My Classroom

Español/Spanish 

At the Elementary Level

     The field of teaching a second world language includes different types of suggested methodology.  When researching the internet you may see current labels such as "Immersion"; "Comprehensible Input"; "TPR: Total Physcial Response"; Grammar; etc.  I have been a teacher for over 30 years and have seen new educational approaches come and go and/or just receive a new name.  (ex: Phonics vs. Whole Language)  My personal philosophy has been to embrace many different styles.  I base this on an individual student or group of students and the parameters of what is realistic and possible in the situation(s) within which I am teaching.  Most experts would say that a person learns a language fastest when immersed with the proper supports.  I agree.  Since we can't transport ourselves to a Spanish speaking country full time, this approach would be frustrating to our students.  They only receive foreign language instruction for 30 minutes once each week as exposure and introduction.  It is unrealistic to expect our Regis system students to be anywhere above a Novice beginning level at the end of Grade 7 with the minutes of instruction (with gaps) that are provided. 

     However, this school year I will continue trying to introduce more comprehensible input methods, especially at the upper grade levels. (Gr. 4-5) The focus is on the input of the Spanish language through exposure.  This allows students more practice at hearing and using some very basic language.  This will include activities where I speak part of the class in mostly Spanish.  I will use very simple Spanish vocabulary each class knows or can view in written/picture/gesture form.  It may include asking for multiple student responses and then comparing answers.  It might be viewing and discussing short music or video clips.  It may prove frustrating for some students at first but it will get easier.  It will only be part of our class time.  I am constantly learning and looking for new methods and approaches to teaching Spanish.  I will continue to do so.  I also believe that students benefit from being taught grammar when learning a Latin based language... as it provides so much insight into the language of English.  This is minimal at the elementary level.  I still credit my highschool and college Spanish with helping me write and edit all the papers I had to write in English for my Masters degree.  Besides learning a foreign language to be able to speak it, there are multiple other benefits.

     What and how I teach varies between the grade levels but includes bilingual and Spanish stories, Spanish songs (often with actions), vocabulary or speaking games and practice, and written work and practice. I also teach about various traditions which are faith based and cultural at all levels.  I embrace the cultural heritage of each and every student, since at some point in time most of our families immigrated here.  (Students always ask me if I am from a Spanish speaking country.  I wish I could say yes, but at this point without having completed a DNA Ancestory.com search, that answer is no.)  I am proud and fascinated by my own various European heritages and hope everyone else is too.  I enjoy history, culture, and global traditions so it is something I include when teaching.  (We adopted our youngest son from the Philippines.)  If your child has been exposed to Spanish in the family I will be seeking ways to help your child be proud of his/her heritage and possibly help the class.  If your child speaks or has exposure to another world language I may ask him/her to share a few things as well.  If you or someone you know has Spanish culture related information to share please feel free to contact me.  I am always looking for new and creative ideas and would love to have input from you. 

     I have as a goal to be able to make more technological resources available to our students and you.  I am sure this will be a multi-year goal.  It is my understanding that Gr. 5 across our system will have access to Chromebooks and Google Classroom.  This will be a huge advantage for Spanish Instruction and Practice.  I am looking forward to a fun and productive school year.