1. Come to each class prepared to learn. Have all your materials
with you, sit down quietly, and organize what is needed for class.
Be ready to learn when class starts.
2. Focus on what the teacher is presenting. Do not work on something
for another class, talk to a classmate, or let your mind wander.
3. Ask questions when you do not understand something. I am in
class to help you.
4. Use your textbook—it is your best resource. Remember that
your textbook is online a www.phschool.com.
5. Use the free tutorial website at www.studyspanish.com. It
has wonderful tutorials with lots of examples in English and Spanish, practice
quizzes, exercises for pronunciation, and many fun games to help you learn
vocabulary.
6. Try to make yourself understand the Spanish spoken in class.
Remember: you learned to speak English because you heard it spoken
around you. You will not learn Spanish very well if it is not used
in class.
7. Use the limited Spanish that you do know. You will become
more confident and capable each week.
8. Do all assignments with care. Even if you do not have a written
assignment, review your class notes and vocabulary for at least fifteen
minutes each day. You will have LOTS of daily quizzes.
9. Find out what works for YOU in learning vocabulary. You certainly
understand the concept of “Thursday” in English, but how can you remember
that it is “jueves” in Spanish? Try doing what you did with your
elementary school spelling words: write the words five or ten times
each. Try making flashcards with index cards. Write the Spanish
word on one side and the English on the other. Keep the cards for
each chapter in ziptop bags. (You can be very economical by cutting
the cards in half.)
10. Have a “study buddy” for quizzes, tests, and class notes.
Work with someone who will help you study more effectively, not just socialize
and waste time. Agree to review together and swap phone numbers.
11. Prepare for quizzes, tests, and assigned projects in advance.
You will always have plenty of notice for major grades. Do not wait
until the last minute!
12. Take advantage of tutorials. Make an appointment for extra
help if you cannot attend the regular Tuesday and Thursday sessions.
If you would like to work with a student tutor, ask one of the Spanish
teachers for names of suitable Spanish III/IV students. The counselors
have a list of available adult tutors.
13. Try to use your Spanish skills outside the classroom. Attend
one of the area worship services held in Spanish. Watch the Spanish
television channels if you have access to them. Rent some children’s
videos in Spanish and enjoy them.
14. The rule for success is: Plan your work and work your
plan.
SUPPLY LIST FOR SPANISH STUDENTS:
Being organized is the key to studying effectively and making good grades!
Please purchase the following:
1. A notebook that is 1 ½” or 2” to hold your notes, handouts,
and workbook.
2. Dividers for the notebook: headings are homework, class basics,
computer lab, geography, culture, para empezar, Chap. 1, Chap.
2, Chap. 3, Chap. 4, Chap. 5, Chap. 6, Chap. 7, Chap. 8, Chap. 9.
Homework—In this section keep a list of your assignments plus any work
due for class.
Class basics—Keep your class rules, study suggestions, and handouts
to be used all year.
Computer lab—Keep your accent sheet and lab papers here.
Para empezar ( “In order to begin”)—Keep notes and papers from
the first few weeks here. You will need to review them often since they
are the basics of the class.
Geography—Keep all your maps and required geography information here.
Culture—At times you will take notes on various videos or have readings
about different Hispanic cultural topics. This information will be
on tests, so keep it in this section.
Chapters 1-9—Keep all materials for each chapter in the appropriate
section.
3. Markers—broad-tipped permanent markers in bold colors for use in color-coding verbs.
4. Index cards—lots of white 3”X 5” cards for vocabulary and verbs; student in Spanish II, III, and IV may find colored index cards very helpful when learning different verb tenses (examples: blue for preterite, green for imperfect, pink for future, yellow for conditional.)
5. Pens—blue, black, and red are required.
6. Pencils—these may be used in workbooks, but never on graded assignments.
7. Notebook paper—bring enough everyday for notes and assignments.
8. Highlighters—these are useful for notes and handouts.
9. Ziptop bags—sandwich and gallon bags are useful for organizing flashcards by topic and chapter.
10. Book cover—required for all SCPS texts.
11. A box of tissues—we use almost two boxes per week with all five classes, so this contribution is much appreciated.