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"Clase Española"
Many homeschoolers have tried a variety of foreign language curricula rich in vocabulary, but found frustration in developing key elements such as grammar, pronunciation and listening. Ruth Black, a former Spanish teacher, has developed the following programs specifically for local home school students. All classes meet at the College Park Christian Church facility, 116 N. Cottage Ave., Normal, IL.
Primary (Grades K-2)
The purpose of this class is to introduce early learners to basic vocabulary and common expressions in Spanish. Each class will include the following:
- Instruction in a limited, targeted vocabulary group with a few appropriate questions, answers, and/or phrases.
- Age appropriate activities, such as crafts, games, songs, etc. to reinforce the lesson.
The class, based on the workbook A Bit of Everything (Un poco de todo), will meet weekly from 1:30-2:30 pm on Tuesdays from September 2 through November 4, for a total of ten lessons. The cost is $95 which includes instruction, workbook, and additional materials. Class size is a minimum of five students and a maximum of ten.
Intermediate (Grades 3-6)
The purpose of this class is to introduce intermediate students to basic vocabulary and common expressions in Spanish, as well as to familiarize students with some of the basics of Spanish grammar. Students should have age-appropriate oral and written communication skills in the English language. The specific goals of this class include:
- Instruction in limited targeted vocabulary groups and related expressions
- Learning limited, basic information about grammar and verbs so that students are able to create simple sentences (statements and questions)
- Oral and written practice, as well as hands-on activities such as crafts, games and songs to reinforce the lesson
The class, based upon the workbook Let’s Learn Spanish, will meet weekly from 1:30-2:30 pm on Tuesdays from January 6- March 24, 2009, for a total of twelve lessons. The cost of the class is $100 which includes instruction, workbook and additional materials. Class size is a minimum of 5 students and a maximum of 12.
Spanish I
High school students pursuing admission into a competitive university need two to four years of a second language, which most home programs don't include. The Spanish I course is open to anyone ages 13 and up who have had no Spanish or a limited exposure to the language. Parents of elementary-age students are welcome to take Spanish I as well to assist them in teaching their own home education programs.
The material covered is equal to either a full year of high school Spanish I or a semester of college-level Spanish 101. The primary emphasis is upon the development of audio-lingual skills in practical and realistic everyday situations that are immediately meaningful to beginning students. A thorough knowledge of basic structures and grammar with some practice in reading, writing and culture will also be explored. Objectives include:
- introducing basic vocabulary
- presenting regular and irregular verbs in present tense, the present progressive and regular preterit (past) verbs
- providing instruction in beginning grammar structures, including gender, number, pronouns and uses of ser and estar, saber and conocer, and por and para.
- providing practice in oral expression through teacher-lead discussions, student-to-students conversations and presentations.
- providing listening, reading, and writing opportunities to practice the target language.
"The Spanish I class offered by Ruth Black has been a wonderful addition to our home school curriculum. Not knowing the Spanish language myself, I struggled when it came to providing my daughter adequate instruction in a foreign language. We had tried Rosetta Stone but found it frustrating. Not only was it difficult to figure out what was wrong when my daughter’s workbook answers didn’t quite match the answer key, the program was sorely lacking in grammar instruction. As a result of this experience, we were excited when Mrs. Black offered the Spanish I class in 2007. My daughter has learned so much. Mrs. Black provides in-class oral conversation practice, weekly written assignments, periodic quizzes, and chapter projects for the students. She was very flexible with our family’s vacation plans and provided work in advance. Because class is only once a week, Mrs. Black is available for student questions via the phone or email. We would highly recommend the Spanish I class for students wanting a foreign language experience." Deb P., mother of 8th grade student The class, based upon the text Claro que Si (Houghton Mifflin), will meet weekly from 10:00-11:30 am on Tuesdays beginning September 2. A schedule of thirty meeting dates will be provided upon registration. The cost of $320 includes instruction, the use of the text, and additional materials. Payment options are available on the registration form. Class size is a minimum of five students and a maximum of twelve.
Spanish II
Students who have taken the Spanish I class or its equivalent are eligible for Spanish II. Students who did not take Spanish I from the instructor may need to be tested to assure correct placement. The material covered is equal to a second year of high school Spanish or a second semester, college-level course. This higher level class which will continue vocabulary development while adding more verb tenses and grammar structures such as direct object pronouns, adverbs and comparisons; more extensive writing and speaking exercises will enhance students' expression. The objectives include:
- Introducing more basic vocabulary
- Presenting regular and irregular verbs in the preterit and imperfect tenses, past participles, verbs like gustar and the subjunctive mood
- Providing instruction in the grammar structures of object pronouns, comparisons of inequality, and a continuation of many structures introduced in Spanish I
- Recycling information learned in Spanish I
- Providing practice in oral expression through conversations and presentations
- Providing listening, reading and writing opportunities for practice
"We have been very pleased with the amount of material that is presented each class period as well as the progress our son has made in learning to speak Spanish. He typically spends anywhere from ten to thirty minutes each day to complete the homework required every week. There are quizzes about once a month, plus five to six special projects are assigned that require students to utilize their Spanish skills in practical ways. Both my older daughter and I have taken Spanish classes in the past, but neither of us felt that we learned as much as my son has learned in Mrs. Black’s class. Mrs. Black is very encouraging and positive with the students as well. I will definitely be enrolling my son for Spanish II next year."
Lori E., mother of 10th grade student
The class, based upon the text Claro que Si (Houghton Mifflin), will meet on Thursday's from 10:00 am to 11:30 am beginning September 4. A schedule of the thirty meeting dates will be provided upon registration. The cost of $320 includes instruction, use of the text, and additional materials. Payment options are available on the registration form. Class size is a minimum of six and maximum of twelve students.
About the Instructor
Ruth Black holds degrees in both English and Spanish. She has taught Spanish at Lincoln College as well as in private settings for homeschoolers or mission teams. She has also served as translator on various trips to Spanish-speaking countries. You may email her for further information.
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