Beginning Spanish ¡Empecemos por aquí!

Module A: Introduction to “La clase de español”  • 3 At the end of the module, you will explore the first two Lengua sections, explicitly studying some fea- tures of the language. Learning objectives: Communication ❏ I can engage in a basic introductory conversation. ❏ I recognize some similarities between Spanish and English. ❏ I understand what cognates are and recognize many of them. ❏ I can use context to understand some details and the main idea in several discussions and readings relevant to the topic of “Nuestro contexto” / “La clase de español.” ❏ I recognize several expressions for navigating common classroom situations, and I can use some of them (e.g., “No entiendo”). Learning objectives: Language Lengua 1.1: The alphabet, pronunciation, and accent marks ❏ I can spell my name in Spanish. ❏ I can list a few features of Spanish pronunciation. ❏ I can understand most of the letters when someone else spells something slowly. ❏ I know where accent marks go on some words, and I understand that they are important. Lengua 1.2: Subject pronouns and the verb to be ❏ I know the words for subject pronouns in Spanish ( yo , tú , etc.). ❏ I understand what conjugation is. ❏ I can conjugate the verbs ser and estar in the present tense, though it might take me longer for some subjects. ❏ I can identify some uses of the verb ser , such as saying where someone is from. ❏ I can identify some uses of the verb estar , such as asking how someone is feeling. ❏ I understand why a speaker would often omit the subject pronouns yo and tú in a sentence or question (e.g., “Soy estudiante” instead of “Yo soy estudiante”). 1. ¿Qué sabemos ya? / What do we already know? As we begin any new learning experience, it is valuable to take some time to reflect on our starting point. Brainstorm some words ( palabras ) and phrases in Spanish that you’re already familiar with. Did you learn these in another class ( en otra clase )? At work ( en el trabajo )? With friends or family ( con amigos o familia )? If you have studied Spanish before, what was that experience like? What study strategies worked well for you?