Strategy vs. functionality is my new motto!
In case you weren't aware, the system of when foreign language is taught to K-12 students is completely backwards in this country! Students should be introduced to Spanish in Kindergarten and have it as a class regularly and then taper as they get older. I do not understand why it is everyone agrees on today's research that the younger a child is, the better they can pick up a second, and even third language, YET the majority of public school students throughout the U.S. begin foreign language study when they are in Middle School or worse - in High School. The odds are against them from the get-go! No wonder I meet students every year that are just starting Spanish in the 8th grade, for example, and they are so anxious and nervous - not to mention, hormonal! For these reasons, I came up with "Strategy vs. Functionality". If they are "stuck" in Spanish class or French class because the school (or college they are headed to) requires certain credits, then they might as well take advantage and learn how to survive! If in the process of learning to survive, they actually learn to like it, then the learning goals change to becoming functional in the language. I find this approach less intimidating for my students who are just beginning Spanish at the ripe, old age of 13!
STRATEGY: this means learning how to do Q&A, how to use a dictionary well, knowing to stay away from translation sites (more on this later), & how to use a verb chart.
Learning these strategies enables a student to become self-sufficient in the class, but still far away from proficient. My theory is if a student develops strategies of this nature that in turn increases confidence levels, then perhaps the student will transition to a desire to become more functional in the language.
FUNCTIONAL: this means students take the strategy tools further and apply them! They try, they practice, they speak, read, & write with the goal of becoming functional in the language. Functional means they can do it with ease, but not necessarily perfection - which is what we want most high school graduates to walk away with - especially after 4-6 years of language study!
At the beginning of each class with my 8th graders, I ask them to pick their goal for the next 55 minutes: Do you want to learn strategy or do you want to take strategy and use it towards becoming functional? The choice is yours, but you have to choose.
Positivity & Other Classroom Strategies
Happy teachers = Happy students
As simple as this sounds, being happy and maintaining a positive outlook on your foreign language class can often be challenging as foreign language study is 'scary' for many students, especially adolescents. Research shows that teachers who exhibit energy, enthusiasm, and positivity on a regular basis create a learning environment in which student performance increases! Students, however must meet the teacher halfway! Here's how:
Classroom Strategy for Students:
Don’t dread it! It’s only an hour of your life – you can do it!
Enter with a POSITIVE attitude and smile.
Greet your teacher - Buenos días! Hola!
If you don’t know what’s being asked of you – Respond with:
- No comprendo.
- No sé.
- Repite, por favor.
Remember, shrugging your shoulders and/or not responding sends the wrong message to your teacher. A message that you don't care or you're not interested.
Reading Strategy:
ALWAYS Focus on what you know!
Read the title, look at pictures and picture captions. Find the English key (if it exist).
Read with the intent of comprehension – meaning, don’t waste time pondering over what you don't know!
Get the gist of what you have read and keep moving forward with it.
Don’t waste time with your face in a dictionary to look up words you don’t know (especially words that do not impede your whole understanding.)
If words you don’t know do impede your overall comprehension – only then should you use the glossary, dictionary, or ask your teacher "Cómo se dice …?"
Vocabulary Strategy:
Categorize your vocab words by making associations & connections, and learn them in this manner. You can categorize by parts of speech, word families, or by relationship.
Have a parent, friend, or sibling call the English out and you give the Spanish.
Make flashcards for words you struggle to remember (not for words you already know or can figure out by easily.)
Rewrite your words; use them in a sentence; say them out loud when reviewing.
Overall Strategy:
ASK for help when you are confused. Don’t wait until test time.
DON’T second-guess yourself. Be confident in you!
Always focus on what you DO know.
STAY AWAY from translation sites – they are not for you!
Stay out of the dictionary if you can help it!
Q&A Strategy:
Don’t answer a question with a question word - You must omit the interrogative when answering a question!
This seems like a given, but you'd be surprised.
When answering third party questions, often you can answer with SAME verb. I call this A,B,C strategy where A = the subject, B = the same verb used in the original Q & C = the answer to the Q.
Ex. ?Cuál es la fecha? La fecha es … Just go “backwards” to answer using the same article/noun/verb combination given in the Q. This is a simple trick to help put the student on the right track, and may not work 100% of the time, but at least it's a starting point!
This won't work when answering second person (tú) questions, because then, of course, you must answer using first person (yo).
As simple as this sounds, being happy and maintaining a positive outlook on your foreign language class can often be challenging as foreign language study is 'scary' for many students, especially adolescents. Research shows that teachers who exhibit energy, enthusiasm, and positivity on a regular basis create a learning environment in which student performance increases! Students, however must meet the teacher halfway! Here's how:
Classroom Strategy for Students:
Don’t dread it! It’s only an hour of your life – you can do it!
Enter with a POSITIVE attitude and smile.
Greet your teacher - Buenos días! Hola!
If you don’t know what’s being asked of you – Respond with:
- No comprendo.
- No sé.
- Repite, por favor.
Remember, shrugging your shoulders and/or not responding sends the wrong message to your teacher. A message that you don't care or you're not interested.
Reading Strategy:
ALWAYS Focus on what you know!
Read the title, look at pictures and picture captions. Find the English key (if it exist).
Read with the intent of comprehension – meaning, don’t waste time pondering over what you don't know!
Get the gist of what you have read and keep moving forward with it.
Don’t waste time with your face in a dictionary to look up words you don’t know (especially words that do not impede your whole understanding.)
If words you don’t know do impede your overall comprehension – only then should you use the glossary, dictionary, or ask your teacher "Cómo se dice …?"
Vocabulary Strategy:
Categorize your vocab words by making associations & connections, and learn them in this manner. You can categorize by parts of speech, word families, or by relationship.
Have a parent, friend, or sibling call the English out and you give the Spanish.
Make flashcards for words you struggle to remember (not for words you already know or can figure out by easily.)
Rewrite your words; use them in a sentence; say them out loud when reviewing.
Overall Strategy:
ASK for help when you are confused. Don’t wait until test time.
DON’T second-guess yourself. Be confident in you!
Always focus on what you DO know.
STAY AWAY from translation sites – they are not for you!
Stay out of the dictionary if you can help it!
Q&A Strategy:
Don’t answer a question with a question word - You must omit the interrogative when answering a question!
This seems like a given, but you'd be surprised.
When answering third party questions, often you can answer with SAME verb. I call this A,B,C strategy where A = the subject, B = the same verb used in the original Q & C = the answer to the Q.
Ex. ?Cuál es la fecha? La fecha es … Just go “backwards” to answer using the same article/noun/verb combination given in the Q. This is a simple trick to help put the student on the right track, and may not work 100% of the time, but at least it's a starting point!
This won't work when answering second person (tú) questions, because then, of course, you must answer using first person (yo).
How to Hire a Good Spanish Teacher!
I do not intend to start a battle, but there are a lot of bad Spanish teachers out there. By "bad," I mean they don't know how to teach Spanish as a second language and/or they do not have the passion to teach the culture, literature, or history that goes along with language teaching! The bad ones may have picked up Spanish in six months while working at a surf camp in Nicaragua or they could be native speakers who decided "why not teach my language - I can speak it?!"
I met a Spanish teacher once that went to school to be a teacher, decided late in the game she wanted to teach Spanish... so, she spent SIX weeks in Costa Rica, got a little certification and BAM, that fall she began teaching Spanish I to high schoolers. To me, this is shocking - a true disservice to our kids and personally insulting to the profession I have spent a life time in learning and training.
PROS of hiring a Native speaker: they wholeheartedly understand the Spanish culture and can exhibit this through a variety of venues they have personal experience with like popular songs, books, etc. they remember from childhood. This candidate will have life-long experience in the culture, which of course will be prominent in the classroom.
PROS of hiring a Non-native speaker: they understand what it is like to learn Spanish as a second language and can employ their personal experience (frustrations & achievements) with students. This candidate will have empathy, which is exceedingly more important in the teacher/student dynamic!
ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD ASK POTENTIAL CANDIDATES DURING INTERVIEWS:
1) When did the candidate begin speaking or studying Spanish?
This will tell you how long teaching Spanish has been an interest or priority in the person's life. If you find out the candidate just picked it once they got well into college - be weary and find out more details! Are they passionate about Spanish language and culture?
2) How does the candidate plan to maintain his/her fluency?
This Q is extremely important for a candidate that is non-native and not married (for example) to an native speaker! How will the candidate continue 'grooming' their Spanish skills? Do they like to travel and actually travel to Spanish-speaking countries? Do they do continuing ed workshops or summer programs? Do they interact with the Latino community on a regular basis?
3) What department is the candidate's degree from? The Education Department or the Spanish Department?
In other words, does the candidate have a degree in teaching with a few hours in Spanish or is the candidate well-versed in Spanish with a few hours (or no hours) in teacher training / methodology?
The desired answer depends on the school, district, etc.
4) In what language was the candidate's final thesis, or presentation, or in-service hours completed?
The most important thing to understand is that it does NOT matter whether the candidate is native or non-native - what experience do they have or what preparations have they made to teach Spanish as a second language?
A native could be an excellent speaker, but a terrible teacher and an non-native could be a terrible speaker but know how to teach the language. It is important to find that balance - and not ASSUME one way or the other!
Anecdote: My husband is a native Spanish-speaker from Colombia, but his spelling is terrible. He is constantly asking me how to spell things in Spanish and to proof his emails! With the same token, I rely on him to teach me the slang or colloquial ways of stating things - things I would not necessarily learn from a textbook!
I met a Spanish teacher once that went to school to be a teacher, decided late in the game she wanted to teach Spanish... so, she spent SIX weeks in Costa Rica, got a little certification and BAM, that fall she began teaching Spanish I to high schoolers. To me, this is shocking - a true disservice to our kids and personally insulting to the profession I have spent a life time in learning and training.
PROS of hiring a Native speaker: they wholeheartedly understand the Spanish culture and can exhibit this through a variety of venues they have personal experience with like popular songs, books, etc. they remember from childhood. This candidate will have life-long experience in the culture, which of course will be prominent in the classroom.
PROS of hiring a Non-native speaker: they understand what it is like to learn Spanish as a second language and can employ their personal experience (frustrations & achievements) with students. This candidate will have empathy, which is exceedingly more important in the teacher/student dynamic!
ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD ASK POTENTIAL CANDIDATES DURING INTERVIEWS:
1) When did the candidate begin speaking or studying Spanish?
This will tell you how long teaching Spanish has been an interest or priority in the person's life. If you find out the candidate just picked it once they got well into college - be weary and find out more details! Are they passionate about Spanish language and culture?
2) How does the candidate plan to maintain his/her fluency?
This Q is extremely important for a candidate that is non-native and not married (for example) to an native speaker! How will the candidate continue 'grooming' their Spanish skills? Do they like to travel and actually travel to Spanish-speaking countries? Do they do continuing ed workshops or summer programs? Do they interact with the Latino community on a regular basis?
3) What department is the candidate's degree from? The Education Department or the Spanish Department?
In other words, does the candidate have a degree in teaching with a few hours in Spanish or is the candidate well-versed in Spanish with a few hours (or no hours) in teacher training / methodology?
The desired answer depends on the school, district, etc.
4) In what language was the candidate's final thesis, or presentation, or in-service hours completed?
The most important thing to understand is that it does NOT matter whether the candidate is native or non-native - what experience do they have or what preparations have they made to teach Spanish as a second language?
A native could be an excellent speaker, but a terrible teacher and an non-native could be a terrible speaker but know how to teach the language. It is important to find that balance - and not ASSUME one way or the other!
Anecdote: My husband is a native Spanish-speaker from Colombia, but his spelling is terrible. He is constantly asking me how to spell things in Spanish and to proof his emails! With the same token, I rely on him to teach me the slang or colloquial ways of stating things - things I would not necessarily learn from a textbook!
Immersion Opportunities
If your child is serious about learning Spanish, but you are nervous to send him/her out of the country just yet - check out these 'domestic' language immersion programs:
1) Middlebury-Monterey Language Academy. A Summer Program, Vermont.
Hardcore, somewhat expensive, but well worth it for the motivated student!
2) Concordia Language Villages, Minnesota.
3) Also, check out your local / regional high school summer camp immersion options.
If you are close to the Lake Norman area (Exit 30 off I-77) check out my "Summer Camp" link from the homepage!
1) Middlebury-Monterey Language Academy. A Summer Program, Vermont.
Hardcore, somewhat expensive, but well worth it for the motivated student!
2) Concordia Language Villages, Minnesota.
3) Also, check out your local / regional high school summer camp immersion options.
If you are close to the Lake Norman area (Exit 30 off I-77) check out my "Summer Camp" link from the homepage!
Online Resources
I know there is an unending pool of online resources that encourage Spanish study, but I am always asked what my favorite sites are - so here they are (in somewhat random order):
1) Freerice.com
Simple word fun that sends money to the UN World Food Programme in the process!
Click on "Change Subjects" and you can do it in a number of languages & other disciplines!
2) Donquijote.org
Has many different activities and categories to choose from - easy-to-navigate website.
3) Quia.com/shared/spanish/
Quia is a textbook hosting website, but this particular link has all kinds of activities and drills for further practice.
AND MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE IS:
4) http://www.lawrence.edu/fast/faresg/sites.htm
This guy has done it all and has wonderful links to thousands of resources. If you are a Spanish teacher and you do not have Dr. Fares in your bookmarks - do it NOW!
1) Freerice.com
Simple word fun that sends money to the UN World Food Programme in the process!
Click on "Change Subjects" and you can do it in a number of languages & other disciplines!
2) Donquijote.org
Has many different activities and categories to choose from - easy-to-navigate website.
3) Quia.com/shared/spanish/
Quia is a textbook hosting website, but this particular link has all kinds of activities and drills for further practice.
AND MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE IS:
4) http://www.lawrence.edu/fast/faresg/sites.htm
This guy has done it all and has wonderful links to thousands of resources. If you are a Spanish teacher and you do not have Dr. Fares in your bookmarks - do it NOW!
Just Beginning or Want to Increase Fluency
The best way to learn a foreign language is to immerse yourself - aka TRAVEL! Obviously we all can't pick up and go for extended periods of time, so here is my list of tips to help increase fluency or if you're just beginning & need to get your brain started in that Spanish-speaking direction.
1)Make labels in Spanish for items that are around your house. For example, label the clock, ‘reloj.’
2)Watch DVDs that you’ve previously seen a few times and set the language to Spanish.
You can set the subtitles and/or set the audio to Spanish.
3)Pick up the free Spanish newspapers (usually outside of supermarkets) and skim/scan for cognates (the words you understand at first glance). Read headlines, picture captions and ads - out loud!
4)Download a couple iTunes songs in Spanish – pick ones you like the 'sample sound' of, then find the lyrics online and learn the words. Finally, when you play the song, sing out loud! Some artists to check out: Juanes, Shakira, Maná, Paulina Rubio, Bacilos, Juan Luis Guerra.
5)Check out children’s books from the library. Begin making associations between what you see and read in Spanish. Read the story aloud to yourself or a parent/sibling. Try to do this once a week.
1)Make labels in Spanish for items that are around your house. For example, label the clock, ‘reloj.’
2)Watch DVDs that you’ve previously seen a few times and set the language to Spanish.
You can set the subtitles and/or set the audio to Spanish.
3)Pick up the free Spanish newspapers (usually outside of supermarkets) and skim/scan for cognates (the words you understand at first glance). Read headlines, picture captions and ads - out loud!
4)Download a couple iTunes songs in Spanish – pick ones you like the 'sample sound' of, then find the lyrics online and learn the words. Finally, when you play the song, sing out loud! Some artists to check out: Juanes, Shakira, Maná, Paulina Rubio, Bacilos, Juan Luis Guerra.
5)Check out children’s books from the library. Begin making associations between what you see and read in Spanish. Read the story aloud to yourself or a parent/sibling. Try to do this once a week.
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