¡Bienvenidos a la clase de español!
Welcome!
Welcome to Spanish class. As your teacher, it is my hope you will build reading, writing, and speaking skills in class, as well as learn to listen and understand the language. I didn't start learning to speak Spanish until I was 14! That's older than the majority of my students. Learning a new language or trying to get better at Spanish if you speak it outside of class can be frustrating at times. That's normal. Don't get discouraged! You know a lot more Spanish than I did at your age : )
In class will explore the Spanish-speaking world through numerous activities: grammar lessons, partner and group assignments, singing songs, reading plays, poems, stories, magazines and websites in Spanish, listening and speaking challenges, games, and much more.
I hope you will feel a sense of confidence in class, but I do expect you to try your best. No one gets better at speaking and understanding a language unless they try. Mistakes are OK. Everyone makes mistakes; it's part of learning. In fact, from time to time I will ask you share with the class some of the memorable mistakes you made during a challenge or activity. We can always learn from each other's mistakes.
It's impossible to gain fluency in a language if you are only practicing twice a week in class. Look for Spanish in the world around you, on billboards, cereal boxes, shampoo bottles, at fast food restaurants, on public transportation. Explore my helpful websites page for extra practice. Watch Spanish TV (commercials can be easier for new learners to understand at first). Listen to music in Spanish and try to read the lyrics at the same time. Take a look at my links to learn more about great Spanish-speaking musicians. Learn about a Spanish-speaking writer, painter, athlete, actor, singer, or musician. Eat at a Mexican, Cuban, Spanish, Guatemalan, Peruvian, etc. restaurant. Read the menu in Spanish. Above all, ask questions, be observant, and share with me and your classmates your experiences with Spanish outside of the classroom. I will post photos of Spanish I see around Chicago. Email me your photos and I will post them too.
It takes time to master any language, especially if it's new to you. Be patient. Have fun. What you are learning will help you in the future. I have had many jobs where I have used Spanish, not just teaching. I've helped build a house, worked in a hotel and restaurants, interviewed people for jobs, and translated for executive meetings, all while speaking Spanish. The possibilities of where you can use Spanish are endless. Plus, many students return after graduating to tell me they are doing well in high school Spanish classes and feel very confident.
Click here to read more about why learning Spanish in the 21st century is important.
You can always reach me at [email protected] for extra help or if you have any questions or concerns.
Hoy es mi día para vencer.
Today is my day to triumph.
-Pablo Neruda, Chilean poet 1904-1973
Regards,
Ms. Perry
[email protected]
Ms. Perry's credentials:
BA in Theatre, concentrations in acting and playwriting, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
Master of Arts in Teaching, concentration in foreign language instruction, National-Louis University, Chicago, IL
Master of Arts in Educational Technology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
Stone Academy Website