Señora Gose's Homeschool Spanish Blog (aka "Seriously, Suzanne")
How often do I have to practice Spanish to learn it?
Learning a second language takes a LOT of practice. Let's reason it out. When the objective is learning a new vocabulary word in a typical Language Arts Class (in our first language), we require a student to complete approximately five steps per word. 1) Read the word aloud (often repeating after a teacher as a class.) 2) Copy the word (paying close attention to spelling) 3) Read and copy the definition, including part of speech 4) Read and copy an example sentence 5) Use the new word in an original sentence (written and spoken, usually) Even then, if the student doesn't...
What "type" of Spanish do you teach?
I just returned from another GREAT convention in Arizona! One of the most oft asked questions about See it and Say it - and all Flip Flop Spanish Products was, "What type of Spanish is it?" What they mean is, "In what countries will I be understood?" I'm happy to report that I worked very hard after returning from Spain (years and years ago, we won't talk about how many years...) to adjust my vocabulary and accent after speaking with many of my Mexican, Colombian, and Puerto Rican friends. I researched for three years, (not for a curriculum's sake, but...
Off Topic: Great Literature for boys
I love Charlotte Mason's methodology and belong to several CM Facebook groups. In one of the threads, all the amazing CM mothers offered up fantastic literature titles that feature a male as the protagonist and from the comments, I made a list. Here it is, I hope it helps! I've put a little asterisk next to the ones that my boys recommend and a double star net to the ones that I loved as a read-aloud to the whole family. ~~~~ Charlotte Mason Boy Books for inspiring good. A list compiled by awesome CM moms on the FB page: ...
La semilla de zanahoria is a HIT!
True to form, after reading the book, and "testing" the activities on my own children, they begged for more. That made me grin, for sure! So, we planted a seed today (one of the activities). It was too cute. We grabbed our copy from the library, but you can get yours by clicking on the cover below - it costs less than a fancy coffee! From practicing the book words and making the Spanish flashcards, and building their own Spanish sentences...(always picture side up!) ...to planting the seed: "¡Necesito sembrar la semilla de zanahoria hoy, mamá!" (I need to plant...
Ready for Spanish Enrichment?
Nothing pleases me more than hearing from Facebook Messages, phone calls, and emails: "What's next?" Families are completing SiSi Level 1. Even as the eager families work their way through the hands on lessons, they want more real world immersion. WONDERFUL! That was my GOAL! In addition to the Movie Guides I've written and recorded for you, here are some options which can simply stand alone. Enjoy using your SiSi vocabulary and adding new words as you enjoy these, as my family has. Books (click on the covers to purchase now from Amazon), or find these in your local library....