Advanced Conversational Spanish has been full of
experiential learning. The girls
have been practicing their Spanish by reading/summarizing local articles,
translating speakers for the group, playing with local children, and speaking
one-on-one with the local Maya and Guatemalans. All the ladies have a strong command for vocabulary and
grammar and are fearless when it comes to speaking. Anna is usually first to volunteer with translating, and
although it's not perfect, her enthusiasm and courage to speak will take her far
this semester. Emelia's warm smile
is contagious, and she was the first to get dressed up in Isabel's traditional
traje (Maya dress) and is making strong connections with the local people. Annalise shows constant courage when
asked to speak and translate...she doesn't shy away and gives it her all. I call Kathryn my sweep...when
translating and speaking she can usually pick up what the other girls miss. Just in the past two weeks the girls
have improved so much. They are
enjoying speaking and learning about everything around them. They all have the goal to speak as much
Spanish as possible and if they keep this up, they're sure to reach this goal.
Hasta proximo!
Liz
Not being able to speak another language, I am curious how one sustains all this fabulous progress once they get back home ... I would imagine it can be a huge challenge to do so in some regions that the girls return to.
ReplyDeletemore Spanish in college, more study abroad in a Spanish speaking country/region in college (if they want to pursue Spanish for their major or use the language later in their lives.)Plus, the Spanish speaking population in the States is vast -- wherever you are, there are opportunities to speak the language and practice in conversation. I know of TTS teachers/students who have weekly Spanish evenings or events or who have found opportunities locally to practice their language skills.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jennifer - It's a whole year (plus) before college once my kid returns from TTS, so your suggestion of finding a weekly connection to continue speaking (outside of her high school class)may be great a solution if Emelia chooses to do so. I would think after TTS learning spanish in the classroom would seem a bit dull and limited ... no policemen to interview!
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