will receive a grade which reflects the missing assignments. Therefore, your child may receive a grade lower than an A or B in January.   I will send the note home with your child on Wednesday, October 28,  Please sign it and return it to me so that I know you are aware of the missing homework.  I will indicate the deadline date to submit missing assignments on the note your child receives.  I am happy to report that 80% of the sixth grade class and 100% of both fifth grade classes successfully completed the Spanish Culture Project which was their homework.
  Several students received certificates today for outstanding achievement in Spanish during the first nine weeks.  I am hoping your child will share that recognition certificate with you.

NOTE: THE FIFTH GRADE CLASSES HAVE DIFFERENT HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS THIS WEEK ONLY.  NO HOMEWORK FOR MISS TUCKER'S CLASS.

Grade 5- Miss Graham's class:  Students need to prepare a report  or a poster about Madrid, Spain.  Madrid is the capital of Spain  They received an information sheet today in class.  The report is due on October 28.

5th Grade- Miss Tucker's class:  There is NO homework for Miss Tucker's class. The report on Madrid is OPTIONAL for Miss Tucker's class. Please call me if you have any questions about this.

Grade 6:  Grade 6 needs to study for a verb test on estar, ser and tener. They all have study sheets already handed out to them. I also left an extra  set of study sheets for them in case the sheet has been lost or misplaced. This is a RETEST.  None of the verbs are new

Grade 6 :  Students who did not complete the report on Granada have the opportunity to prepare that report AND a report on Madrid.  Both reports may be a paragraph in length although most students go above and beyond the assignment. The reports are due on October 28th.  I will be distributing the parent notifications tomorrow so you will know if your child needs to make up missed assignments.

Students have informational sheets they can use for these reports, as well as the internet.  I would like them to use as much Spanish as they can, but will accept information in English as well.

6th Graders who do not receive a special letter for their parents have a list of eight questions to answer. They are multiple choice and we completed half of them in class.  They are exempt from the report on Madrid.  


                                     Thank you for your interest in our foreign language program.

                                                                 Miss Linda  

Monday's Classes

Grades K4 and 5 continued learning vocabulary in Spanish as they listened to a story about colors based on Mexican traditions and customs.  I mentioned The Day of the Dead which is very important to Mexican families.  The story I read mentioned some of the special candies and food the children eat on November 1st.  The special day has nothing to do with Halloween traditions practiced in this country

Grade 1  We continued learning terms in Spanish for clothing.  Each child named the picture of clothing they were given.  They also began telling what they were wearing.  Next week we will make clothing books.  Please prepare with your child 5 or 10 pictures of clothing cut from a magazine or hand-drawn and colored.  The clothing pictures should not be too large so we can paste them easily in books.  We also  reviewed basic questions and answers.  There are about twenty basic questions we have been studying.  I will send home a list of the questions for you to have.

Grade 2  Children also practiced naming articles of clothing and told what they were wearing.  The made sentences based on the clothing books they made last week in class.  Thank you for sending the pictures of clothing to school with your child.

Grade 3  Children received a new dialogue about ordering food in a restaurant.  I would like the children to practice the dialogue at home.  If you need a copy, please let me know and I can put some extra copies in your child's teacher's mailbox.  All children received a copy.  Some of the children want to do the activity assigned to the 4th graders.  The 4th graders have to change the names of the food to create a new dialogue or dialogues.  Children may do that activity, but it was NOT assigned to the third graders.  I would like to discuss this with parents.  Some children want to go above and beyond the assignment, and I encourage them to do so.  It allows the students extra practice in Spanish.  So, if your third grader wants to create a new dialogue, I will let him or her present it in class next week.  Other children need only to practice the prepared dialogue they received in class today entitled, " En el restoran."

Grade 4  Students received a dialogue and presented it in class.  Their homework is to change the food terms to other words thereby creating a NEW dialogue.  They may create as many as they wish.  They may simply put a line through the original food term and add another or copy the entire dialogue and add new food requests.  Some students wanted to change the beverages as well so I prepared a list of fruits to use in describing different kinds of juices.  Jugo de naranja- orange juice, jugo de fresa- strawberry juice, etc.  New dialogue is due Monday, October 26.

                               

                                                                           
                                                                   Thank you,

                                                                      Miss Linda
                                                                         Srta. Linda
                     


                                     

Wednesday, October 7

 Grades 5 and 6 presented their reports on Cordoba.  I especially liked the electronic presentations.  I encourage students to use technology for their reports in the future, if possible.  Sixth graders present entirely in Spanish.  I am very proud of them!  Homework is due on October 21, two weeks from today. It will be a report on the beautiful city  of Granada, Spain. Students received information in Spanish today in class.  Fifth graders may present in English or Spanish or in both languages, as many students already do. Sixth graders may present in Spanish or both languages.  Most sixth graders present entirely in Spanish.  There is a wealth of information online in both languages about Granada.  Please make sure your child researches Granada, SPAIN.  There are cities in Latin America named after Spanish cities.  We are currently studying the culture of The Iberian Peninsula.

Students also have a funny dialogue to study.  They also have two weeks to prepare the dialogue.  We will present the dialogue just in time for Halloween on October 21st.

                                               HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEKEND.

     

Monday,  October 5, 2015

I really wish parents could come and observe their child's Spanish class.
Students are making excellent progress!  On Monday, my second graders were working on creating clothing books.  I always encourage children to try to speak Spanish as much as they can during class.  Students in the class were requesting crayons or glue in Spanish from one another.  They were responding with appropriate expressions such as; "Gracias" or "De nada" after  receiving the desired items.  Speaking Spanish in this manner is part of The Natural Language Approach I use to teach a second language.  If you would like more information about this approach, please Google Dr.  Stephen Krashen, who designed the method in the 1970's.

K-4 learned a new song about a "calabaza," a pumpkin.  We reviewed numbers to twenty in Spanish, months of the year, basic greetings, and simple questions and answers. Children also reviewed weather expressions  They  heard a story about nocturnal animals in Spanish.  There are so many cognates in Spanish which help students learn new academic vocabulary in English as well.  Two of the words introduced today were: "Nocturno" and "enorme."  I used their English equivalents to introduce or reinforce the meaning in English to the children.   Teaching language is so much fun!

K-5 also learned a new song, reviewed months, days, seasons,  numbers and weather terms, and listened to the story about nocturnal animals.  Each child received a paper plate with a smiling jack' o lantern to practice their new song at home.


Grade 1  Children received a dialogue in Spanish about clothing and the fall season.  Several children received a copy of the dialogue to take home.

Grade 2  Students also received a copy of a new dialogue about clothing and the fall season.  I would like them to practice reading it at home.  In class, they worked with a partner, but they may study both parts or only the one they will present in two weeks in class with their partner.

Grade 3 Students received their days of the week test.  We reviewed the alphabet, telling the date in Spanish, months of the year, and basic questions.  Students also read the dialogue about clothing and the seasons.

Grade 4  Students reviewed clothing, colors, and seasons.  I have several new students who may be joining the class so I prepared a dialogue which would be more on an introductory level in order to include the new students.  The remainder of the class needs to study both the new dialogue and the Frankenpiedra--Frankenstein dialogue from last week.  They will present both dialogues in two weeks since there is no class on October 12th. We discussed some of the terms about maps and globes as well Christopher Columbus.  Cristobal Colon.

                                                   Happy Autumn!

                                                      📚  Miss Linda


🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃

                                                         

Grades 5 and 6 discussed their homework sentences with the verb, poder.  We read a funny dialogue in Spanish about a monster.  Next week we will present the dialogue so I would like the students to continue reading it.  They do not have to memorize any lines from the dialogue.   Next week, their short report on Cordoba is due.  Some children already have completed the report, but it is not due until October 7th.  There was an error in last week's blog concerning the date.

Note:  If your child is absent on Mondays, please contact me if you do not understand the information given in this blog or need more detailed information.  You child can also ask his/her classmates about Spanish homework.  The completion of homework is an important part of your child's grade in this class.

                                                       Have a great weekend!      

                                                              Miss Linda

Monday, September 28.

K-4  continued their work identifying classroom objects.
we then began working on clothing. Children were asked to name the picture of clothing they had in their hands.  It was so much fun.  Everyone wanted a card so they could be asked to name what they had.

K-5 also named classroom objects.  I added about six more than the K-4 had to name.  We then began to work on clothing as well.  We reviewed greetings and weather terms.  Please ask you child how to say, It's cold, It's hot, or it's raining.  I would love to receive feedback from you on how they answer.  Students also made two autumn trees for their teachers. The instructions were entirely in Spanish.

Grade 1 named all of their classroom objects from last week so we quickly went right to the clothing unit.  I asked children to please bring five or ten pictures from a magazine or the newspaper insert showing different articles of clothing.  They may also draw the articles and cut them out. We are making a book next week.

Grade 2 identified articles of clothing and had to give a sentences using the verb tener and an article of clothing.  We will be having a mini-fashion show in class next week to practice the new vocabulary.

Grade 3 took their test on the days of the week.  The were assigned a sheet with clothing vocabulary to study for next week's test.

Grade 4  Students were given a funny dialogue to read about a monster. They will continue learning the dialogue next week.  They also reviewed the alphabet in Spanish. Some students have the alphabet memorized.  It is important that the students in fourth grade learn the alphabet since we will be reading and  writing more in Spanish in the months to come.  Students  also received a list of terms listing the continents in Spanish and terms needed to learn about maps and globes in Spanish.  Using interdisciplinary activities in this manner helps the children apply what they learn in Spanish to lessons they receive in their regular classroom.  It also reinforces material and helps children to retain  information.

    Have a great weekend!

                       Miss Linda

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Grade 6 continued presenting their projects on Barcelona.  I am so very pleased with our sixth graders.  Almost all of the students presented their work entirely in Spanish.  Students received a  informational sheet on Cordoba, our next Spanish city.  They may begin working on their presentations, but the project on Cordoba is not due until Oct. 1. The homeowork this week is to compose sentences using the irregular verb, poder.  It means to be able to do.  Students copied the conjugations in the present tense. with the various subjects.  They need to use a verb in the infinitive form to complete their sentences.  For example:  Yo puedo cantar muchas canciones.  I can seing many songs.  Mi hermana puede caminar a la escuela.  My sister can walk to school.  It is important that the students complete this assignment.  I asked them to write at least ten sentences, but encouraged them to write more.  Last week, a student wrote 100 sentences with the verbs tener, estar and ser!  I will look at all of them to make sure they are correct. What can I say? I told students they may write as many as they wish.

Grade 5  Students had completed their presentations, so we devoted the period to the verb, poder.  Fifth graders also have to compose ten sentences using various forms of the verb poder, which means  to be able to do.   The students also took home a copy of the information about Cordoba and may begin working on their project on this beautiful Spanish city which was once the richest city in the world.

                                        Have a great weekend of football!

                                                 Atentamente,
                                                        Miss Linda

Monday, September 21

Grade K-4 We had a wonderful, productive class today!  Since most of the children were here last year, I am able to build on their oral language skills.  Children identified classroom objects and played a game, Quien tiene?  Who Has It?  If the child was holding the photo of the object I named, she had to say, " Yo tengo el_________, naming the object.  The children responded beautifully!  I am so proud of their ability to grasp a second language so quickly!  
We also heard the storys, "The Sky Is Falling" in Spanish. 

K-5  Children also played the game, Quien tiene?  Who Has It?  I was able to add more objects with our K-5 students.  The children had so much fun that we ran out of time and could not hear our story.  Reading to the children in Spanish is a very important part of our program.  I will just have to stop that game early next time! 

Grade 1 presented a short dialogue in Spanish.  I am so proud of Miss Connie's class!  Some of the students memorized their lines, which means they have internalized the grammatical structures and vocabulary for use at another time.  They were asked to bring the dialogue home to share with their parents.  I also asked students to teach their parents their classroom partner's lines.  Please let me know how they did with this task.  I would really love to receive feedback from parents. 

Grade 2.  Students also reviewed classroom objects by playing the game Quien tiene?  Who Has It?  If the student was holding the photo of the object, he had to say, "Yo tengo el/la_______ naming the object in Spanish.  I added cards so that each student could name an object.  We rotated the cards three times.  Students  were asked to copy down in their Spanish notebooks at least three objects to use in written sentences.  This is homework for next week.The model is: Yo tengo el papel or Yo tengo la silla azul.  All of the sentences will be different since students had different cards.  I would like any student to write more sentences if they wish.  The may use food items previously learned as well as classroom objects.  Here are some words from today's lesson:  la grapadora, the stapler,  el sacapuntas, the pencil sharpener, la computadora, the computer, la calculadora, the calculator, la pegadura, the glue,  la pluma, the pen, la silla azul, the blue chair. (Students may substitute ANY color after the noun). 

Grade 3  Students received their test from last week. I retaught the vocabulary to those students who needed a review.  They will retest next week.  The rest of the class will be tested on the days of the week.  All students have one list of words to study.  I also asked students to write sentences with the new words.   Hoy es lunes, Hoy es martes, etc.  Some students wanted to study more than the assigned words, which is fine!  We learned hoy-today, ayer, yesterday, and manana, tomorrow. Grade 3 is a wonderful class with highly  motivated students. I love working with them. 

Grade 4 Students received their posters or small drawings of the parts of the body project they turned in last week.  Then they worked in dyads practicing the vocabulary by asking one another, "Que te duele?  What hurts you?  Students responded by naming a part of the body. Children love working together in this manner.  Groups shared out at  various intervals during the class.  Students also received for the first time a copy of the alphabet in Spanish to practice at home.  They loved reciting the alphabet in class after me. I asked them to take the alphabet home to study.  There will NOT be a test on the alphabet.  I want the students to familiarize themselves with the letters and sounds. 

            Thank you for your interest in our foreign language program.  I welcome your feedback and questions via email, text, or phone.  

                                                       Atentamente, 
                                                              Miss Linda 

Wednesday, September 16,

5th and 6th grade students presented their projects on Barcelona Spain.  Sixth grade students presented their work in Spanish.  I am so pleased with their progress.  We were not able to finish the presentation of the 6th grade projects since those presented were very informative and I wanted to review some grammar with the students as well.  Those students who did not present their work will present next  Wednesday.

The homework for 5th and 6th grade is based on a review of three irregular verbs, tener, ser, and estar.  Students received a sheet with all of the information they need to write at least fifteen sentences using the verbs on the list.  For example,  for tener, students can write Yo tengo un cuarderno en mi casa.  They should try to vary the subjects--use tu, el, ella, nosotros and ellas or ellos in their sentences.  Please contact me if you need further clarification. Students may also use proper nouns and common  nouns as subjects:  Mi mama tiene una bolsa color de cafe.  Susana es una buena alumna.

                                   The sentences are due Wednesday, September 23.

             Que tengan un fin de semana divino.  Have a wonderful weekend.

I would like to thank the parents who share their experiences at home with our assignments.  One Mom said she loved learning about Spanish cuisine and all of the attractions in Barcelona.  The family wants to visit this beautiful Spanish city  someday! Please share with me via this blog or a hand-written note.  You can also send me a text message at 626-833-0417.

                                        Thank you,
                                           Miss Linda

Monday, September 14.

There is no homework this week for 2nd, 3rd, or 4th grade students.  Next Monday, we will begin two new dialogues to present.  The dialogues will be about two important cities in Spain. Students who would like  some extra work may do some research on Avila and Barcelona, two Spanish cities.

Today 5th and 6th graders continued our discussion of the beautiful, culturally rich city of Barcelona.  Students read information in Spanish about this port city, its architecture, music, dance, and cuisine.  Each student needs to prepare a short presentation about Barcelona and create a poster or model of something mentioned in the information sheet.*  This project is due Wednesday, September 16th, which is also  Mexican Independence Day. Sixth graders need to present in Spanish.  Fifth graders may present in English or Spanish.  Students who were absent from class will receive the informational sheet from other students in class, however, the most important paper was already given to students last week to read.

I am so pleased that students are able to read and complete multiple choice questions in Spanish at this stage of instruction.     They have really met my expectations for them In fact,  some students have gone above and beyond my expectations!  I am so very proud of them.


* Some possible projects might be a poster showing some of the Spanish dishes described in the paper.  Another chart could show Barcelona's main exports.  Some students mentioned a poster about the famous soccer team from Barcelona.  I would be very interested in learning more about the various forms of architecture, such as Gothic style cathedrals,  found in Barcelona.

  Thank you for your interest in our Spanish language program at St. John's Day School.  I enjoy teaching your children.

                                           Atentamente,
                                            Miss Linda

Wednesday, Sept. 2

Students in Grades 5 and 6 made their presentations about the beautiful city of Avila, Spain.  6th grade did their presentations in Spanish, but some of my fifth graders also wanted to present in Spanish!  Many students brought posters or other visuals as well as models they created themselves.  I saw a very creative use of Legos to make The famous Convent of St. Teresa.   The Power Point presentations  made by a couple of students were  wonderful!  I hope more students use technology in the future for their projects.  Several students did not bring their work.  I will be notifying those parents by phone.

There is NO homework over the weekend.  We will be meeting on Tuesday of next week, at which  time, I will discuss the next project. It will be about Barcelona.  I distributed the hand-out and a list of questions because some students begged me for homework!  Reading the sheet and doing the questions is OPTIONAL.  I know many of you will be out of town for the holiday and for that reason, I did not assign homework. Students do need to bring the hand-outs to class on Tuesday.
                                      Have a safe holiday weekend.
                                                    Miss Linda

Monday,  August 31.

K-4 continued learning weather terms in Spanish.  They also sang all of their songs which helps reinforce grammatical structures and vocabulary in a natural, fun way.  Children also can respond to basic questions about themselves in Spanish.  I really feel the work we did last semester in K-3 has really benefitted our students.  They are so eager to learn new things in Spanish! They heard a story, as they always do, about colorful toys.

K-5 K-5 also reviewed weather terms and parts of the body.  The children love the new song about Cabeza y hombros-- head and shoulders-- and other parts substituted.  Children  heard a story about colors. Because of our limited time in class, I could not read all of the descriptions of the toys pictured and the children asked me to tell them about the omitted toys!  I loved it.  It is so rewarding to watch young children acquire a new language.

1st - Children learned a dialogue and reviewed parts of the body.  I distributed a fun picture of a fox with the parts labelled for them to color and take home.  This group also is making such rapid progress by building on last year's skills

2nd - Children reviewed the body and received  a fox to color and take home to review body parts at home. I encourage children to ask for items; papers or colors, for example, in Spanish during group work.  One would think we are in a Spanish-speaking country if they visited the classroom!

3rd - Children have five new sentences to study for next week.  Gracias, maestra,  Adios, Senor, Hasta luego, Buenos dias, maestro, and Buenas noches.  The children's copy have the accents indicated.  Adios carries an accent on the o, Senor is written with the letter n with a curved mark, tilde, on top.  They did well on their first test last week.

4th - We corrected our color sentences. I assigned a body parts poster for children to bring in two weeks, since there is no class on Monday.  They have the fox visual with the parts indicated.  They may also use Google Translator to translate the body from English to Spanish.  We discussed using complete sentences to talk about the boy--Esta es la cabeza and Este es el pie.  This is my head, this is my foot.  Spanish does not require the personal pronoun when speaking of body parts.

   Have a great holiday.

Wednesday, August 26

Grade 6 finished reading and discussing the page distributed last week about Avila, Spain.  The information is entirely in Spanish with icons and footnotes to help children understand everything easily.  We read the second half of the sheet today in class.  An interesting discussion about the contributions of different religious and cultural groups to Spanish culture and language was emphasized.
Students began to complete multiple choice questions based on the information we read about Avila.  I asked them to try to complete the questions at home.  Five or six students completed the sheet without any help.  We will complete the questions next week, so students do not have to worry about answering all of the questions if they cannot do so.  I would like them to try, however, since they can find the answers to the questions on the sheet we read together.


All sixth  students do have to prepare a short report in SPANISH  about Avila.  They can use the information on the sheet they have or do research on the computer. The report can be a written paragraph or a Powerpoint presentation.  They may also create a poster or make something out of found materials or clay. For example, a replica of the walls that surrounded the city in the 1600's.  They DO NOT have to make ninety walls, as the paper explains. A poster of something mentioned will suffice as well.  There are many photos of Avila online.  We discussed The Convent of Santa  Teresa and a cathedral as well as  Spanish cuisine.  Five sentences are expected.  Again, students can use the sentences DIRECTLY from the sheet I gave them.  This homework assignment is due on .  STUDENTS WHO WERE NOT ENROLLED LAST YEAR DO NOT HAVE TO GIVE A REPORT IN SPANISH,  BUT I WOULD LIKE THEM TO BRING SOME INFORMATION IN ENGLISH ABOUT AVILA, SPAIN. Parents can help newly enrolled students with this assignment. Report is due on Wednesday, Sept. 2.

* * * * *  * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Grade 5 also completed the informational sheet about Avila.  They were given a word search in Spanish.  Most students completed it in class.  They need to complete it for homework if it was not completed in class.  They were also given a sheet with suggested topics for a report about Avila.  The report may be done in English or Spanish.  It is due on Wednesday, Sept. 2. Students may give the short report in English.  Four or five sentences will suffice, but I encourage students to prepare a more thorough report if they desire.  They may create a poster or a model of anything mentioned int he sheet we read together in Spanish.  Students also received a recipe for a delicious postre, dessert, made with egg yolks.  Some of the students wanted to make the dessert at home. It is NOT a homework assignment, but sounds so delicious that several students expressed a desire to make it at home. MMMMMMM.  Sabroso.

       Thank you for you interest in our Foreign Language Program.

Monday, August 24.

Grade 2 had the opportunity to make a miniature beach garden with Cheli Cuevas, creator of Gild the Garden, a Youtube gardening show.  The lesson was done in Spanish with English  language support when necessary. I hope you are enjoying your child's creation!  Cheli recommended watering the garden once a week.

Grade 3 took a dictation exam and worked on an activity sheet based on the correct form of adjectives.  They were asked to write at least eight more sentences describing foods using color words in Spanish.  There are eight models for the students to follow on the activity sheet they completed in class with me.  Students  may write more than eight if they wish.  We will discuss the sentences next week.  It is a homework assignment.

Grade 4 also completed a worksheet based on adjectives that describe foods.  They completed the sheet in class and need to write eight more sentences on their own for homework.  Students may write more sentences if they wish.
Please call me if you have any questions.  601-428-1704.  Students should have brought the homework sheet home today with their classroom homework folder.

I will notify you by telephone if your child does not complete homework assignments.  The completion of homework is part of your child's grade.


K-4 and K-5 sang their new songs in Spanish and learned three weather expressions in Spanish.  They also heard a story in Spanish to develop their listening skills.  Students also reviewed responding in Spanish to basic questions.  I am so proud of your children.  They learn new skills quickly.


Grade 1 reviewed  days of the week and months of the year.  Many of the children are able to read the months and days in Spanish!  They are very eager to respond to questions in Spanish as well.
Thank you for your continued support and interest in our Spanish Language  Program at SJDS.

Monday, August 17

Grade K-4 learned several new songs including, Cabeza y hombros, piernas y pies, a song about the body.  They heard part of a story about a penguin who liked to play soccer.  All stories are read in Spanish with English language support when picture clues do not tell enough about the action.

We also reviewed grande y chico, large and small, and  responding  to simple questions about ourselves,

K-5 Learned several new songs to review and reinforce skills and vocabulary learned in K-4, especially days of the week and weather terms.

1st Grade- We continued our work with the calendar and learning how to say the date in Spanish.  We also reviewed colors and animals in Spanish. First graders will receive an academic grade this year in Spanish for the first time.

2nd Grade- We continued calendar work and numbers and  colors review.  Children were encouraged to ask for materials in Spanish and explain what they were doing in Spanish to their classmates and the teacher. If someone would have popped in to see what we were doing, they would have thought they were in a classroom in a Spanish speaking country!  I was so amazed at the children's ability to use Spanish to express their feelings and explain what they were doing.  Fantastic feeling for me!

3rd Grade-  We discussed the meaning of the first ten words on our vocabulary sheet and continued with our list.  Children need to study five sentences which they copied in their Spanish notebooks for homework.  They will take a dictation, un dictado, next week on the five sentences.  Sentences are: Hola, Como estas?  Dame una galleta, por favor,  Maria es mi amiga.  Si, tengo ocho anos, No tengo el color amarillo.  The students have the sentences in their notebooks with the correct accent marks.  I am having a problem with my new computer and can't seem to place the accent marks on the words needed them.  Several children did not have their list.  It is important that children bring their notebooks to class every week.  I am going to check students' notebooks every week.

4th Grade  Students presented their dialogues.  They can read and pronounce words in Spanish so well. I am  proud of them.  Their homework is to change selected words in the dialogue with new words.  We did some examples together in class.

This is going to be a very productive year in Spanish class.  Than k you for your interest and cooperation. I appreciate it.
                                               Miss Linda

August 16. 2015

The first week of Spanish was super awesome.  I reviewed some previously introduced skills since we have not been speaking Spanish in class for two months. Grades K-4 and K-5 reviewed numbers and greetings.  I read a story in Spanish about a farmer who did not want to get up in the morning one day to do chores. I love the way our youngsters interact with literature. They enjoyed making the sounds of the various farm animals that called out to the farmer as he resisted getting out of bed.  It was fun!  They were also, of course, reviewing the names of farm animals while listening and participating. 

Grade 1 received a calendar to reinforce  the names of the days of the weeks, numbers, and the months of the year in Spanish. Next week I will ask them to look for visuals for each month as we prepare a classroom bulletin board about birthdays. The children understand so many words in Spanish!  

Grade 2 also received a calendar to review months, days, and numbers.  They also began coloring  a drawing of fish  to review color words.   Most children could read all of the colors in Spanish! 

Grade 3 received a vocabulary sheet they will need to bring to class.  I asked them to study the first eleven words.  There will NOT be a test on the words next week.  We will be working on constructing meaningful sentences with the words next week. All students in Grade 3 need a notebook for class.  It can be a spiral book or a section in their 3-ring binder.  It does not matter as long as it is used exclusively for Spanish class. 

Grade 4 received a dialogue from last school year to practice at home.  We will review it in class and write an  original dialogue for students to learn for next session. New students are not responsible for the dialogue.  I will work with them next week on some basic skills other students have previously learning. The approach to teaching a second language  which I employ helps new students gain access to the curriculum even if they were not at St. John's last year.  Please contact me if you have any questions about Spanish.  
My phone number is 601-428-1704.  I prefer that you call in the evening after 6 pm.   

Spanish Class

Dear Parents, 

        I am looking forward to another year of teaching your children Spanish .  I have some new materials and really can't wait to use them in the classroom. I had some time to look over instructional materials on the internet. There is so much out there! We will also continue using the Scholastic magazine in Spanish which  my fifth and sixth graders used last year.  The activities are fun and the articles in Spanish are well-written and easy to comprehend. 

       I hope all of you had a wonderful summer and can't wait to get started in a couple of weeks. 

                     Hasta pronto, 

                               Srta. Linda 

Friday's Classes, May 15.

K- 3 Met for the last time this school year.  I am so happy with the progress our K-3 children have  have made. they enjoy singing and learning vocabulary in Spanish.  It is a pleasure teaching them new concepts and skills.  I look forward to teaching them next year. Our lesson for today included a book in Spanish about sharing and a lesson in counting to twenty in Spanish.  I used bubbles to help the boys and girls focus on the topic.  They were very, very interested!

5th grade played several vocabulary games similar to Bingo.  We reviewed parts of the body, foods, classroom objects and school related terms.  Students received prizes for winning.

                                                                     

Monday's Classes, May 11

K-4 learned about the Aztec Culture.  They learned that the Aztecs lived in Mexico and built temples to their gods.   They received a page to color.  We reviewed all questions and responses in Spanish.  I love the way children help one another if they respond with their age to a question about how they feel!  It is so rewarding to teach all children a second language, especially very young language learners.

K-5 We are rehearsing a Spanish song for graduation.  There will be musical instruments from Latin America on stage!  I can't wait.  You will enjoy the performance.


1st grade  Students reviewed favorite foods and received the books they made in September to take home.

2nd Grade - Students received their books to take home.  Several students were chosen to be the teachers today.  They asked the other students questions in Spanish!  We have come a long way in a short time.

3rd Grade  We reviewed questions in Spanish.  Students  were chosen as teachers to ask the questions in Spanish today.  I am so proud of our third graders. Thank you for your support.

4th Grade- Students presented their projects to the class. Although an evaluation was not required, most of the students did prepare one.  Several students did not have their project.  I have spoken to their parents about completing it and presenting on Monday, May 18th.  We have a regular Spanish class on Monday.  It will be our last class of the year. Fourth graders did an excellent job on their projects. I am very proud of the students' work presented today in class.

Friday's Classes

Grade K-3 Students reviewed counting  I had a bottle of bubbles to blow and asked students to count them in Spanish.  This activity was a lot of fun, as you can imagine.Students also heard a story about a little mouse in Spanish.  The children understand so much already.  I am so happy with their progress.  We also learned a song to review the days of the week and months of the year.

Grade 5  Students presented their teaching projects.  They were amazing!  Although an evaluation was optional, nearly all of the students did one and distributed a copy to the class.  Two students were missing the assignment.  I will speak with Miss Stone about this since projects are a very important part of the student's  grade and the children are aware of that.

Grade 6  Today was bittersweet since it was our last class meeting.  I want to thank all of the parents for their support and cooperation this year.  The sixth grade class is an incredibly bright, motivated, caring group of young people.  I will miss them!
Students took a brief writing quiz.  We also learned a song in Spanish, La Bamba.  It is also a dance.

Monday, May 4th

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

K-4  K- 4 did an excellent job on their basic questions about themselves in Spanish. Students also heard a story in Spanish about the family values of love, the importance of doing their best in school, and having confidence in their abilities.

K-5  We are practicing our song for graduation.  Students also reviewed all basic questions about themselves and their world in Spanish.  I am very proud of our K-5 students and look forward to working with them next year.  It will be the students fourth year of the study of Spanish as a second language and I am confident they are on the road to becoming bilingual children.

1st Grade    We played a memory game involving a trip to the zoo and the market.  These games help student learn targeted vocabulary.  They are also a lot of fun!

2nd Grade   Students also played the memory game to polish their vocabulary skills in Spanish.  Targeted vocabulary included animals and foods and the past tense of the verbs to go and to buy.

3rd Grade  We reviewed responding to questions in Spanish. Our third graders are very interested in learning Spanish.  Some of them are asking for books in Spanish to read outside of our classroom.  I am going to try to establish a lending library for those students.  I had a book on the table  that I use as a desk. A student picked it up and exclaimed, " I can read this in Spanish and I know what everything means."  I was so happy.  We played the vocabulary memory game. Several students won prizes.

4th Grade;  Students took their test on the countries of South America. I am very proud of our fourth graders.  They consider learning Spanish very important.  Our study of South America meets the standard for knowledge of the culture of Spanish-speaking countries as determined by the Mississippi State Standards for the Teaching of Foreign Languages. Fourth graders have a final homework assignment  which is due next Monday.  They need to design and deliver a lesson in Spanish based on anything they have learned in class.  They will need a colorful poster or other visual to capture the interest of their students.  Students chose their topics already.  Some of them are: Colors, Animals, Foods, Incan Culture, and Numbers. They have a hand-out explaining in detail what they need to do.  The last part of the assignment  mentions a test or oral evaluation.  Students DO NOT have to do this part unless they desire to do so.  It was required of my 5th and 6th graders.  Some of the students in those classes actually prepared a real evaluation for each student in class!  It was so much fun to watch the "teachers" delivering the lesson and then observe their students taking the test they had prepared.  I did not expect students to actually take the test after the presentations!  It was a very special moment for me as their instructor to notice how motivated and dedicated the students are in Spanish class.  Making copies of the test for each student was entirely optional, but every student in the 6th grade did that part of the assignment.  Way to go, Sixth Graders!  Fourth graders may design an evaluation if they wish.  Please call me if you have any questions about the assignment.  It is the same assignment minus the evaluation section that the 5th and 6th graders completed.

Thank you for your interest and support in our program.

      Miss Linda

April 17th 

Grade K-3 are really doing well in Spanish.  Students can answer basic questions in Spanish as well as tell what they like to eat.  They can name at least fifteen foods--sometimes many more!  We discussed weather vocabulary today and heard a story about the weather. We also reviewed counting in Spanish to ten, colors and body parts.  We had a very productive morning.  Several students received certificates for responding correctly to questions or for singing one of our many songs in Spanish. 

Grade 5 - We reviewed correct verb forms for regular present tense "ar" verbs in Spanish. I feel students understand much better now than they did last week.  Each subject in Spanish requires a different verb ending.  Several students took a test on locating the countries of South America.  We are studying The Incas of Peru.  One student correctly identified almost all of the countries correctly.  She received a prize.  The students have a blank template map of South America to color and label which  is due May 8th. 

Grade 6  Students received a booklet consisting of thirty pages about The Mayans, The Aztecs, and The Incas.  The booklet is very informative.  I would like the students to read each page in order to gain knowledge of these three great ancient civilizations. Students have a map of South America to color and label. The map is due on May 8th.  Several students have already completed their map.  This activity helps students to learn about the history of Spanish-speaking countries before the arrival of Spanish explorers. 

Have a great weekend!  

April 13, Monday

K-4 had their Spanish lesson in their classrooms because of testing.  Students can respond to basic questions in Spanish and tell what food they like to eat.  The can properly identify at least fifteen food in Spanish.  I am so pleased with their progress.

K-5  Students practiced telling what they like to eat.  We reviewed basic questions and responses in Spanish and counting to twenty.  Students also practiced their song, De Colores, for their grraduation ceremony.

Grade 2  Grade two began their study of Central and South American cultures.  They learned that Incas lived in Peru,  Aztecs lived in Mexico, and Mayans in Guatemala. Students began to make their books on the three cultures by coloring an example of a religious temple used by all three
civilizations.

Grade 3 Students reviewed vocabulary by playing Bingo in Spanish.  I am so pleased that students have learned so much basic and specialized vocabulary already.  Prizes were given to the winners.

Grade 4  Students received a map of South America to complete next week.  They also were shown a map of Central America.  They will be learning all of the countries in both South America and Central America.

There is NO homework during testing this week.  The map is due on May 8th for fourth graders.  I placed additional maps in teachers' boxes for students who were testing and did not receive  their map.

On Monday, March 30th, Grade K-4 reviewed responses to basic questions in Spanish.  Students sang songs to reinforce new and previously  learned vocabulary. They learned a lullaby in Spanish today as well.

Grade 1 chose pictures from magazines to illustrate the books they are making in class about themselves.  They also learned the names of classroom objects while they worked on their projects.

Grade 2 Students added words to their vocabulary sheets.  These sheets contain about fifty basic vocabulary words and useful expressions in Spanish.  There is no homework, but I encouraged the students to refer to their list whenever they can to learn the meaning of the terms.  The words are classified according to units such as; days of the week, months of the year, classroom objects, family members, etc.  We have discussed about twenty five words from the list.  Of course, the students know much more than the terms listed!

Grade 3 finished their autobiographical paragraphs.  Some of the children wanted to take home the worksheet, which includes a paragraph we did not discuss in class.  I allowed them to do so, but completing the second paragraph   is not mandatory.  I do not discourage students who wish to go above and beyond what we complete in class.  There is NO homework assigned for third grade during the Easter holiday vacation.  Completing the second paragraph is excellent practice, but it is not an assignment.

Grade 4 continued their study of verb conjugations.  We completed a worksheet in class and students really seem to grasp the concept very well.  Students now have a chart or a model of conjugated regular "ar" verbs to which they may refer.  One student told me after class that she preferred the method I used today over the chart they received last week. I am constantly looking for different approaches to use in order to make sure students are learning the concepts taught.  I love the feedback I receive from students!  "Miss Linda, I like what we did today and get it now."  The comment made my day.  Students may complete the worksheet at home, but we will continue to work on it in two weeks.  There is NO homework assigned.

On Friday, March 27th, K-3 classes continued learning how to respond to basic questions about themselves in Spanish.  We are also working on counting in Spanish.  Children sang Asi me lavo las manos with new parts of the body. They love to sing!  I really hope all of the students will continue with our program at St. John's next year.  I look forward to building on the solid base they have in a second language next year.

Grades 5 and 6 took several quizzes on Friday.  We are working on verb conjugations at this level. Grade 6 has a project due on April 10th.  I am sure it will not take more than two or three hours to prepare.  They can begin working on it this week or next week so that they can enjoy the Easter holiday with their families. This is for 6th GRADE ONLY.

Project:  Students will prepare a Spanish language lesson( about five minutes ) to teach to the class.  They have already chosen their topics.  The focus of the lesson may be anything we have learned this year or last year. For example, the names of animals in Spanish, days of the week, verb conjugations, how to write an autobiographical paragraph, months of the year, weather, time, holidays, clothing, rooms in a house, gardening terms, foods, etc.

Students need a colorful visual such as a poster or realia, objects that will help capture their audience. For example, if a student is teaching food, he or she may bring plastic foods or pictures from magazines of different foods.  A weather report might be accompanied by a map showing different temperatures across the nation.

They should try or give as much information in Spanish, but may also use English when necessary.

Students should have a short evaluation or quiz after the presentation to pass out to students in written form or a short oral exam to check to see how much their class learned.   This can take the form or a ten question translation or matching activity.  They only need to prepare ONE copy of the quiz unless they have access to a copy machine or scanner.  They only need eleven copies or the quiz so I am thinking copies for all students is possible.  Again, it is NOT necessary to bring eleven copies.  I only need to see that an evaluation  was made. Please call me if you have any questions.

5th and 6th Graders are working on verb conjugations in Spanish.  5th grade will have a quiz on Ser, Estar, and Tener on Friday.  They have a worksheet to study.

6th grade will have a quiz on ar verbs in Spanish  They have a worksheet to study. I want to share with you how proud I am of fourth, fifth, and sixth graders and their creations of autobiographies in Spanish.  I returned the compositions to the students so they could share them with you.  Please ask your child  to read the compostion to you and  translate their work if you do not understand Spanish.  They do an excellent job translating. Miss Stone asked fifth  and sixth  graders to share their quotes with her so she can share with others.  We will do that in English so everyone understands which quotes reflect the values that are important to each student.

Monday, March 23.
 K-4 classes reviewed all of the questions they know how to answer in Spanish.  They also completed a new worksheet about their favorite foods.  Each student had to tell me in Spanish what food he/she liked to eat.  I love working with K-4;  They are so receptive to new concepts.

K-5  We worked on our song for graduation  and  also learned several  new songs.  I read a story to the students in Spanish about a raccoon that was afraid of going to school, but realized his Mama was only a kiss away from him.

1st Grade  We are working on a book in class.  Most students completed all of the pages.  I will  type their responses and return to students next Monday so they can make their cover.

2nd Grade  We worked on medical terms and learning how to express different ailments in Spanish.  Students did an excellent job with their worksheets.

3rd Grade  Students completed the beginning of an autobiography in Spanish.  We will finish the assignment next week.

4th Grade  We worked on medical terms.  Students were asked to write a sentence using each new vocabulary word in Spanish, for example,  Tengo un dolor de estomago, Tengo un dolor de cabeza.  I have a stomachache,  I have a headache.  This is a homework assignment.  Student who were absent received the worksheets in their homework packet. There were about ten students absent on Monday.

March 16  Spanish Classes on Monday.

K-4 We are moving at a rapid pace in our study of Spanish!  Today all students prepared responses for five questions about themselves. Everyone did a very good job! The children received a birthday cake to color with their age and the sentence, " Yo tengo cuatro (o cinco) anos. They learned the universal sign  for Te amo, I love you.  We did not finish the story from which the sign originates, Un beso en la mano.  A Kiss on the Hand.

K-5  K-5 also reviewed responses in Spanish to basic questions about themselves and colored the birthday cake worksheet to practice saying their age in Spanish.  They worked on their song, De Colores which is a traditional Spanish song sung in most Spanish-speaking countries. We sang Asi me lavo las manos to review parts of the body.

1st grade practiced saying the date in Spanish and learned the terms for yesterday and tomorrow. We discussed El Dia de San Patricio, St. Patrick's Days, and learned some terms associated with this holiday.

2nd grade  Students also are working with the calendar, saying the date, and the months of the year.  We also added saying our birthday is Spanish.  Students worked on a color sheet based on the month of March coming in  like a lion and going out like a lamb.  Of course we did this in Spanish. Entra como un  leon y sale como un borreguito. The students thought that was a neat thing to learn.

3rd grade Students  received their corrected homework sentences and we went over common errors in grammar and spelling.  They also discussed the calendar, telling their birthday in Spanish and had a general review of about thirty Spanish expressions which  are essential to communicating well in the language. I am going to send the sheet home for students to study in preparation for a quiz on those terms.  Most students already have acquired knowledge of the meaning of the terms. The quiz should be easy for them.  I will work individually with students who need help with the quiz.

4th grade received their autobiographies and were asked to make the corrections indicated on their paper. I only required one paragraph for successful completion of the assignment, but many students did two full paragraphs.  I am so pleased when students go above and beyond the assignment. Please ask your child to share their work with you.  I know some parents provided photos which were required on the cover sheet.  Thank you for your assistance.  It really makes a difference in a child's attitude toward learning when parents are actively involved, even in a small way, with assignments.

Miss Bower's students received a verb conjugation sheet to study.*  I encouraged students to try to complete the other ar verbs in the table if they can. It is NOT homework.  Some students wanted to complete the table.  A few students were not sure how to complete the other verbs on the sheet based on the model we all completed in class.  We will be reviewing it next week. I did not assign any other homework since the autobiography was a major homework assignment.  Another project will follow soon based upon "producing"  a television show segment in Spanish about the weather, cooking, an interview with a "famous" person in our class, sports, fashion, or a garden show. WE won't be actually filming unless we have enough time to do so.  Vuela el tiempo.  Times flies!  Way too fast!  

Miss Lowery's class did NOT receive the verb sheet due to time restrictions.  They will recieve it next week.

Happy Spring!  It is almost here.  Ya llega pronto la primavera.

March 2, 2015

Buenas Tardes Padres, 

                         K-4 worked very hard today.  The children usually enter our Spanish classroom singing some of our songs in Spanish.  We added a new song called, "Asi, me lavo las manos."  Different parts of the body are substituted for "las manos."  The melody is "Here We Go 'Round the Mulberry Bush" if you hear your child singing the song.  We also looked at a calendar since we are in a new month. The children are learning the months of the year and how to express the date in Spanish. They also can say how old they are in Spanish. We did not have time to do a short worksheet coloring activity about birthdays.  I will save it for next week.  I deliver this type of activity entirely in Spanish.   Our story for today was one about snow from the Doc McStuffins series, but in Spanish.

K-5 also reviewed the months of the year and days of the week.  They worked on their song, "De Colores."  Students can answer may questions in Spanish now!  I am so pleased with their progress.  

1st grade did a calendar sheet and reviewed expressing the day, date, and year in Spanish.  They also heard the story from the Doc McStuffins series. 

2nd grade completed a worksheet about sports and were asked to create sentences (orally) about sports they liked and didn't like.  Students do not seem to like "golf."  We use the same term in English and Spanish for golf. Most student stated that they did not like golf--"No me gusta el golf."  We need to talk about that!  I am thinking they might not be aware of what it is....

Grade 3 presented their cultural awareness projects.  We later shared them with Miss Stone. They did an excellent job on this project.  The boxes are displayed on the mantle in the foyer.  Please take a look at them if you have a chance.  Thank you for your assistance with your child's project. 

Grade 4 presented their autobiographical paragraphs.  They did a super job.  Although I required only one part of the worksheet, several children did the entire worksheet.  I particularly enjoyed hearing the students favorite quotes.  

Have a wonderful vacation next week.   There was no homework assigned, but I did distribute a magazine in Spanish to fourth graders to read over their vacation.  

                                         Atentamente, 

                                                  Srta. Linda

K-4 is learning the parts of the body.  They received a worksheet with a fox on it and labels indicating each part of the body in Spanish.  The children also learned Pulgarcito, a new song which teaches several important questions and responses in Spanish. Students heard a story about a mouse going to the movies.  The story had new vocabulary as well as previously learned winter terms. 

K-5 began learning a new song, which is a surprise for parents.  They also received the parts of the body worksheet, reviewed six songs in Spanish, and participated in a lesson which  I delivered entirely in Spanish. It was magical!   We sang Old MacDonald in Spanish.  Did you know that some  animals "talk" in a different manner in Spanish than they do in English? Ducks say, "qua, qua."  Our surprise song will teach you some other farm animal sounds! 

1st grade discussed medical terms including ways to express having a toothache or stomachache in Spanish.  The children received a vocabulary sheet with important terms to learn. I assigned the first ten words for study. There will NOI be a written test on the words. I will ask for responses from the children orally in class next week. 

2nd grade received the same list of important vocabulary words.  I encouraged students to study as many terms as they wanted to study.  Most students understand more than the first twenty words on the list! They took the list home for study.  I will ask for oral responses in class next week on the first ten words. 

3rd grade received an assignment which is due next week.  The project is a cultural awareness activity and can be done entirely in English.  Please assist your child with the preparation of their Spanish -speaking country if you wish.   Call me if you have any questions.  Miss Stone has some shoe boxes if your child does not have one at home.  I also brought four boxes to the classroom on Tuesday. 


4th grade has an autobiographical composition to prepare for presentation next Monday.  We did the ENTIRE paragraph in class.  The children need only copy their responses on another sheet or prepare the paragraph on the computer.  They also need a photograph or hand-drawn self-portrait cover sheet to accompany the paragraph. This project is our last major assignment before the next report cards are distributed.  It is very important that your child complete this activity.  Several students are not completing homework assignments.  I have called parents informing them of this fact.  

Thank you for your interest in our Spanish Language Program. 

                                   Miss Linda