Spanish Class with Tricia

Q:  Is my child ready for this level?

A:  ELEMENTARY SPANISH is suitable for any student in grades 1-4.

INTERMEDIATE SPANISH (middle school level) is suitable for any student in grades 6-8.

For SPANISH I a student should be in grades 9-12.  I will accept an 8th grade student in Spanish I provided that he has excellent English grades and English grammar skills.  He must be prepared for high school level homework assignments.  He must have the time to commit to the class.

To enroll in the SPANISH II course students must have completed a high school Spanish I class with a C grade or higher.  Returning students from my Spanish I course are guaranteed a space.  Students who have taken Spanish I elsewhere will need to take a Spanish II Placement Test to ensure proper placement.  Students who performed poorly in a Spanish I class or fail the placement test will be able to enroll if they obtain outside summer tutoring and pass a retake of the placement test by September.     

Q:  What is the homework load for this class?

A:  ELEMENTARY SPANISH has few homework assignments.  Students are asked to review the vocabulary each week at home.  Homework assignments are short and easy to complete.  

INTERMEDIATE SPANISH (middle school) students should allow between 20 to 50 minutes a week to complete their weekly homework assignments.  In this class we always start the homework assignment in class to be sure that students understand the work. 

SPANISH I and SPANISH II students should be prepared to spend between 1 and 2 hours outside of class for each hour spent in class.  They will probably need between 3 to 4 hours each week for their homework assignments.  When a student completes his assignments quickly he may use remaining time to review vocabulary, verbs, or to complete optional extra credit assignments.

Q:  What is the usual class size?

A:  ELEMENTARY SPANISH may have between 6 and 12 students.

INTERMEDIATE SPANISH will have up to 14 students.

SPANISH I will have up to 12 students.   

SPANISH II may have between 6 and 10 students. 

Q:  What can I do to help my child or children practice at home?

A:  For all classes the students will have vocabulary lists that parents or others can use to review with them during the week.  Many students have a sibling who is also taking the language.  I encourage siblings to work together to review at home, even if they are in different levels.  You can also be sure that your middle school or high school students completes the weekly CONVERSATION REQUIREMENT.

Q:  What is the weekly CONVERSATION REQUIREMENT?  (middle & high school only)

At the beginning of the school year I hand out the CONVERSATION REQUIREMENT sheet.  Each week a student must use the Spanish language in some way outside of class and homework.  Students may fulfill this requirement in a variety of ways:  watch a movie in Spanish, practice with a Spanish language computer program, review vocabulary with a parent, sibling, or friend, practice with flash cards, tutor a younger sibling or student in Spanish, attend a Spanish language church service or Bible study, provide childcare for a Spanish speaking child, read a Spanish language newspaper or magazine, complete extra credit assignments for class, read Spanish conversations or stories from the text or handouts. Since we only meet once a week this extra use of the language is very helpful to students!          

Q:  Is there a Spanish III?

A:  I will offer a Spanish III course in 2009-10. 

Q:  Is there carpooling?

A:  I  have a carpooling forum on this website.  Go to the 'Carpooling Anyone?' page if you are interested, even if you may only need a ride once or twice out of the school year.  If you can provide a ride, even once or twice go to the forum!  

Q:  What can I do during class?

A:  Most parents drop their children off and run errands or return home.  You may stay at the church if you would prefer.  There are empty classrooms upstairs.  I would simply ask that you make sure the lights are turned off as you leave.

Q:  What if I have to drop my child off early or pick him up late at some point?

A:  There is an empty classroom right across the hall from my room.  This room is visible from my room.  Your child may use this classroom as a study hall before or after class.   

Q:  What if my child is sick and has to miss a class?

A:  You may email me with a request for the class notes and the homework assignment.  I can send you any missed quizzes or handouts by email.  When your child is sick I am happy to help him to keep up with his work.  Since we only meet once a week attendance is important, but I certainly understand if he is sick.  (I have 2 children!)  Students may also coordinate with another student to get homework assignments.

Q:  How should I pay?

A:  This is up to you.  You may pay by semester, monthly, or at each class.  If you choose to pay monthly you may do so at the beginning or end of each month, whichever works best for you. 

For questions dealing with the schedule, books, supplies, course length, or availibility please see the General Info page.