Spanish Newsletter
May Edition
8th Grade
Students will be reading in one of three grupos - independent readers, cooperative small groups, and a teacher-led grupo. They will take a "reading readiness" survey to determine their grupos. Some students will be expected to take a more self-directed approach to their learning. With high school right around the corner, it will be expected that these students will not have to be redirected but will continue to challenge themselves to push their limits of using the language creatively and comprehensibly.
Each grupo will go through various comprehension preguntas (open ended questions, yes/no questions, multiple choice, true/false, and/or fill in the blank) as well as complete extension activities. These activities are meant to challenge the learner sometimes through their understanding of the language and other times through their creativity in writing about the story.
At the end of the unit, students will have various options to demonstrate their understanding of the story as a whole. Choices, like creating a cartoon strip, life graph of the main character, writing a sequel, and creating an alternate ending, allow students to use the Spanish they already know in new and creative ways. It's a great unit to end the school year!
The story is about a Guatemalan girl who has the opportunity to go to school in California for a few months and the adventures she has while there. Below are pictures from the scenic Panajachel, Guatemala. ¡Qué bonito!
7th Grade
We will also spend time learning how to describe physical characteristics for people and things. Students will be asked to create a fun, family tree describing family members and their characteristics. In addition, vocabulary for food and table settings, as well as for eating out will be introduced. By the end of our unit, you should be able to ask your student to set the table and identify (in Spanish) eating utensils, napkins, plates, etc. What could be more exciting than practicing vocabulary and having your table set?!? Everybody wins!
The culminating project for the year asks students to use acquired vocabulary and grammar knowledge to create their own superhero. Students will create a superhero and use their Spanish skills to write a description and story for their character. Muy interesante, ¿no?