Course Description
See Reviews of Instructors David and Rachel Nance
This course is designed to introduce students to the Spanish language and can be considered Spanish 1 for high school credit. The goal of the course is to give students a strong foundation for future, more in-depth Spanish courses. The focus will be on language that is used in everyday situations, as well as learning to make meaning out of what is read or heard. The class will regularly use fun, simple authentic resources from the Spanish-speaking world, such as videos, songs, and stories.
Course Structure
The class will take a task-based approach, with a different hands-on topic each week. Sample topics include pets, games, family, favorite books, etc. The focus will be on language that is used in everyday situations, as well as learning to make meaning out of what is read or heard. The class will regularly use fun, simple authentic resources from the Spanish-speaking world, such as videos, songs, and stories. During live class sessions, students will be expected to be on camera and actively participate in the class. Please note that some weeks’ tasks will require students to bring certain materials to class (simple cooking ingredients, for instance). Advanced notice will always be given for what they will be asked to bring. Outside of class, they will complete weekly projects and/or tasks related to the week’s topic. They will also complete a weekly speaking assignment.
Students are expected to spend time doing things in Spanish at least five days each week, and they report their efforts on a weekly timesheet. The weekly timesheet, weekly projects, and weekly speaking assignments will make up the bulk of their grade for the class.
Who should apply?
This course is intended for students in grades 6-12 who have little or no previous experience with Spanish. Parents of prospective students can contact the teacher with questions about class placement.
Technology Requirements:
- High speed, broadband Internet
- headset and microphone (for live sessions)
- Streaming video capabilities to watch recorded lectures
Evaluation and Feedback
It is our belief that students learn best when they are comfortable and engaged in the work that they are doing. We also believe that languages are learned through large amounts of exposure to engaging, comprehensible input. Therefore, our focus is not on small details, but rather on the big picture. Students who complete their work in a timely manner and make a habit of participating in our weekly Live Class sessions can expect to do well in the class. Feedback on specific assignments tends to be supportive feedback rather than corrective feedback, but we do comment on common or easily avoidable mistakes. Students who are looking for more corrective feedback (particularly concerning the mechanics of the language) should consider supplementing this course with our self-paced Spanish grammar course.
Communication
Parents are welcome to contact the Nances with questions regarding which class to enroll their student in.
Kristen Lauria (verified owner) –
Both my middle schoolers took this class in 2020/21 and they’ve learned so much and not just Spanish! I’ve been really pleased with the way they’ve learned about making presentations, working with classmates, and learned Spanish along the way. I highly recommend this class and my kids are looking forward to continuing class with the Nances next year.