Spanish for Communication and Cultural Understanding (Beginner)
Overview
This resource was designed for a beginning Spanish student, but its content can be useful (and adapted to) more advanced students.This online textbook is comprised entirely of free, open-educational resources which are available to anyone. These include SpanishDict.com, StudySpanish.com, The Spanish Experiment, YouTube and much more.
The content is practical, authentic and engaging, but more importantly, it allows students to acquire much more than basic Spanish skills. The emphasis will be on oral communication and cultural understanding, but grammar and vocabulary building activities are also included in order to provide the student with a well-rounded experience equivalent to one semester of a college-level introductory Spanish course.
Overview
This resource was designed for a beginning Spanish student, but its content can be useful (and adapted to) more advanced students.This online textbook is comprised entirely of free, open-educational resources which are available to anyone. These include SpanishDict.com, StudySpanish.com, The Spanish Experiment, YouTube and many more.
The content is practical, authentic and engaging, but more importantly, it allows students to acquire much more than basic Spanish skills. It provides students with oppotunities to learn about Spanish, Latin and Hispanic culture and geography, as well as acquainting the students with Spanish as it is actually spoken in many different countries.The course is divided into 14 modules with each module centering around specific themes aimed at increasing oral Spanish skills. Even though grammar is essential to learning any language, in this course speaking the language, strategies for learning languages and culture take precedence over grammar drills.
Modules are divided into sections with each section including activities that can be used in a face-to-face classroom or online classroom. They are activities that should take between 15 - 60 minutes and provide students with opportunities to:
- Acquire or increase Spanish speaking, listening, reading and writing skills.
- Learn strategies for language learning and for learning in general (learn how to learn!)
- Become acquainted with Spanish, Latin American and Hispanic culture
- Explore free, online resources and platforms available for language learning
Module Topics
Basic greetings
Let’s continue to get to know each other
Introducing yourself and others
Question words
Talking about different languages
Routines
Food and Shopping
Travel
Talking about the weather
Spanish for work
Feelings and more
Emergencies
Spanish and Arabic Connection
Spanish around the World
Module 0: Resources and Tutorials (How do I...?)
NOTE: With any external site incuded in this textbook resource, please watch out for ads and be cautious of where you click!
Click on the below for tutorials or useful information
- How to record and share a Vocaroo audio file (Free version. No download needed)
- How to take a screenshot
- How to create a video screencast with ScreenPal (free version, download needed)
- How to use SpanishDict (Free version. You will need to register using your Google account/login. There is a paid option which is highly recommended)
Recommended Language Learning Platforms (all external sources that have both free and paid versions)
Recommended Vocabulary and Translation (all external sites)
Recommended YouTube Channels
Recommended Websites (Please watch out for ads and be cautious of where you click!)
- The Spanish Experiment
- Spanish Homeschool Academy
Module 1: Spanish Basics
Estimated time to complete this Module: 4-6 hours
Please submit all sections, clearly labeled, in one document (unless otherwise stated such as Slides projects). PDF is preferred. If needed, you can submit more than one document, but that should be the exception rather than the rule.
Sections to complete and approximate time needed to complete each (may vary depending on your Spanish level, effort and interest)
- Warm-Up (15 minutes)
- Authentic Conversation (60 minutes)
- Vocabulary Builder (15 minutes)
- Language Learning Lab (30 minutes)
- Grammar & Writing (60 minutes)
- Pronunciation Station (15 minutes)
- Culture (30 minutes)
- "Academic Honesty and Resource Acknowledgment Statement" (15 minutes): Please submit a statement affirming that the work you submit is your own, indicating that you have watched the videos, read the lessons, recorded your own audio, any screenshots are of your own work that you completed, and that composed your own sentences. Additionally, please provide an explanation of the resources or help, including any AI tools, that you utilized in the process of completing this work.
YouTube Tips:
To view subtitles, click on the icon.
To view subtitles translated to any language, click on the icon, then click on the icon, click on ‘Auto-translate’ and choose the language you would like.
To slow down the audio speed of a video, click on the icon, click on ‘Playback Speed’ and choose the speed.
| Scroll down to get started with the first section! |
Section 1: Warm-Up
Basic Greetings
One of the first things that are useful to learn in any language are greetings. To help us greet and introduce each other (as well as to do so with others!), watch the following and read this lesson from Homeschool Spanish Academy to learn about basic greetings and introductions in Spanish. You will also answer questions based on the videos, and what you learn from the videos will also help you with the Discussion Board this week.
- After watching the videos, from each video, please choose the 2 most useful phrases for you (2 from each video) and write them as a list in English and Spanish. Replace the name (and other personal information) of the person in the video with your own name and information.
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Section 2: Authentic Conversation
Let's get to know each other
Building a community is important in any class, but especially in an online class. To help us do that, please read over this Spanish Academy Lesson (click HERE to access) and watch the videos below. Based on the lesson and videos:
- On the appropriate discussion board area of your course, we will get to know each other, but we will do so in Spanish and English
- In Spanish and English, please share your name, age (optional), your major (especialidad), where you are from and anything else you would like to share about yourself such as hobbies, interests, pets, etc.
- Include a photo of yourself (if you are comfortable doing so) or an image that represents you.
- Please respond to the posts of at least 2 other students. Please do so in Spanish (and optional include the English version as well.)
You are welcome to use Google Translate or any other translation platform to help you with your Spanish post. Please include which (if any) translation app you used.
All posts must be respectful and contribute positively to an atmosphere of civility and cooperation.
Post to the appropriate Discussion Board area of your course's Learning Management System (Blackboard, Canvas, Moodle, D2L, Google classroom, etc.) NOTE: If posting to a PADLET wall, please take a screenshot (or copy and paste the text) to also submit with the rest of the Module sections.
When applicable: Use a tool such as Google Translate, Forvo, DeepL or SpanishDict to check your grammar and/or pronunciation. Please share which (if any) translation platforms you used.
If the post requires an audio file, please do not upload video or audio files. Instead, use a tool such as Vocaroo to record audio and share the link. Note: If the Discussion Board is in a 'Padlet', this platform has an audio recording function as well.
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Section 3: Vocabulary Builder
Diacritical Marks and Homonyms
Assignment: Practicing Spanish Diacritical Marks
Read the Article: Learn about a specific type of diacritical marks in Spanish, such as tildes, by reading the article What You Need to Know About Diacritical Marks in Spanish. Pay close attention to how accents can change the meaning of a word.
Watch the Video: Below, you’ll find a video on Spanish accent rules. Watch it to reinforce your understanding.
Practice with TypeIt:
- From the article, locate the Common Spanish Homonyms table.
- Using the TypeIt text editor, manually type all the words from this table, including both accented and non-accented versions, along with their definitions.
- The TypeIt editor will help you correctly enter Spanish accents and special characters, such as the inverted question mark.
Submit Your Work:
- Take a clear screenshot of your TypeIt screen showing the homonyms and their definitions.
- Ensure that it is evident from the screenshot that you typed the words in TypeIt rather than copying and pasting from the article.
Important: The goal of this assignment is to practice using a Spanish text editor, so make sure you type the words manually rather than pasting them from the article.
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Section 4: Language Learning Lab
Planning for Success
As you probably already know, managing academics, work, family and social commitments is a challenge. However, there are ways to plan for success in all areas which are worth exploring. Please watch the videos on below, and based on the videos answer the following questions:
- Based on theBenefits of a Bilingual Brain video, what are three benefits of being bilingual?
- Which two strategies from the Thomas Frank video would be most useful to you?
- Do you have the time or are you willing to make the time to learn Spanish while in this course?
- State your full name, state what grade you would like to earn in this class and explain how you plan to earn that grade?
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Section 5: Grammar & Writing
Gender of Nouns
In Spanish, nouns are either feminine or masculine. There are no netural nouns. Please visit the SpanishDict lesson provided via the link below to learn about this topic.
NOTE FOR FIRST TIME SPANISHDICT USERS: You will need to register to the platform using a gmail/google account. There is a free version which has a lot of ads, so watch out for those. If you have the means, the paid version is highly recommended.
ISSUES ACCESSING SPANISHDICT? If you are having issues accessing SpanishDict, please try a different browser and/or a different device and/or a different wi-fi network. Sometimes there are school-issued computers with security settings that affect access to external platforms such as this one.
- Complete the Activity Lessons located at the top of the page. Choose at least 3 lessons you will complete (choose the 1st lesson and then choose 2 others) and click on each lesson.
- Provide a screenshot of each completed lesson as evidence of your completion. If you complete lessons at different times, you can submit separate screenshots. If you complete them all at one, you can submit one screenshot that shows they have been completed.
SPANISHDICT ACTIVITY
THE SECTION IS TITLED: GENDER OF NOUNS AND PRONOUNS. The screen should look like the image below. If it does not, it could be somehow you were routed to a different lesson. If that is the case, you may need to try again or do a search for SpanishDict lessons/activities on GENDER OF PRONOUNS
Interactive lessons at the top of the page for which you will submit screenshot(s) as proof of completion) Click on each of the lessons to complete.
Choose 3 including the 1st lesson. This means you will complete the first lesson and choose 2 others to complete as well.
- Note: When completing the lesson activities, you can hover over the Spanish sentences to view the English translation
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Section 6: Pronunciation Station
Spanish Vowels
Unlike English, where each vowel has many ways in which they can be pronounced, in Spanish, each vowel has only one pronunciation. This makes it a lot easier for a native English speaker to learn how to spell and pronounce Spanish rather than the other way around. Please watch the video provided and then record yourself reading out loud the Spanish vowels. Submit an audio link.
Please do not upload video or audio files. Instead, use a tool such as Vocaroo to record audio and share the link.
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Section 7: Culture
Greetings Around the World
- Please watch the provided videos and, for each video, share your saludo favorito (favorite greeting).
- Describe each of the saludos favoritos that you chose and include which country each is from.
- Your response can be in English, Spanish or both.
ISSUES ACCESSING THE VIDEOS? If you are having issues accessing or viewing videos, please try a different browser and/or a different device and/or a different wi-fi network. Sometimes there are school-issued computers with security settings that affect access to external platforms such as YouTube.
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Section 8: "Academic Honesty and Resource Acknowledgment Statement"
Please submit a statement affirming that the work you submit is your own, indicating that you have watched the videos, read the lessons, recorded your own audio, any screenshots are of your own work that you completed, and that composed your own sentences. Additionally, please provide an explanation of the resources or help, including any AI tools, that you utilized in the process of completing this work.
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Additional Resources (Optional)
Spanish Experiment Lesson: https://www.thespanishexperiment.com/learn-spanish/greetings
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Module 2: Let's continue to get to know each other
Estimated time to complete this Module: 4-6 hours
Please submit all sections, clearly labeled, in one document (unless otherwise stated such as Slides projects). PDF is preferred. If needed, you can submit more than one document, but that should be the exception rather than the rule.
Sections to complete and approximate time needed to complete each (may vary depending on your Spanish level, effort and interest)
- Warm-Up (15 minutes)
- Authentic Conversation (60 minutes)
- Vocabulary Builder (45 minutes)
- Language Learning Lab (30 minutes)
- Grammar & Writing (60 minutes)
- Pronunciation Station (15 minutes)
- Culture (30 minutes)
- "Academic Honesty and Resource Acknowledgment Statement" (15 minutes): Please submit a statement affirming that the work you submit is your own, indicating that you have watched the videos, read the lessons, recorded your own audio, any screenshots are of your own work that you completed, and that composed your own sentences. Additionally, please provide an explanation of the resources or help, including any AI tools, that you utilized in the process of completing this work.
YouTube Tips:
To view subtitles, click on the icon.
To view subtitles translated to any language, click on the icon, then click on the icon, click on ‘Auto-translate’ and choose the language you would like.
To slow down the audio speed of a video, click on the icon, click on ‘Playback Speed’ and choose the speed.
| Scroll down to get started with the first section! |
Section 1: Warm-Up
Introduce yourself
Please watch the following video which will showcase some authentic conversation with Spanish from Spain (and other accents as well!) Based on the video, share 2 phrases you learned that were new, interesting or useful for you. Share them in English and Spanish, as audio and text.
When a submission requires an audio file, please do not upload video or audio files. Instead, use a tool such as Vocaroo to record audio and share the link.
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Section 2: Authentic Conversation
Let's continue to get to know each other!
In this discussion, we will continue to get to know each other (in Spanish) with text and audio!
This will be great practice for introductions when meeting others such as students, new friends, co-worker, client, etc.
First, watch the YouTube videos below with more advanced greetings in Spanish and read this lesson from Homeschool Spanish Academy. Based on what you learned from the videos you will submit an original introductory post and respond to the post of others on the appropriate submission area of the course.
PARTE 1: Original Post
- Create/write a brief text introduction of yourself (in Spanish) of at least five (5) sentences.
- Please include some of the sentences you learned from the videos
- After you create your written introduction, create a set of at least three (3) questions (in Spanish) that you might ask a student, new friend, colleagues, etc.
- Record audio of yourself reading your introduction and the questions - all in Spanish.
- Post the text version of your introduction as well as a link to the audio
PARTE 2: Respond to the Posts of 2 other students
- Choose posts from at least TWO other students that you will respond to
- Listen to their audio introductions and read their posts, paying close attention to the questions they ask
- Create an audio recording (in Spanish) where you respond to their questions.
- Post a link to your text and audio response as a Reply to their original post.
All posts must be respectful and contribute positively to an atmosphere of civility and cooperation.
Post to the appropriate Discussion Board area of your course's Learning Management System (Blackboard, Canvas, Moodle, D2L, Google classroom, etc.) NOTE: If posting to a PADLET wall, please take a screenshot or copy and paste the text) to also submit with the rest of the Module sections.
When applicable: Use a tool such as Google Translate, Forvo, DeepL or SpanishDict to check your grammar and/or pronunciation. Please share which (if any) translation platforms you used.
If the post requires an audio file, please do not upload video or audio files. Instead, use a tool such as Vocaroo to record audio and share the link. Note: If the Discussion Board is in a 'Padlet', this platform has an audio recording function as well.
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Section 3: Vocabulary Builder
Opposite words
To increase our Spanish vocabulary may sometimes mean we need to memorize words, phrases, etc. However, this is best done by repetition and by seeing them in context. Nonetheless, we must begin somewhere, and a great place to start is with taking a look at useful antonyms.
With the video in this section, you will access quite a long yet very useful set of vocabulary words that are worth writing down to refer to them later. Therefore, please watch the following video of opposite Spanish words, and based on the video, write a list (handwritten or typed) of the opposite words, in English and Spanish.
NOTE: The list is quite extensive, and it may be easier/quicker (and better for memory retention) to write them by hand as you watch the video and submit a screenshot of your list.
Submit your typed list or a screenshot of your handwritten word list.
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Section 4: Language Learning Lab
Secrets of Learning a New Language
Please watch the video below, and based on the video answer the following questions:
- Based on the video Secrets for Learning a New Language list 3 interesting, surprising or useful strategies to learn a language. List some benefits and potential drawbacks for these strategies.
- Please share your goals for learning Spanish (personal, professional, travel, daily life, etc.)
- Please share your goals for the grade you would like to earn in this class and some ways in which you will achieve those goals.
- Please share how much time per day (or per week) you have to dedicate to the coursework for this class. Do you have enough time to dedicate to the coursework for this class in order to learn and earn a good grade? Explain.
NOTE: Online safety is essential. Never communicate or practice languages with individuals you do not know.
NOTE: Online safety is essential. Never communicate or practice languages with individuals you do not know.
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Section 5: Grammar & Writing
Plurals
Plurals in Spanish are quite simple with few rules to follow. Please visit the SpanishDict lesson provided via the link below to learn about this topic.
- Based on the lesson, in your own words, list the rules to pluralize nouns in Spanish and for each rule, include one sample set of words (singulat and plural version)
- On the lesson page, you will also see examples of plurals displayed in grey boxes. Record audio of yourself reading aloud all the sample plural words and phrases from the lesson. Each sample phrase has accompanying audio that you can listen to by clicking on the speaker icon. Do not forget to submit audio of yourself repeating after the lesson audio OR you do not have to include the lesson audio and can simply record yourself reading the words and phrases.
SPANISHDICT LESSON
If the link above does not work, you can copy and paste the following onto a new tab: https://www.spanishdict.com/guide/spanish-plural-noun-forms#:~:text=Just%20Add%20%2Ds,noun%20to%20make%20it%20plural.
NOTE FOR FIRST TIME SPANISHDICT USERS: You will need to register to the platform using a gmail/google account. There is a free version which has a lot of ads, so watch out for those. If you have the means, the paid version is highly recommended.
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Section 6: Pronunciation Station
Spanish Alphabet
Please watch the video provided and then record yourself reading out loud the Spanish Alphabet. You are welcome to record yourself repeating after the video. Share the audio recording link.
When a submission requires an audio file, please do not upload video or audio files. Instead, use a tool such as Vocaroo to record audio and share the link.
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Section 7: Culture
The difference between Spanish, Latino and Hispanic
In addition to learning the language, it is helpful to also learn about culture. Language and culture are just about inseparable once we step out of the classroom.
Based on the YouTube videos below, please describe, in full sentences and with enough detail and evidence from the videos:
- The difference between Spanish, Latino and Hispanic
- What did you learn about the difference in terms that was most interesting, useful or surprising to you?
- Based on one of the videos, how the U.S. Census helped form the idea of Hispanic culture.
- Why might it be important to be aware of the difference in terms (Spanish, Hispanic and Latino)
- Cite the sources for the information you share (which article and/or videos did you get the information from?)
When applicable: Use a tool such as Google Translate, Forvo, DeepL or SpanishDict to check your grammar and/or pronunciation. Please share which (if any) translation platforms you used.
If the post requires an audio file, please do not upload video or audio files. Instead, use a tool such as Vocaroo to record audio and share the link. Note: If the Discussion Board is in a 'Padlet', this platform has an audio recording function as well.
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Section 8: "Academic Honesty and Resource Acknowledgment Statement"
Please submit a statement affirming that the work you submit is your own, indicating that you have watched the videos, read the lessons, recorded your own audio, any screenshots are of your own work that you completed, and that composed your own sentences. Additionally, please provide an explanation of the resources or help, including any AI tools, that you utilized in the process of completing this work.
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Additional Resources (Optional)
Module 3: Introducing yourself and others
Estimated time to complete this Module: 4-6 hours
Please submit all sections, clearly labeled, in one document (unless otherwise stated such as Slides projects). PDF is preferred. If needed, you can submit more than one document, but that should be the exception rather than the rule.
Sections to complete and approximate time needed to complete each (may vary depending on your Spanish level, effort and interest)
- Warm-Up (15 minutes)
- Authentic Conversation (60 minutes)
- Vocabulary Builder (15 minutes)
- Language Learning Lab (30 minutes)
- Grammar & Writing (60 minutes)
- Pronunciation Station (15 minutes)
- Culture (30 minutes)
- "Academic Honesty and Resource Acknowledgment Statement" (15 minutes): Please submit a statement affirming that the work you submit is your own, indicating that you have watched the videos, read the lessons, recorded your own audio, any screenshots are of your own work that you completed, and that composed your own sentences. Additionally, please provide an explanation of the resources or help, including any AI tools, that you utilized in the process of completing this work.
YouTube Tips:
To view subtitles, click on the icon.
To view subtitles translated to any language, click on the icon, then click on the icon, click on ‘Auto-translate’ and choose the language you would like.
To slow down the audio speed of a video, click on the icon, click on ‘Playback Speed’ and choose the speed.
| Scroll down to get started with the first section! |
Section 1: Warm-Up
How to introduce yourself
As you know, introductions are an important part of communicating in any language. Based on the video, share 2 phrases that were new, interesting or useful for you from each the video and lesson.
Submit the phrases as text and audio, in English and Spanish.
When a submission requires an audio file, please do not upload video or audio files. Instead, use a tool such as Vocaroo to record audio and share the link.
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Section 2: Authentic Conversation
Introduce youself and others
Being able to introduce yourself and someone else is an essential component in communicating in Spanish. For this assignment, in English and Spanish, as text and audio:
PARTE 1
- Watch the following video and read this lesson from Homeschool Academy (watch out for ads and do not sign up for anything!), and based on the video and lesson, imagine you and a friend are meeting someone new. You may have already read the lesson, but it is a great strategy to review.
- For your original post, create a brief script where you introduce yourself by stating 3 things you might share upon first meeting someone AND 2 things you like to do in your free time.
- Following your own introduction, introduce your friend to the new person you just met. Use some of the phrases you learned from the video to introduce your friend.
- Ask the ‘new person’ (classmate who will be responding to your post) TWO questions you might ask a person you just met
- Post your script as text and include an audio recording of you reading/saying the script (English and Spanish - please check your pronunciation with a tool such as SpanishDict)
PARTE 2
- For your response post, choose the post of at least TWO other students and think of yourself as the new person the student and his friend are meeting. Respond to the posts by answering the 2 questions the students posted (text and audio English and Spanish - please check your pronunciation with a tool such as SpanishDict)
All posts must be respectful and contribute positively to an atmosphere of civility and cooperation.
Post to the appropriate Discussion Board area of your course's Learning Management System (Blackboard, Canvas, Moodle, D2L, Google classroom, etc.) NOTE: If posting to a PADLET wall, please take a screenshot (or copy and paste the text) to also submit with the rest of the Module sections.
When applicable: Use a tool such as Google Translate, Forvo, DeepL or SpanishDict to check your grammar and/or pronunciation. Please share which (if any) translation platforms you used.If the post requires an audio file, please do not upload video or audio files. Instead, use a tool such as Vocaroo to record audio and share the link. Note: If the Discussion Board is in a 'Padlet', this platform has an audio recording function as well.
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Section 3: Vocabulary Builder
Hobbies and Likes & Dislikes
Hobbies are called pasatiempos in Spanish, although in many Spanish-speaking countries, they are also called hobbies! Knowing how to tell someone what you like to do as far as hobbies and in your free time can be useful and fun.
- Please watch the following videos, and based on the videos, share 3 phrases and/or pasatiempos (from the first video) and 3 phrases about likes and dislikes (from the second video) you learned that were new, interesting or useful for you, in English and Spanish as text and audio.
Note: This Baselang lesson will also help you learn about this topic. As with any external site, please watch out for ads and be cautious of where you click!
When a submission requires an audio file, please do not upload video or audio files. Instead, use a tool such as Vocaroo to record audio and share the link.
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Section 4: Language Learning Lab
Train your Brain
There are many challenges we are faced with when learning something new. However, for most of us, few of those challenges have to do with the subject matter itself but rather our approach or thoughts. Learn some strategies on how to overcome some of these challenges by watching the video below.
- Based on the video, in English:
- State 3 new, interesting or useful facts you learned about learning. Provide enough details from the video to fully explain.
- Explain how you will use the knowledge/strategies from the video to help you learn Spanish more efficiently.
- Based on your own experience, in English:
- What are the biggest challenges you have faced in this class so far?
- How have you/will/could you overcome them?
- Have your views on your ability to learn Spanish changed since the beginning of the course? Explain.
- Have your views on your interest in learning Spanish changed since the beginning of the course? Explain with enough details to support your answer.
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Section 5: Grammar & Writing
SER and ESTAR
SER and ESTAR both mean "to be" but are used differently. They are essential verbs in Spanish. To get started learning how to use it, start with this Spanish Experiment lesson and the following video, then:
Please visit the SpanishDict lesson provided via the link below to learn about this topic.
Scroll down the page to find the written lesson title 'Explanation', which includes sample sentences displayed in grey boxes. Next, complete the Activity Lessons located at the top of the page. Choose at least 3 lessons you will complete (Choose the 1st lesson and then choose 2 others) and click on each lesson. Provide a screenshot of each completed lesson as evidence of your completion. If you complete lessons at different times, you can submit separate screenshots. If you complete them all at one, you can submit one screenshot that shows they have been completed.
SPANISHDICT LESSON
You will need to scroll down the page to view the 'Explanation' section)
Find Interactive lessons at the top of the page for which you will submit screenshot(s) as proof of completion) Click on each of the lessons to complete.
Note: When completing the SpanishDict lesson activities, you can hover over the Spanish sentences to view the English translation
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Section 6: Pronunciation Station
"C, K, S & Z" Sounds
Learn about (or review) the C, K, S and Z sounds in Spanish (and more!) with the following video. Please watch the video provided and then record yourself reading out loud the vocabulary words that include the specified letter or sound. Additionally, please submit a list of these words in both English and Spanish. Share the audio recording link and provide the written list as well.
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Section 7: Culture
Formal and Informal Speech
To learn about Formal and Informal speech in Spanish, please read over this Spanish Experiment lesson. Then, please watch the provided video and:
- Explain the different Spanish pronouns for YOU and how/when each is used.
- From the video, share two phrases that you found to be new, interesting, or valuable. When relevant, ensure that you include sufficient details and evidence from the video to support your responses. Your submission should include both English and Spanish audio in the form of a link, as well as written text.
When applicable: Use a tool such as Google Translate, Forvo, DeepL or SpanishDict to check your grammar and/or pronunciation. Please share which (if any) translation platforms you used.
If the post requires an audio file, please do not upload video or audio files. Instead, use a tool such as Vocaroo to record audio and share the link. Note: If the Discussion Board is in a 'Padlet', this platform has an audio recording function as well.
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Section 8: "Academic Honesty and Resource Acknowledgment Statement"
Please submit a statement affirming that the work you submit is your own, indicating that you have watched the videos, read the lessons, recorded your own audio, any screenshots are of your own work that you completed, and that composed your own sentences. Additionally, please provide an explanation of the resources or help, including any AI tools, that you utilized in the process of completing this work.
| Scroll down to continue to the Optional Additional Resources |
Additional Resources (Optional)
Ser and Estar Lesson from BaseLang: https://baselang.com/blog/basic-grammar/ser-vs-estar-the-only-guide-youll-ever-need/
Hobbies lesson from Homeschool Academy: https://www.spanish.academy/blog/how-to-talk-about-your-hobbies-and-pastimes-in-spanish/
Introductions and basid conversation from Homeschool Academy: https://www.spanish.academy/blog/how-to-introduce-yourself-in-spanish/
Module 4: Question words
Estimated time to complete this Module: 4-6 hours
Please submit all sections, clearly labeled, in one document (unless otherwise stated such as Slides projects). PDF is preferred. If needed, you can submit more than one document, but that should be the exception rather than the rule.
Sections to complete and approximate time needed to complete each (may vary depending on your Spanish level, effort and interest)
- Warm-Up (15 minutes)
- Authentic Conversation (60 minutes)
- Vocabulary Builder (15 minutes)
- Language Learning Lab (30 minutes)
- Grammar & Writing (60 minutes)
- Pronunciation Station (15 minutes)
- Culture (60 minutes)
- "Academic Honesty and Resource Acknowledgment Statement" (15 minutes): Please submit a statement affirming that the work you submit is your own, indicating that you have watched the videos, read the lessons, recorded your own audio, any screenshots are of your own work that you completed, and that composed your own sentences. Additionally, please provide an explanation of the resources or help, including any AI tools, that you utilized in the process of completing this work.
YouTube Tips:
To view subtitles, click on the icon.
To view subtitles translated to any language, click on the icon, then click on the icon, click on ‘Auto-translate’ and choose the language you would like.
To slow down the audio speed of a video, click on the icon, click on ‘Playback Speed’ and choose the speed.
| Scroll down to get started with the first section! |
Section 1: Warm-Up
Responses to "What's up?"
Would you know how to respond to ¿Cómo estás? in Spanish if you are not doing well or if you feel better than great? Find out with these SpanishDict Lessons which you can also access below.
- Submit a screenshot(s) of the showing proof of completed lessons which are titled: 'Hello', 'What's up' and 'Not much'
SPANISHDICT LESSON
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Section 2: Authentic Conversation
Question Words
Learn the basic question words from the video below and this Spanish Experiment lesson.
Based on what you learned from the video:
- Create one question for EACH of the question words mentioned in the video. Make them questions that you would ask a new friend or someone you know. The questions should be in English and Spanish.
- Post your questions to the Discussion Board in English and Spanish as text and audio (your audio link reading the questions)
- Respond to 2 or more of the questions on the post of at least two other students in English and Spanish as audio and text.
All posts must be respectful and contribute positively to an atmosphere of civility and cooperation.
Post to the appropriate Discussion Board area of your course's Learning Management System (Blackboard, Canvas, Moodle, D2L, Google classroom, etc.) NOTE: If posting to a PADLET wall, please take a screenshot (or copy and paste the text) to also submit with the rest of the Module sections.
When applicable: Use a tool such as Google Translate, Forvo, DeepL or SpanishDict to check your grammar and/or pronunciation. Please share which (if any) translation platforms you used.
If the post requires an audio file, please do not upload video or audio files. Instead, use a tool such as Vocaroo to record audio and share the link. Note: If the Discussion Board is in a 'Padlet', this platform has an audio recording function as well.
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Section 3: Vocabulary Builder
What?
Imagine someone starts speaking to you in Spanish really fast (or using an accent with which you are not familiar). How would you respond? Learn several ways to say "I don't understand" in Spanish with the following video.
- Submit a written list of the 7 ways to say 'I don't understand' in Spanish mentioned in the video along with an audio link of you stating the words.
- Create a list of 5 other 'claryfing' statements or questions you would say to someone if you do not understand what they are saying to you in Spanish along with an audio link of you stating the questions.
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Section 4: Language Learning Lab
Practicing without native speakers
Note: Online safety is essential. Please do not practice any methods/strategies with people you do not know.
- Watch this YouTube video on how a polyglot practices languages without native speakers nearby.
- Based on the video, list and describe the five (5) methods used to help practice the language as they are explained in the video as far as what they are and how they might be helpful.
- Choose TWO of the following methods from the video and put into practice (study/practice your Spanish!)
- SHADOWING
- TALKING TO SIRI
- TALKING TO PETS or
- TALKING TO A NATIVE OR EMERGENT SPEAKER (do NOT practice with someone you do not know. Ask a friend or family member who is willing to speak Spanish with you!)
- As a text submission, list any challenges and successes with the method you chose and explain why/why not you would use this method again.
- Submit some kind of proof that you have implemented and used the method to practice Spanish (audio, video, screenshots, etc.)
Note: Online safety is essential. Please do not practice any methods/strategies with people you do not know.
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Section 5: Grammar & Writing
Regular and Irregular Verbs
Please visit the SpanishDict lesson provided via the link below to learn about this topic. Based on the lesson:
- Complete the first two lessons on the page by clicking on the lesson activity titled Regular Verbs and Irregular Verbs. When done, submit a screenshot showing completion showing the lessons were completed.
- Next, explain the rules of conjugation of regular verbs versus irregular verbs and include the 3 endings of Spanish verbs in the Infinitive. If you need additional information, visit this Preply lesson (as with any external site watch where you click and watch for ads)
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Section 6: Pronunciation Station
"G" Sounds
Please watch the video provided and then record yourself reading out loud the vocabulary words that include the specified letter or sound. Additionally, please submit a list of these words in both English and Spanish.
Share the audio recording link and provide the written list as well.
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Section 7: Culture
Where are you from?
PARTE 1: First, please watch the following video to hear the way in which four individuals introduce themselves and tell us where they are from. (Listen for the different accents!)
- In Spanish as text and audio, state the names and where each of the 4 individuals is from, in full sentences. Example: Susana es de Costa Rica
PARTE 2: Then, please think of the following:
- If you live in the U.S., (for the purpose of the assignment, pretend you ARE from or LIVE IN the U.S. even if not) and you were to state where you live and/or where you are from would you say: 'Soy de America' or 'Soy de los Estados Unidos'?
- Conduct some research to find out WHICH way you should answer this question and explain your findings. Are there differences in the way you would respond on what place in the World the question is asked?
- Share the links where you found the information
- State why it might be important to know this information when working with/meeting individuals from different countries, especially Latin America.
- Submit your answers to the above questions (English, except for when stating the Soy de .... portion of the response!)
When applicable: Use a tool such as Google Translate, Forvo, DeepL or SpanishDict to check your grammar and/or pronunciation. Please share which (if any) translation platforms you used.
If the post requires an audio file, please do not upload video or audio files. Instead, use a tool such as Vocaroo to record audio and share the link. Note: If the Discussion Board is in a 'Padlet', this platform has an audio recording function as well.
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Section 8: "Academic Honesty and Resource Acknowledgment Statement"
Please submit a statement affirming that the work you submit is your own, indicating that you have watched the videos, read the lessons, recorded your own audio, any screenshots are of your own work that you completed, and that composed your own sentences. Additionally, please provide an explanation of the resources or help, including any AI tools, that you utilized in the process of completing this work.
| Scroll down to continue to the Optional Additional Resources |
Additional Resources (Optional)
Question words lesson from Spanish Experiment: https://www.thespanishexperiment.com/learn-spanish/question-words
Question words lesson from ThoughtCo: https://www.thoughtco.com/asking-questions-spanish-3079427
Module 5: What languages do you speak?
Estimated time to complete this Module: 4-6 hours
Please submit all sections, clearly labeled, in one document (unless otherwise stated such as Slides projects). PDF is preferred. If needed, you can submit more than one document, but that should be the exception rather than the rule.
Sections to complete and approximate time needed to complete each (may vary depending on your Spanish level, effort and interest)
- Warm-Up (15 minutes)
- Authentic Conversation (60 minutes)
- Vocabulary Builder (15 minutes)
- Language Learning Lab (30 minutes)
- Grammar & Writing (60 minutes)
- Pronunciation Station (15 minutes)
- Culture (30 minutes)
- "Academic Honesty and Resource Acknowledgment Statement" (15 minutes): Please submit a statement affirming that the work you submit is your own, indicating that you have watched the videos, read the lessons, recorded your own audio, any screenshots are of your own work that you completed, and that composed your own sentences. Additionally, please provide an explanation of the resources or help, including any AI tools, that you utilized in the process of completing this work.
YouTube Tips:
To view subtitles, click on the icon.
To view subtitles translated to any language, click on the icon, then click on the icon, click on ‘Auto-translate’ and choose the language you would like.
To slow down the audio speed of a video, click on the icon, click on ‘Playback Speed’ and choose the speed.
| Scroll down to get started with the first section! |
Section 1: Warm-Up
What languages do you speak?
Do you know how to ask and answer "Do you speak Spanish?" Learn or review these essential verbs with this one-minute video!
- Based on the video, share 2 new or useful phrases you learned from the video, as audio and text in English and Spanish
When a submission requires an audio file, please do not upload video or audio files. Instead, use a tool such as Vocaroo to record audio and share the link.
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Section 2: Authentic Conversation
Student Life
Watch a short video below about Student life in Mexico City and based on the video, and your own experience:
- List 2 new, useful or surprising things, facts or phrases you learned from the video (text in English, Spanish or both as needed)
- Describe in at least 5 sentences (In Spanish and English), your life as a student (What classes are you taking? Do you also work? What activities do you participate in at school or outside of school? What do you like best about your school, etc.)
- Record audio of yourself sharing the above.
- Post your written work and audio link
- Respond to the post of at least two other students (Are you as busy as they are? Are you taking the same classes? Is their school life different than yours? etc. - text and audio in both languages.)
All posts must be respectful and contribute positively to an atmosphere of civility and cooperation.
Post to the appropriate Discussion Board area of your course's Learning Management System (Blackboard, Canvas, Moodle, D2L, Google classroom, etc.) NOTE: If posting to a PADLET wall, please take a screenshot (or copy and paste the text) to also submit with the rest of the Module sections.
When applicable: Use a tool such as Google Translate, Forvo, DeepL or SpanishDict to check your grammar and/or pronunciation. Please share which (if any) translation platforms you used.
If the post requires an audio file, please do not upload video or audio files. Instead, use a tool such as Vocaroo to record audio and share the link. Note: If the Discussion Board is in a 'Padlet', this platform has an audio recording function as well.
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Section 3: Vocabulary Builder
Free Rice
For this assignment, you will explore a resource to help you learn Spanish vocabulary and much more: Free Rice
NOTE: If Free Rice is not working or you prefer a different platform, you can use Drops, Memrise, Busuu, or any other free Spanish practice/game platform. Take a screenshot as proof that you completed at least two lessons. Keep in mind that some of these platforms only offer a limited number of free lessons and may require registration, whereas Free Rice does not.
- Visit the Free Rice site and learn/practice Spanish vocabulary while at the same time helping to fight hunger around the World.
- Submit a screenshot once you have gained at least 500 ‘grains of rice’
- Write a statement of whether you were familiar with Free Rice (or whichever other platform you used), is this a resource you might incorporate into your routine to help you increase your Spanish skills. Why or why not?
The 500 points/grains do not have to be earned at the same time - you can take screenshots at different times that show points that add up to 500)
Note 1: You may be asked to input your birthday to 'play' Free Rice, but you DO NOT have to input your actual date
Note 2: If you register to the site, it will keep track of the 'grains of rice' you earn as well as give you more difficult words rather than the same ones over and over.
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Section 4: Language Learning Lab
Do you speak Spanish?
Watch the short video below of students being asked if they speak Spanish at a college campus. Based on the video:
- Would you be able to answer the questions? Some? None? Explain.
- List two questions from the video that would be useful for you to know how to ask and answer. Submit a written list AND audio of you reading/stating the questions (English and Spanish)
- List two responses from the video that would be useful for you to know. Submit a written list AND audio of you reading/stating the responses. (English and Spanish)
- Remember you can slow down the video speed.
When a submission requires an audio file, please do not upload video or audio files. Instead, use a tool such as Vocaroo to record audio and share the link.
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Section 5: Grammar & Writing
Personal Pronouns
Learn about personal pronouns in Spanish with the video below and this article https://www.thoughtco.com/using-subject-pronouns-spanish-3079374 (Note: As with any external resource, please be cautious of where you click and watch out for ads!)
Based on the article:
- List all personal pronouns in Spanish (with their corresponding English pronoun)
Based on the video:
- Do we need to use a personal pronoun in every Spanish sentence? Why or why not?
- Create an example of a sentence with a pronoun and its equivalent without a pronoun, in Spanish (and include the English version)
- Example: (1) Ella corre mucho. (2) Corre mucho. (She runs a lot)
- Write an example sentence for each pronoun from the video (English and Spanish)
- Submit your written list
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Section 6: Pronunciation Station
"J" sound
The "J" sound in Spanish is one of the more confusing for beginner learners. Please watch the video provided and then record yourself reading out loud the vocabulary words that include the specified letter or sound. Additionally, please submit a list of these words in both English and Spanish. Share the audio recording link and provide the written list as well.
When a submission requires an audio file, please do not upload video or audio files. Instead, use a tool such as Vocaroo to record audio and share the link.
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Section 7: Culture
Most useful languages
Hopefully by now you agree Spanish is at least beautiful and fun! But, do you ever wonder if learning languages is all that useful? Even if not, please watch the video on the next page by Drew Binski who has been on a quest to visit every country in the World.
Based on the video:
- List the each of the 'most useful' languages mentioned by the video host. These would be ALL languages mentioned!
- Provide English and Spanish version for each of the languages on the list. You should use a translation app for the Spanish version as needed.
- Based on the video, list the 2 reasons we must learn a few basic phrases of the language of the country we are visiting (or if we are around individuals from specific countries)
- State where you got the information (sources) to answer the questions above.
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Section 8: "Academic Honesty and Resource Acknowledgment Statement"
Please submit a statement affirming that the work you submit is your own, indicating that you have watched the videos, read the lessons, recorded your own audio, any screenshots are of your own work that you completed, and that composed your own sentences. Additionally, please provide an explanation of the resources or help, including any AI tools, that you utilized in the process of completing this work.
| Scroll down to continue to the Optional Additional Resources |
Additional Resources (Optional)
Countries, languages and nationalities in Spanish from Berlitz: https://www.berlitz.com/blog/countries-nationalities-languages-spanish
Module 6: Routines
Estimated time to complete this Module: 4-6 hours
Please submit all sections, clearly labeled, in one document (unless otherwise stated such as Slides projects). PDF is preferred. If needed, you can submit more than one document, but that should be the exception rather than the rule.
Sections to complete and approximate time needed to complete each (may vary depending on your Spanish level, effort and interest)
- Warm-Up (15 minutes)
- Authentic Conversation (60 minutes)
- Vocabulary Builder (15 minutes)
- Language Learning Lab (60 minutes)
- Grammar & Writing (30 minutes)
- Pronunciation Station (15 minutes)
- Culture (30 minutes)
- "Academic Honesty and Resource Acknowledgment Statement" (15 minutes): Please submit a statement affirming that the work you submit is your own, indicating that you have watched the videos, read the lessons, recorded your own audio, any screenshots are of your own work that you completed, and that composed your own sentences. Additionally, please provide an explanation of the resources or help, including any AI tools, that you utilized in the process of completing this work.
YouTube Tips:
To view subtitles, click on the icon.
To view subtitles translated to any language, click on the icon, then click on the icon, click on ‘Auto-translate’ and choose the language you would like.
To slow down the audio speed of a video, click on the icon, click on ‘Playback Speed’ and choose the speed.
| Scroll down to get started with the first section! |
Section 1: Warm-Up
Notions of time
Please take 3 minutes to explore how bilinguals perceive time differently. You will be glad you watched!
Based on the video, state 3 new, interesting or useful facts you learned about languages and time, etc. Provide enough details from the video to fully explain.
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Section 2: Authentic Conversation
Routines
Watch the following videos about daily routines and read this lesson from Homeschool Spanish Academy.
- Based on what you learn from the videos and lesson about daily activities and their timing (as well as any research you may want to conduct) share a schedule of a typical day for you (in Spanish and English) from the time you get up until you go to sleep.
- Your schedule should include at least 10 items and should include the time (in words for the Spanish version) as well as both the English and Spanish version of the schedule item. Submit text and audio schedule.
- Feel free to use any translation tools you need, but please state the tool you used.
- Also, record yourself reading your schedule.
- You DO NOT have to respond to the posts of others but are encouraged to read and listen to them.
- Please submit your routine in English and Spanish as text and audio.
All posts must be respectful and contribute positively to an atmosphere of civility and cooperation.
Post to the appropriate Discussion Board area of your course's Learning Management System (Blackboard, Canvas, Moodle, D2L, Google classroom, etc.) NOTE: If posting to a PADLET wall, please take a screenshot (or copy and paste the text) to also submit with the rest of the Module sections.
When applicable: Use a tool such as Google Translate, Forvo, DeepL or SpanishDict to check your grammar and/or pronunciation. Please share which (if any) translation platforms you used.
If the post requires an audio file, please do not upload video or audio files. Instead, use a tool such as Vocaroo to record audio and share the link. Note: If the Discussion Board is in a 'Padlet', this platform has an audio recording function as well.
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Section 3: Vocabulary Builder
Numbers
Learn the Spanish numbers from 0-100 with the lesson below. Record yourself reading the numbers and submit an audio link AND/OR you may choose to complete the two interactive lessons (0-20 and 21-100) and submit a screenshot(s) as proof of completion.
SPANISHDICT LESSON: https://www.spanishdict.com/guide/numbers-in-spanish-0-100
When a submission requires an audio file, please do not upload video or audio files. Instead, use a tool such as Vocaroo to record audio and share the link.
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Section 4: Grammar & Writing
Telling time and Days of the Week
Telling Time
- Visit this SpanishDict lesson to learn, read and listen about how to tell time in Spanish.
- Then, record yourself repeating EACH of the time phrases included in the lesson that have the speaker icon.
- Submit your audio recording link. Note that to pronounce each phrase properly, you will first need to listen to the pronunciation which you will do by clicking on the speaker icon.
- Make sure to scroll all the way down the webpage lesson so you record ALL time phrases/sentences in the lesson. The phrases will be in grey boxes and have a speaker icon.
- For your recording, it is OK to also record the SpanisDict audio followed by yours.
SPANISHDICT LESSON - TELLING TIME
Days of the week
- Visit this SpanishDict lesson to learn, read and listen to the days of the week and related phrases.
- Then, record yourself repeating EACH of the vocabulary words, phrases and sentences about days of the week included in the lesson. They will be in sections with grey boxes and have a speaker icon.
- Submit your audio recording link. Note that to pronounce each phrase properly, you will first need to listen to the pronunciation which you will do by clicking on the speaker icon.
- Make sure to scroll all the way down the webpage lesson so you record ALL day-related words or phrases/sentences in the lesson.
- For your recording, it is OK to also record the SpanisDict audio followed by yours.
SPANISHDICT LESSON - DAYS OF THE WEEK
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Section 5: Language Learning Lab
Translate Using Context
For this assignment, you will try out translating first WITHOUT help and then WITH the help of online resources. The goal here is NOT to have a perfect translation but to give you a sense of translating by using context. You will first read the text below on this page. Then:
1. Translate the text to English WITHOUT using any apps - title this translation NO APP TRANSLATION (remember the goal is not an accurate translation!)
2. After you translate on your own (without an app) Create a list of 10-20 words that you did not know and translate them using any of the resources you have (DeepL, SpanishDict, etc. - extend beyond Google Translate) - TYPE YOUR LIST IN BOTH LANGUAGES and title this translation NEW WORDS
3. Return to original and translate again. Did the translation get better? Explain.
4. Now, copy and paste (or type) the original Spanish text into translator app and compare YOUR TRANSLATION with the APP translation. Title this new translation APP TRANSLATION
5. Compare translations - how close was your translation to the APP translation? Yours might be more accurate than the app, do you think so?
- Submit ALL written translations, New Words list, etc. all properly labeled as per the instructions above AND:
- Share how this process went for you: (1) How long did it take?
- How accurate was your initial translation?
- How did the translation improve after you increased your vocabulary by looking up the words?
- Was this activity challenging? Simple? Fun? Useful? Explain.
Translate the following:
¡Hola! Me llamo Valeria y tengo quince años. Vivo en un apartamento en Buenos Aires con mi papá. Cada mañana me despierto a las siete y media, me levanto y voy a la cocina a tomar mi desayuno. Normalmente, tomo un vaso de jugo con cereal o pan con queso. Después, me visto, me lavo los dientes, reviso mi mochila y salgo hacia el colegio. Suelo ir caminando porque está cerca de mi residencia. Las clases comienzan a las 8:30 y terminan a las 2 de la tarde. Por la tarde, hago mis tareas y estudio para los exámenes. Los martes asisto a clases de natación y los viernes a clases de portugués. Mi papá y yo generalmente cenamos a las ocho y media. Después de la cena, a veces vemos una película o leemos un libro. Me acuesto a las diez y media.
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Section 6: Pronunciation Station
"H" Sound
Learn about (or review) the “H” sound in Spanish (and more!) which will help you ask questions such as ¿Qué hora es? Please watch the video provided and then record yourself reading out loud the vocabulary words that include the specified letter or sound. Additionally, please submit a list of these words in both English and Spanish. Share the audio recording link and provide the written list as well.
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Section 7: Culture
Routines in Spain
An interesting part of daily routines in Spain is the siesta. Watch the following video, and based on the video, and in Spanish and English, as audio and text:
- Explain the concept of a siesta and how you feel about it!
- Explain sobremesa, and how that may (or may not differ) how you approach the end of a meal with family and friends.
- Please provide enough details and evidence from the video as well as your own thoughts.
When applicable: Use a tool such as Google Translate, Forvo, DeepL or SpanishDict to check your grammar and/or pronunciation. Please share which (if any) translation platforms you used.
When a submission requires an audio file, please do not upload video or audio files. Instead, use a tool such as Vocaroo to record audio and share the link.
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Section 8: "Academic Honesty and Resource Acknowledgment Statement"
Please submit a statement affirming that the work you submit is your own, indicating that you have watched the videos, read the lessons, recorded your own audio, any screenshots are of your own work that you completed, and that composed your own sentences. Additionally, please provide an explanation of the resources or help, including any AI tools, that you utilized in the process of completing this work.
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Additional Resources (Optional)
Spanish Experiment lesson: https://www.thespanishexperiment.com/learn-spanish/telling-time
Reflexive verbs: https://www.berlitz.com/blog/reflexive-verbs-spanish-conjugation
Module 7: Food and shopping
Estimated time to complete this Module: 4-6 hours
Please submit all sections, clearly labeled, in one document (unless otherwise stated such as Slides projects). PDF is preferred. If needed, you can submit more than one document, but that should be the exception rather than the rule.
Sections to complete and approximate time needed to complete each (may vary depending on your Spanish level, effort and interest)
- Warm-Up (15 minutes)
- Authentic Conversation (60 minutes)
- Vocabulary Builder (15 minutes)
- Language Learning Lab (60 minutes)
- Grammar & Writing (60 minutes)
- Pronunciation Station (15 minutes)
- Culture (60 minutes)
- "Academic Honesty and Resource Acknowledgment Statement" (15 minutes): Please submit a statement affirming that the work you submit is your own, indicating that you have watched the videos, read the lessons, recorded your own audio, any screenshots are of your own work that you completed, and that composed your own sentences. Additionally, please provide an explanation of the resources or help, including any AI tools, that you utilized in the process of completing this work.
YouTube Tips:
To view subtitles, click on the icon.
To view subtitles translated to any language, click on the icon, then click on the icon, click on ‘Auto-translate’ and choose the language you would like.
To slow down the audio speed of a video, click on the icon, click on ‘Playback Speed’ and choose the speed.
| Scroll down to get started with the first section! |
Section 1: Warm-Up
Food
Please watch the following video, and based on the video, share 3 food words and 3 full sentences (or questions) you learned that were new, interesting or useful for you, in English and Spanish, as audio and text.
Note that the video is entirely in Spanish which will be great listening practice, but you can always turn on the English subtitles.
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Section 2: Authentic Conversation
At the restaurant
A common place we visit at home or when traveling is a restaurant, so knowing how to order food in Spanish can be helpful. To learn more about ordering food, watch the following videos.
Based on the conversations from the YouTube Playlist videos you will:
PARTE 1
- From each video, choose 2 phrases which would be helpful for you to know.
- You will use the phrases in the next Part (PARTE 2)
PARTE 2
- Create a short script of a conversation of two or more people where you are at a restaurant/work dinner, etc. Incorporate the 4 phrases from PARTE 1 into the script. The character pairs could be:
- you and a friend/colleague about to order at a restaurant/function/banquet, etc.
- you and a waiter/waitress
- The script should consist of at least 10 lines (5 for each of the characters speaking) and it should be in Spanish and English
- Record the audio for the script. You can play the voice for both 'characters' in the recording or you can have a friend or family help you record by playing the second character.
- Post your script. You do not have to but are encouraged to read, listen and respond to the posts of others.
All posts must be respectful and contribute positively to an atmosphere of civility and cooperation.
Post to the appropriate Discussion Board area of your course's Learning Management System (Blackboard, Canvas, Moodle, D2L, Google classroom, etc.) NOTE: If posting to a PADLET wall, please take a screenshot (or copy and paste the text) to also submit with the rest of the Module sections.
When applicable: Use a tool such as Google Translate, Forvo, DeepL or SpanishDict to check your grammar and/or pronunciation. Please share which (if any) translation platforms you used.
If the post requires an audio file, please do not upload video or audio files. Instead, use a tool such as Vocaroo to record audio and share the link. Note: If the Discussion Board is in a 'Padlet', this platform has an audio recording function as well.
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Section 3: Vocabulary Builder
Food and more food!
Whether at home, school, work or travel, we all have to eat! To increase your vocabulary of food items, click on the lesson below to access SpanishDict quizzes where you will learn some food-related vocabulary. Take at least 2 quizzes and submit screenshots of completed Quizzes as proof of completion.
SPANISHDICT FOOD-RELATED QUIZZES
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Section 4: Language Learning Lab
De compras (Shopping)
No matter where you are, at some point you will have to go de compras (shopping), especially for comida. You will learn more about how to do this in Spanish with this lesson.
- First, watch the following video about shopping which will also give you some great listening practice. Then, answer the 'quiz' questions that were included in the video.
- Submit a list of 20 palabras (words) from the video which were new or useful for you (English and Spanish - text and audio)
- Submit the video quiz questions AND your responses (WRITTEN IN FULL SENTENCES) in English and Spanish - text and audio.
When a submission requires an audio file, please do not upload video or audio files. Instead, use a tool such as Vocaroo to record audio and share the link.
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Section 5: Grammar & Writing
Direct Object Pronouns and Ser y Estar
PARTE 1: Direct Object Pronouns
Please visit a SpanishDict lessonwhich you can access below to learn about Direct Object Pronouns
Complete the first four clickable activities/lessons. Submit a screenshot(s) as proof of completion
SPANISHDICT LESSONS
PARTE 2: SER y ESTAR
Let's re-visit these essential verbs both of which mean "to be" but are used in different contexts.
Test your SER and ESTAR skills with the quiz in the video below.
- Watch the video, and for each question, write down the FULL sentence that represents what you believe the correct answer. Useful Hint: Write them out by hand.
- Then, find any method to figure out if your answers were correct or not. (translation app, friend, SpanishDict, the answers provided by the video author in the Description box, etc.)
- Record audio of yourself reading the correct version of each sentence answer.
Submit:
- The written original answers sentence list (it does not matter if they were wrong!)
- Audio link
- State how many answers you got correct and what method(s) you used to check.
Submit your work as a Word or PDF document in the appropriate assignment submission area of your course's Learning Management System (Blackboard, Canvas, Moodle, D2L, Google classroom, etc.)
When applicable: Please do not upload video or audio files. Instead, use a tool such as Vocaroo to record audio or Screencast-o-matic to record videos, and share the link.
When applicable: Use a tool such as Google Translate, Forvo, DeepL or SpanishDict to check your grammar and/or pronunciation.
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Section 6: Pronunciation Station
"CH" Sound
Please watch the video provided and then record yourself reading out loud the vocabulary words that include the specified letter or sound. Share the audio recording link.
When a submission requires an audio file, please do not upload video or audio files. Instead, use a tool such as Vocaroo to record audio and share the link.
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Section 7: Culture
Translating a Recipe
Learning about Latin recipes is a fun way to learn about the culture and increase our language skills. For this assignment, you will watch videos about popular recipes of Latin America and then choose and translate one.
Based on the videos:
- Choose one of the dishes and find a recipe for it through an internet search.
- Translate the recipe into English (if originally in Spanish) or Spanish (if originally in English).
- As a SLIDES PRESENTATION share the recipe (including ingredients, directions, etc.) in both languages along with an image that represents the dish. Even if you copy and paste, please make sure you do so neatly and in a manner that the ingredients and recipes can be easily followed in both languages.
- The SLIDES PRESENTATION should include your name and date on the first slide
- Record yourself reading the recipe (including list of ingredients) in both languages
- Hint: It will be easier, and better for learning, if you alternate English and Spanish line by line rather than reading the entire recipe in one language and then the other.)
- Optional but encouraged: If you are able to AND interested in AND have time for, you could actually cook the dish and share your images as well as details of your experience here!
- Submit the SLIDES PRESENTATION along with your audio link(s). If you prefer, you can also submit in video form as a link to a Published video.
NOTE 1: You may want to try to translate the recipe on your own, but to ensure proper grammar, spelling, etc. do use a translation platform to check your work before you turn it in. Please extend beyond Google Translate and use SpanishDict Translation or DeepL.
NOTE 2: When submitting your slides or other types of presentations, you have a few options:
- Google Slides – Copy and paste the link to your presentation onto the Module document you submit.
- Canva Presentation – Copy and paste the link to your Canva presentation.
- PDF File – Upload your presentation as a PDF file (this ensures audio links remain accessible).
- Video Format – If it makes sense for your project, you can create a video from your slides and submit a working link to the published video.
Submit your work as a Word or PDF document in the appropriate assignment submission area of your course's Learning Management System (Blackboard, Canvas, Moodle, D2L, Google classroom, etc.)
When applicable: Please do not upload video or audio files. Instead, use a tool such as Vocaroo to record audio or Screencast-o-matic to record videos, and share the link.
When applicable: Use a tool such as Google Translate, Forvo, DeepL or SpanishDict to check your grammar and/or pronunciation.
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Section 8: "Academic Honesty and Resource Acknowledgment Statement"
Please submit a statement affirming that the work you submit is your own, indicating that you have watched the videos, read the lessons, recorded your own audio, any screenshots are of your own work that you completed, and that composed your own sentences. Additionally, please provide an explanation of the resources or help, including any AI tools, that you utilized in the process of completing this work.
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Additional Resources (Optional)
Useful words for cooking and eating from FluentU: https://www.fluentu.com/blog/spanish/spanish-food-words/
Module 8: Spanish for travel
Estimated time to complete this Module: 4-6 hours
Please submit all sections, clearly labeled, in one document (unless otherwise stated such as Slides projects). PDF is preferred. If needed, you can submit more than one document, but that should be the exception rather than the rule.
Sections to complete and approximate time needed to complete each (may vary depending on your Spanish level, effort and interest)
- Warm-Up (15 minutes)
- Authentic Conversation (60 minutes)
- Vocabulary Builder (15 minutes)
- Language Learning Lab (30 minutes)
- Grammar & Writing (60 minutes)
- Pronunciation Station (15 minutes)
- Culture (90 minutes)
- "Academic Honesty and Resource Acknowledgment Statement" (15 minutes): Please submit a statement affirming that the work you submit is your own, indicating that you have watched the videos, read the lessons, recorded your own audio, any screenshots are of your own work that you completed, and that composed your own sentences. Additionally, please provide an explanation of the resources or help, including any AI tools, that you utilized in the process of completing this work.
YouTube Tips:
To view subtitles, click on the icon.
To view subtitles translated to any language, click on the icon, then click on the icon, click on ‘Auto-translate’ and choose the language you would like.
To slow down the audio speed of a video, click on the icon, click on ‘Playback Speed’ and choose the speed.
| Scroll down to get started with the first section! |
Section 1: Warm-Up
The Spanish you need for vacation
Learn some useful Spanish phrases for travel or everyday life with the video below.
- Based on the video, choose 3 phrases that were new, interesting or useful for you. Please avoid the more 'basic' phrases such as hola, por favor, etc.
- Create 2 phrases (not from the video) that you feel would be useful for you for travel to a Spanish-speaking country.
- Submit a written list and audio of you reading the phrases in English and Spanish.
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Section 2: Authentic Conversation
Travel Phrases
Knowing Spanish travel phrases is essential in communicating in Spanish even if you are not travelling, since you may want to help someone visiting your area. For this assignment, in English and Spanish, as text and audio:
Parte 1
- Read this StoryLearning lesson and watch the following video, and based on the video and lesson, imagine you and a friend are in a new place (for work, school or travel)
- For your original post, create a brief script where you greet someone and then ask three questions that you and your friend might ask someone when you travel. Post this script in English and Spanish, as audio and text.
Parte 2
- For your response post, choose the post of at least TWO other students and think of yourself as the person the student and his friend are asking questions to. Respond to the posts by answering all questions the students posted (text and audio English and Spanish) You will likely need to 'make-up' the answers!
All posts must be respectful and contribute positively to an atmosphere of civility and cooperation.
Post to the appropriate Discussion Board area of your course's Learning Management System (Blackboard, Canvas, Moodle, D2L, Google classroom, etc.) NOTE: If posting to a PADLET wall, please take a screenshot (or copy and paste the text) to also submit with the rest of the Module sections.
When applicable: Use a tool such as Google Translate, Forvo, DeepL or SpanishDict to check your grammar and/or pronunciation. Please share which (if any) translation platforms you used.
If the post requires an audio file, please do not upload video or audio files. Instead, use a tool such as Vocaroo to record audio and share the link. Note: If the Discussion Board is in a 'Padlet', this platform has an audio recording function as well.
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Section 3: Vocabulary Builder
Asking for directions
Would you know how to ask for and give directions in Spanish? Find out with this Spanish Experiment lesson which you can also access by clicking below as well as the video.
- Based on the lesson or video, share as text 5 of the phrases/sentences (not single, individual words with no context) that would be most useful for you to commit to memory (in English and Spanish) and explain how these phrases would be useful for you.
- Based on the lesson or video, record audio of yourself reading ALL of the example sentences (in English and Spanish) from the grey boxes on the lesson page (OR if from the video, all the video phrases). Notice you can hear the pronunciation by clicking on the 'play' triangle icon. Submit audio link of your reading the list in English and Spanish.
SPANISH EXPERIMENT LESSON
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Section 4: Language Learning Lab
One Simple Method
Note: Online safety is essential. Please do not practice any methods/strategies with people you do not know.
Curious as to how others learn languages most efficiently and while enjoying the process? Even if not, please watch the following video (running time of about 16 minutes). You will be glad you did!
Based on the video:
- Share what strategies or facts about language learning were new, most surprising or most useful to you. (at least 3)
- Share how OR if you plan to continue learning Spanish on your own. Maybe you will learn a different language? Which one(s)?
- Did the video inspire you to do something different in the way you approach language learning? Why or why not? Explain
- Provide enough detail from the video as well as your own thoughts and opinions.
Note: Online safety is essential. Please do not practice any methods/strategies with people you do not know.
Submit your work as a Word or PDF document in the appropriate assignment submission area of your course's Learning Management System (Blackboard, Canvas, Moodle, D2L, Google classroom, etc.)
When applicable: Please do not upload video or audio files. Instead, use a tool such as Vocaroo to record audio or Screencast-o-matic to record videos, and share the link.
When applicable: Use a tool such as Google Translate, Forvo, DeepL or SpanishDict to check your grammar and/or pronunciation.
Note: Online safety is essential. Please do not practice any methods/strategies with people you do not know.
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Section 5: Grammar & Writing
Prepositions
Prepositions hold a privileged position as parts of speech in that they are a 'closed class'. While prepositions are limited in number, they are important because they act as vital markers to the structure of a sentence; they mark special relationships between persons, objects, and locations. You will now, begin learning some prepositions in Spanish but keeping in mind, that their uses might be multiple and/or might change depending on context. Nonetheless, it is important to become familiar with these useful palabras.
Go to the SpanishDict vocabulary page and complete one or more prepositions quizzes.
SPANISHDICT PREPOSITIONS QUIZZES
Please submit screenshots of each completed quiz as proof of completion in the appropriate submission area.
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Section 6: Pronunciation Station
"R" Sound
Learn about (or review) the “R” and "RR" sound in Spanish (and more!) with the following video.
Please watch the video provided and then conduct some research and find 5 Spanish words that contain the letter 'R'.
Please submit a list of these words in both English and Spanish. Share the audio recording link and provide the written list as well.
When a submission requires an audio file, please do not upload video or audio files. Instead, use a tool such as Vocaroo to record audio and share the link.
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Section 7: Culture
¿A dónde debo ir? (Where should I go?)
Watch the following video below which will highlight the 21 Best Places to Visit in South America to learn about different places one might visit, authentic conversation and asking questions:
PARTE 1
- List the 21 places mentioned in the video
PARTE 2
- From the video, choose one place you would like to visit if you could, and conduct some research about the place you chose and write a brief summary about it (country, description, why is this place significant, etc.) (in Spanish and English)
- Find and share at least ONE image for the place
PARTE 3
- Create a list of at least THREE questions and THREE phrases (Spanish and English) that would be essential for you to know in Spanish if you were to visit these places
- Record yourself reading the phrases and questions in both languages (Watch out for any places in Brazil as they speak Portuguese! If you choose a place in Brazil, still complete your phrases in Spanish.)
- Add the written phrases and audio link to your submission
Submit your work as a Word or PDF document in the appropriate assignment submission area of your course's Learning Management System (Blackboard, Canvas, Moodle, D2L, Google classroom, etc.)
When applicable: Please do not upload video or audio files. Instead, use a tool such as Vocaroo to record audio or Screencast-o-matic to record videos, and share the link.
When applicable: Use a tool such as Google Translate, Forvo, DeepL or SpanishDict to check your grammar and/or pronunciation.
NOTE: Video runnung time is over 20 minutes, but it is well worth it!
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Section 8: "Academic Honesty and Resource Acknowledgment Statement"
Please submit a statement affirming that the work you submit is your own, indicating that you have watched the videos, read the lessons, recorded your own audio, any screenshots are of your own work that you completed, and that composed your own sentences. Additionally, please provide an explanation of the resources or help, including any AI tools, that you utilized in the process of completing this work.
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Additional Resources (Optional)
Just Learn Lesson: 15 Most Common Prepositions
Travel Phrases from FluentU: https://www.fluentu.com/blog/spanish/spanish-travel-phrases/
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Module 9: Talking about the Weather
Estimated time to complete this Module: 4-6 hours
Please submit all sections, clearly labeled, in one document (unless otherwise stated such as Slides projects). PDF is preferred. If needed, you can submit more than one document, but that should be the exception rather than the rule.
Sections to complete and approximate time needed to complete each (may vary depending on your Spanish level, effort and interest)
- Warm-Up (15 minutes)
- Authentic Conversation (60 minutes)
- Vocabulary Builder (15 minutes)
- Language Learning Lab (30 minutes)
- Grammar & Writing (60 minutes)
- Pronunciation Station (15 minutes)
- Culture (30 minutes)
- "Academic Honesty and Resource Acknowledgment Statement" (15 minutes): Please submit a statement affirming that the work you submit is your own, indicating that you have watched the videos, read the lessons, recorded your own audio, any screenshots are of your own work that you completed, and that composed your own sentences. Additionally, please provide an explanation of the resources or help, including any AI tools, that you utilized in the process of completing this work.
YouTube Tips:
To view subtitles, click on the icon.
To view subtitles translated to any language, click on the icon, then click on the icon, click on ‘Auto-translate’ and choose the language you would like.
To slow down the audio speed of a video, click on the icon, click on ‘Playback Speed’ and choose the speed.
| Scroll down to get started with the first section! |
Section 1: Warm-Up
Weather
Please watch the following video, and based on the video, share 3 phrases about weather you learned that were new, interesting or useful for you, in English and Spanish, as audio and text.
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Section 2: Authentic Conversation
How's the weather?
Did you know that often, when there is conversation about the weather takes place in Spanish, the word tiempo (which literaly means 'time') is used? You might recall that when asking about the actual time (clock time), the word hora (hour) is used, and now you will see how the word tiempo can be used for weather!
Learn about Weather expressions in Spanish (which use the important verbs SER, HABER and HACER) with the lesson below and based on what you learn from the lesson:
- Create a post that tells us what the current weather is like right now where you live and your favorite type of weather. Choose an image that represents your favorite weather (or related)
- Also, post a weather-related question that you would ask a friend or relative with whom you have plans in your area or who you may visit in a different area.
- Post the statements and questions as text and audio, in English and Spanish.
- Respond to the questions of at least one other student's post, also as text and audio in both languages.
Don't forget to include an image related to the weather you talked about in your original post!
SPEAK BETTER SPANISH LESSON (Ignore any sales aspect of the site and watch out for ads and be cautious where you click)
If the link above does not work, you can copy and paste the following onto a new tab: https://speakbetterspanish.com/how-to-talk-about-the-weather-in-spanish/
All posts must be respectful and contribute positively to an atmosphere of civility and cooperation.
Post to the appropriate Discussion Board area of your course's Learning Management System (Blackboard, Canvas, Moodle, D2L, Google classroom, etc.) NOTE: If posting to a PADLET wall, please take a screenshot (or copy and paste the text) to also submit with the rest of the Module sections.
When applicable: Use a tool such as Google Translate, Forvo, DeepL or SpanishDict to check your grammar and/or pronunciation. Please share which (if any) translation platforms you used.
If the post requires an audio file, please do not upload video or audio files. Instead, use a tool such as Vocaroo to record audio and share the link. Note: If the Discussion Board is in a 'Padlet', this platform has an audio recording function as well.
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Section 3: Vocabulary Builder
Muy and Mucho // Bien and Bueno
Sabes (do you know) the difference between MUY and MUCHO or BIEN and BUENO? Find out in about 5 minutes with the following Babbel videos! Based on the videos:
- Explain the difference AND share one sentence from the video using MUY and one sentence using MUCHO (Spanish and English - audio and text)
- Explain the difference AND share one sentence from the video using BIEN and one sentence using BUENO (Spanish and English - audio and text)
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Section 4: Language Learning Lab
Listening using context clues
Let's practice listening and comprehension skills.
- First, watch both of the videos below and then CHOOSE ONE for this assignment. Watch them all in Spanish and DO NOT worry about understanding much at this time.
- Watch the video you chose again without any subtitles. Listen for words, phrases you recognize and use context clues and take notes by hand as you watch because you will write a summary later. You can stop and start the video as needed, but play it only in Spanish. LATER, YOU CAN TURN ON THE AUTO-TRANSLATE CAPTIONS, BUT THE FIRST TIME, PLEASE DO NOT USE THE ENGLISH CAPTIONS. HOWEVER, YOU CAN USE THE SPANISH SUBTITLES/CAPTIONS!!!
- Then, write a short summary of the video, by hand (in English). If you are a beginner Spanish speaker, your summary will be limited, and that is OK!!!
- Keep the summary and notes (the notes should be hand-written!) so you can compare it to the actual video content.
- Now, re-watch the video, but this time, click on the CC icon at the bottom-right of the video screen, and you will see the captions in English.
- Read the captions as you watch again and when done, compare the actual video content to your summary. How close were you? How much were you able to understand initially? What strategies did you use to understand?
- Submit your initial hand-written summary and handwritten notes (upload photo, image of you summary sheet), answers to the above questions and share how this experience went for you? Simple? Challenging? Frustrating? What did you learn?
NOTE: If you cannot access Subtitles/Auto Translate try a different device (not a tablet or cell phone)
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Section 5: Grammar & Writing
Verb HACER
Hacer is an interesting verb that means both “to do” and “to make.” It's also irregular and one the most common verbs in Spanish. You use it in many situations including doing your homework, making cakes, talking about the weather, or discussing your hobbies, to name just a few.
Please visit the SpanishDict lessons provided via the links below to learn about this topic.
Scroll down the page to find the written lesson title 'Explanation', which includes sample sentences displayed in grey boxes. Record audio of yourself reading aloud all the sample sentences and phrases from the lesson's 'Explanation' section. Each sample sentence has accompanying audio that you can listen to by clicking on the speaker icon. Feel free to submit audio of yourself repeating after the lesson audio.
Next, complete the Activity Lessons located at the top of the page. Provide a screenshot(s) of each completed lesson as evidence of your completion. If you complete lessons at different times, you can submit separate screenshots. If you complete them all at one, you can submit one screenshot that shows they have been completed.
SPANISHDICT LESSON - HACER (TIME EXPRESSIONS)
You will complete the 1st lesson by clicking on the 'Useful Expressions' title
SPANISHDICT LESSON - HACER (WEATHER EXPRESSIONS)
Please complete ALL 3 lessons
- Note: When completing the lesson activities, you can hover over the Spanish sentences to view the English translation
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Section 6: Pronunciation Station
"LL" Sound
Learn about (or review) the “LL” sound in Spanish (and more!) with the following video. Please watch the video provided and then record yourself reading out loud the vocabulary words that include the specified letter or sound. Additionally, please submit a list of these words in both English and Spanish. Share the audio recording link and provide the written list as well.
When a submission requires an audio file, please do not upload video or audio files. Instead, use a tool such as Vocaroo to record audio and share the link.
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Section 7: Culture
Geography and Culture
Do you think Geography affects culture? Does geography affect climate and does climate affect culture? Can it affect language? Is the Spanish language affected by the geography of its countries? To get you started answering these questions, watch the fascinating video below about the geography of South America and then think about these questions. The video will not answer the questions but will show you some interesting facts about the Geography of South America so you can try to come up with some theories of the Geography and Culture connection.
Please disregard any 'sales' aspect of the video which begin at 5 min 30 seconds mark.
Based on the video, in English (and Spanish as well if you would like the practice):
- List 3 new, useful or interesting facts you learned from the video.
- How do you think the geography of South American countries shapes each country's culture and language? Explain this in your own words, providing enough detail to show that you have thoughtfully considered your response. Feel free to conduct additional research to support your explanation, as the video will not provide an opinion on this topic. Avoid using "circular" reasoning, such as statements like, "South American countries influence their culture and language because they are different countries and therefore affect one another." Please do not use Artificial Intelligence tools like ChatGPT to write your response. Base your answer solely on the information you gained from the video and your own research or reflections.
When applicable: Use a tool such as Google Translate, Forvo, DeepL or SpanishDict to check your grammar and/or pronunciation. Please share which (if any) translation platforms you used.
If the post requires an audio file, please do not upload video or audio files. Instead, use a tool such as Vocaroo to record audio and share the link. Note: If the Discussion Board is in a 'Padlet', this platform has an audio recording function as well.
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Section 8: "Academic Honesty and Resource Acknowledgment Statement"
Please submit a statement affirming that the work you submit is your own, indicating that you have watched the videos, read the lessons, recorded your own audio, any screenshots are of your own work that you completed, and that composed your own sentences. Additionally, please provide an explanation of the resources or help, including any AI tools, that you utilized in the process of completing this work. INCLUDE YOUR FULL NAME IN THIS SPECIC STATEMENT IN BOLD.
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Additional Resources (Optional)
Lesson about the weather from The Spanish Experiment: https://www.thespanishexperiment.com/learn-spanish/weather
Geopraphy of South America by National Geographic: https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/south-america-physical-geography/
Module 10: Spanish for Work
Estimated time to complete this Module: 4-6 hours
Please submit all sections, clearly labeled, in one document (unless otherwise stated such as Slides projects). PDF is preferred. If needed, you can submit more than one document, but that should be the exception rather than the rule.
Sections to complete and approximate time needed to complete each (may vary depending on your Spanish level, effort and interest)
- Warm-Up (30 minutes)
- Authentic Conversation (60 minutes)
- Vocabulary Builder (45 minutes)
- Language Learning Lab (30 minutes)
- Grammar & Writing (60 minutes)
- Pronunciation Station (15 minutes)
- Culture (60 minutes)
- "Academic Honesty and Resource Acknowledgment Statement" (15 minutes): Please submit a statement affirming that the work you submit is your own, indicating that you have watched the videos, read the lessons, recorded your own audio, any screenshots are of your own work that you completed, and that composed your own sentences. Additionally, please provide an explanation of the resources or help, including any AI tools, that you utilized in the process of completing this work.
YouTube Tips:
To view subtitles, click on the icon.
To view subtitles translated to any language, click on the icon, then click on the icon, click on ‘Auto-translate’ and choose the language you would like.
To slow down the audio speed of a video, click on the icon, click on ‘Playback Speed’ and choose the speed.
| Scroll down to get started with the first section! |
Section 1: Warm-Up
Dates in Spanish
Learning how to tell and understand dates in Spanish is helpful and a great way to learn or review numbers, days of the week, months and how to state large numbers, since unlike English where we can divide up the year as 20-23 (twenty-twentythree), the year in Spanish is spelled out completely as a number in the 1000's.
Please watch the following video to learn more, and based on what you learned from the video, share the following dates written fully (not abbreviated) in Spanish. This means the date should have the day number, month and year.
Submit as text and audio in English and Spanish:
- Today's full date (day, number, month and year) DO NOT ABBREVIATE AS IN 11/1/2001 - write out the full dates as words as this example shows: Dos de octubre de dos mil venticuatro)
- Your birthdate (day number and month) DO NOT ABBREVIATE AS IN 11/1/2001 - write out the full dates as words)
When a submission requires an audio file, please do not upload video or audio files. Instead, use a tool such as Vocaroo to record audio and share the link.
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Section 2: Authentic Conversation
Spanish for your Profession
Estimated time to complete this lesson: 60 minutes
For this assignment, you will conduct some research and find a video showcasing Spanish being spoken in your current or future profession in context.
For example, if you are going to be a teacher, find a video of a teacher in a Spanish speaking classroom. If you are going to be a nurse, find a nurse speaking Spanish to a patient or teaching non-Spanish nurses how to communicate in Spanish in a medical setting.
- Post the video and your reasons for choosing it.
- Choose at least one classmate's post and watch their video. Share 2 facts or Spanish phrases you learned from their video.
Below is such as example for the profession of engineer (ingeniero)
Sample student reasons/explanation for choosing the video
I chose this video because I am studying to become an engineer. This video shows an engineer who teaches engineering and in the video, he describes the intersection between engineering, technology and how these can be used to solve global problems. I also chose it because it is a TedX video which indicates it is from a credible and appropriate source.
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Section 3: Vocabulary Builder
Cognates
Cognates are pairs of words that sound alike and have the same meaning in two different languages. They are useful first steps in learning a new language. Spanish and English share hundreds of cognates and have borrowed from each other for centuries. These can be very helpful for professions, especially when the cognates have Latin or Greek roots.
Please watch the following video about cognates which will also help you complete this assignment. (Note: the video has an error with the cognate for 'delicious' - in Spanish, it is delicioso!) Interestingly, a lot of the Spanish words for professions are English cognates such as doctor, artista, profesor and many more.
Based on your current or future situation(s), conduct some research and find 10 cognates that would be useful to know for your profession or your daily life or your school life, your sports life, etc.
- State the cognate rules from the video.
- State your profession and/or major or chosen situation (in Spanish and English)
- Submit a list of 10 cognates in Spanish and English that would be useful for your current or future career.
- Please do not simply find an alphabetical list of cognates on the internet and copy and paste straight from the list. Instead, take some time to go through the list and find cognates that would truly be useful for you.
- Explain how/why the cognates you chose would be useful to know in your profession. This can be a general statement, and you do not have to explain each cognate.
- Submit an audio recording link of you stating the cognates (English and Spanish)
When a submission requires an audio file, please do not upload video or audio files. Instead, use a tool such as Vocaroo to record audio and share the link.
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Section 4: Language Learning Lab
Tell me about yourself
One type of question that you can almost count on during a job interview is 'Tell me about yourself' roughly translated to Háblame de ti.
This question allows the interviewer to hear a short, summed up version of your background and skills, and it gives them insight into what experience and qualifications you think are most relevant to the position you’re interviewing for.
Read the article below (it is in English) and watch the Spanish video below. The Spanish video will give you great listening practice for Spanish as it is spoken in the Caribbean, specifically Puerto Rico.Remember you can turn on the captions/subtitles and use the Auto-Translate function in YouTube.
The other video is in English, and you are encouraged to watch it, but it is not necessary.
- Based on the first video, share 2 new, useful or interesting phrases you learned. List them in English and Spanish as audio and text.
- Based on what you learn from the videos, article or any research you conduct, list 3 different ways in Spanish that you could be asked the question "Tell me about yourself" at a job interview. List them in English and Spanish as audio and text.
- Optional: Think of how you would answer this question in English or Spanish! You are encouraged to create a one-minute audio response to Háblame de ti as though you were in an actual interview!
NOTE: As you will see/learn from the resources below, this interview question is NOT the time to talk about your personal life but rather to present to the interviewer your professional background and what you 'bring to the table' (how would the company benefit from hiring you)
Submit your work as a Word or PDF document in the appropriate assignment submission area of your course's Learning Management System (Blackboard, Canvas, Moodle, D2L, Google classroom, etc.)
When applicable: Please do not upload video or audio files. Instead, use a tool such as Vocaroo to record audio or Screencast-o-matic to record videos, and share the link.
When applicable: Use a tool such as Google Translate, Forvo, DeepL or SpanishDict to check your grammar and/or pronunciation.
Article
INDEED ARTICLE: HOW TO ANSWER 'TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF'
Videos
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Section 5:
Grammar & Writing (Note: There are 2 parts to this section)
PARTE 1: Writing sentences in Spanish
Learn (or review) sentence construction and increase your vocabulary with the video below. Based on the video, notice the 'typical' construction of a sentence in Spanish. Also, choose 5 sample sentences that were new or interesting for you. Write them by hand (English and Spanish) and submit a screenshot of your handwritten list.
PARTE 2: Writing a Cover Letter
Now that we have learned how to answer the "Tell me about yourself" job interview question and you have some experience with sentence construction, let's practice writing skills in Spanish with a Cover Letter for an ideal job you would apply for.
- First, read the article from ThoughtCo and learn more about formal Spanish for business communications with the video below. Notice the greetings and closings which are different (and many not have a literal translation between English and Spanish.
- Based on the article, list 1 formal and 1 informal greeting that can be used in a letter (Spanish with English equivalent)
- Based on the article, list 1 formal and 1 informal closing that can be used in a letter (Spanish with English equivalent)
- Conduct a search on jobs of interest to you and choose one job posting that you would apply to. Then, watch the video below and learn about writing formal letters in Spanish such as job application letters.
- Using what you learned, write a cover letter in Spanish (with an English version) applying for the job. Record audio of you reading the letter.
- SUMMARY OF WHAT YOU WILL SUBMIT:
- Submit list of greetings and closings from article
- Submit your letter as a document in both languages. Include proper formarting (as though it were an actual letter - you can submit as a separate document) and make sure to include proper greetings, closings and the proper date in Spanish.
- Submit an audio recording of you reading the letter in English and Spanish
- Include the job posting title and link for the job for which you created the application letter.
- SUMMARY OF WHAT YOU WILL SUBMIT:
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Section 6: Pronunciation Station
"N" And "Ñ" sound
Please watch the video provided and then record yourself reading out loud the vocabulary words that include the specified letter or sound. Additionally, please submit a list of these words in both English and Spanish. Share the audio recording link and provide the written list as well.
When a submission requires an audio file, please do not upload video or audio files. Instead, use a tool such as Vocaroo to record audio and share the link.
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Section 7: Culture
Ideal Jobs
As we get closer to the end of the course, we should look into how Spanish fits in with your current and future professional career or job plans. It may be interesting to note that the word trabajo can be the 1st person conjugation in the present tense for trabajar ("to work") but also it can be the noun for 'job'.
Watch the video below with authentic talk about professions and ideal jobs.
Based on the video:
- Share three (3) jobs, careers or professions words from the video that were new or interesting or useful for you to know about (submit as text and audio in English and Spanish)
- Share your current or future profession/career/field/job as audio and text (submit as text and audio in English and Spanish)
When applicable: Use a tool such as Google Translate, Forvo, DeepL or SpanishDict to check your grammar and/or pronunciation. Please share which (if any) translation platforms you used.
If the post requires an audio file, please do not upload video or audio files. Instead, use a tool such as Vocaroo to record audio and share the link. Note: If the Discussion Board is in a 'Padlet', this platform has an audio recording function as well.
Additional Resources (Optional but encouraged!)
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Section 8: "Academic Honesty and Resource Acknowledgment Statement"
Please submit a statement affirming that the work you submit is your own, indicating that you have watched the videos, read the lessons, recorded your own audio, any screenshots are of your own work that you completed, and that composed your own sentences. Additionally, please provide an explanation of the resources or help, including any AI tools, that you utilized in the process of completing this work.
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Additional Resources (Optional)
How to write a letter in Spanish: https://www.fluentu.com/blog/spanish/writing-letters-in-spanish/
Module 11: Feelings and more
Estimated time to complete this Module: 4-6 hours
Please submit all sections, clearly labeled, in one document (unless otherwise stated such as Slides projects). PDF is preferred. If needed, you can submit more than one document, but that should be the exception rather than the rule.
Sections to complete and approximate time needed to complete each (may vary depending on your Spanish level, effort and interest)
- Warm-Up (30 minutes)
- Authentic Conversation (60 minutes)
- Vocabulary Builder (30 minutes)
- Language Learning Lab (30 minutes)
- Grammar & Writing (60 minutes)
- Pronunciation Station (15 minutes)
- Culture (30 minutes)
- "Academic Honesty and Resource Acknowledgment Statement" (15 minutes): Please submit a statement affirming that the work you submit is your own, indicating that you have watched the videos, read the lessons, recorded your own audio, any screenshots are of your own work that you completed, and that composed your own sentences. Additionally, please provide an explanation of the resources or help, including any AI tools, that you utilized in the process of completing this work.
YouTube Tips:
To view subtitles, click on the icon.
To view subtitles translated to any language, click on the icon, then click on the icon, click on ‘Auto-translate’ and choose the language you would like.
To slow down the audio speed of a video, click on the icon, click on ‘Playback Speed’ and choose the speed.
| Scroll down to get started with the first section! |
Section 1: Warm-Up
Feelings
Learn and practice how to express 'sensations/feelings' such as hunger, thirst and more.
Please watch the video below and:
- Share 3 new, interesting or useful full sentences you learned from the video about expressing how we feel, in English and Spanish, as text and audio.
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Section 2: Authentic Conversation
To have to do something
Tener que and Hay que are phrases that indicate something needs to be 'done'. Learn more with the video below and this lesson from BaseLang.
- Based on what you learn, create 1 statement using HAY QUE and 1 statement using TENER QUE (you can conjugate TENER to 1st, 2nd or 3rd person) about tasks that NEED to be completed (by you or someone else) for school, home or work.
- Post your statements in English and Spanish as audio and text.
- Please respond to the post of at least one other student stating whether you 'want to' or are 'able to' complete whatever 'tasks' the student stated need to be completed. Respond with text and audio in English and Spanish.
All posts must be respectful and contribute positively to an atmosphere of civility and cooperation.
Post to the appropriate Discussion Board area of your course's Learning Management System (Blackboard, Canvas, Moodle, D2L, Google classroom, etc.) NOTE: If posting to a PADLET wall, please take a screenshot (or copy and paste the text) to also submit with the rest of the Module sections.
When applicable: Use a tool such as Google Translate, Forvo, DeepL or SpanishDict to check your grammar and/or pronunciation. Please share which (if any) translation platforms you used.
If the post requires an audio file, please do not upload video or audio files. Instead, use a tool such as Vocaroo to record audio and share the link. Note: If the Discussion Board is in a 'Padlet', this platform has an audio recording function as well.
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Section 3: Vocabulary Builder
Expressing feelings
TENER means "to have" but can be used in many other ways and common Spanish expressions and ESTAR means to be but can also be used in other expressions. These expressions will be explored with this BaseLang lesson as they pertain to emotions and how we feel. Please visit the lesson provided via the link below to learn about this topic.
Read over the lesson, and then scroll down the page to find the sections titled:
Using Estar and Tener
Common Spanish idioms with Estar
Common Spanish idioms with Tener
Estar
Tener
Verb Sentir + Reflexive Pronouns
Copy and paste the phrases/sentences and record audio of yourself reading aloud all sample sentences and phrases from the sections (including the 'incorrect' versions - this is so you get the speaking practice).
- Submit text list and audio link.
When a submission requires an audio file, please do not upload video or audio files. Instead, use a tool such as Vocaroo to record audio and share the link.
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Section 4: Grammar & Writing
More Verb TENER (Note: There are 2 parts to this section)
PARTE 1: TENER for age
Even though tener is the verb for 'to have'. It is also used to talk about age (as in 'How old are you?'
Learn more with the short video below, and based on the video:
- Explain what is means that 'in Spanish, age is expressed as a possessive'.
- Share 3 age-related sentences from the video, in English and Spanish as audio and text.
PARTE 2: TENER practice
Complete the Activity Lessons located at the top of the page. Choose at least 2 lessons you will complete (choose the 1st lesson and then choose 1 other) and click on each lesson to complete. Provide a screenshot of each completed lesson as evidence of your completion. If you complete lessons at different times, you can submit separate screenshots. If you complete them all at one, you can submit one screenshot that shows they have been completed.
SPANISHDICT ACTIVITY
Interactive lessons at the top of the page for which you will submit screenshot(s) as proof of completion) Click on each of the lessons to complete.
- Note: When completing the lesson activities, you can hover over the Spanish sentences to view the English translation
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Section 5: Language Learning Lab
Forming questions
Turning a statement into a question in Spanish is simple! Watch this video lesson to learn how we can turn a statement into a question in Spanish without having to change the words or word order.
Based on what you learn from the video:
- Explain the 3 ways in which we can form questions in Spanish
- Now, refer back to the statments using TENER QUE and HAY QUE from the previous Authentic Conversation section. Re-write your statements as questions. Submit both sets (statements and questions) as text and audio in both languages. Effective synthesis of structured ideas enhances comprehension and retention. Make sure to change your tone so it is evident which one is a statement and which one is a question!
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Section 6: Pronunciation Station
Opposite words
You may recall a handwritten list of antonyms based on a video in a previous sectionn. Now, you will re-visit those vocabulary words again, but this time, you will record audio of yourself repeating the words while the video plays. Play the video, and repeat the words after you hear them. Submit an audio link.
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Section 7: Culture
Don't do this in Mexico
Please watch the provided video and:
- Share two facts that you found to be new, interesting, or valuable.
- Also, share your thoughts on the use of YES to mean NO (around the 5-minute mark) and how that compares to how you respond to an invitation that you do not feel like accepting (or cannot accept)
Your submission can be in English, Spanish or both as written text.
When applicable: Use a tool such as Google Translate, Forvo, DeepL or SpanishDict to check your grammar and/or pronunciation. Please share which (if any) translation platforms you used.
If the post requires an audio file, please do not upload video or audio files. Instead, use a tool such as Vocaroo to record audio and share the link. Note: If the Discussion Board is in a 'Padlet', this platform has an audio recording function as well.
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Section 8: "Academic Honesty and Resource Acknowledgment Statement"
Please submit a statement affirming that the work you submit is your own, indicating that you have watched the videos, read the lessons, recorded your own audio, any screenshots are of your own work that you completed, and that composed your own sentences. Additionally, please provide an explanation of the resources or help, including any AI tools, that you utilized in the process of completing this work.
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Additional Resources (Optional)
How to express feelings and emotions from Homeschool Academy: https://www.spanish.academy/blog/50-feelings-and-emotions-in-spanish-expressions-vocab-and-grammar/
Module 12: Emergencies
Estimated time to complete this Module: 4-6 hours
Please submit all sections, clearly labeled, in one document (unless otherwise stated such as Slides projects). PDF is preferred. If needed, you can submit more than one document, but that should be the exception rather than the rule.
Sections to complete and approximate time needed to complete each (may vary depending on your Spanish level, effort and interest)
- Warm-Up (15 minutes)
- Authentic Conversation (60 minutes)
- Vocabulary Builder (15 minutes)
- Language Learning Lab (30 minutes)
- Grammar & Writing (60 minutes)
- Pronunciation Station (15 minutes)
- Culture (30 minutes)
- "Academic Honesty and Resource Acknowledgment Statement" (15 minutes): Please submit a statement affirming that the work you submit is your own, indicating that you have watched the videos, read the lessons, recorded your own audio, any screenshots are of your own work that you completed, and that composed your own sentences. Additionally, please provide an explanation of the resources or help, including any AI tools, that you utilized in the process of completing this work.
YouTube Tips:
To view subtitles, click on the icon.
To view subtitles translated to any language, click on the icon, then click on the icon, click on ‘Auto-translate’ and choose the language you would like.
To slow down the audio speed of a video, click on the icon, click on ‘Playback Speed’ and choose the speed.
| Scroll down to get started with the first section! |
Section 1: Warm-Up
La policía
Please watch this short video to learn/review Spanish greetings and basic "criminal emergency" phrases in an unusual way: a funny sketch based on the genre of a Spanish telenovela (TV soap opera).
- Based on the video, list 3 different, full phrases you learned or that are interesting or useful for a beginner speaker or for yourself (as audio and text, in Spanish and English)
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Section 2: Authentic Conversation
Emergency Phrases
Whether it is for travel, daily life or work, it is important to know Spanish phrases for emergencies.
Watch the following video for a few basic emergency phrases.
- List FIVE emergency words/phrases you learned from the video
You will find the video is not enough for all the possible emergencies one might encounter or the most likely ones depending on the situation.
- Therefore, please conduct some research and find:
- ONE video to help you learn phrases for emergencies in Spanish.
- ONE website or online resource to help you learn phrases for emergencies in Spanish.
- Share the resource(s) and explain how each would be helpful.
- Please respond to the post of at least one other student by visiting the links they provided and commenting on the usefulness of the video/resources/websites they shared AND two (2) new emergency words/phrases (English and Spanish versions) you learned from the resources shared in the post you responded to.
All posts must be respectful and contribute positively to an atmosphere of civility and cooperation.
Post to the appropriate Discussion Board area of your course's Learning Management System (Blackboard, Canvas, Moodle, D2L, Google classroom, etc.) NOTE: If posting to a PADLET wall, please take a screenshot (or copy and paste the text) to also submit with the rest of the Module sections.
When applicable: Use a tool such as Google Translate, Forvo, DeepL or SpanishDict to check your grammar and/or pronunciation. Please share which (if any) translation platforms you used.
If the post requires an audio file, please do not upload video or audio files. Instead, use a tool such as Vocaroo to record audio and share the link. Note: If the Discussion Board is in a 'Padlet', this platform has an audio recording function as well.
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Section 3: Vocabulary Builder
Emergency words and phrases
Click HERE to access a Quizlet set of flashcards. Choose any mode to practice and share a screenshot showing completion.
If the link above does not work, copy and paste the following onto a new tab: https://quizlet.com/387639223/practical-spanish-emergency-wordspalabras-de-emergencia-flash-cards/?i=e5fdo&x=1jqt
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Section 4: Language Learning Lab
Shadowing Practice
You will now use an engaging method to help your Spanish skills: Shadowing. Unlike the Repeating method where you listen to a word or phrase and repeat after it, with Shadowing, you try to speak at just about the same time as the speaker. This is not unlike singing along with your favorite song, and it helps you with the mechanics, rate of speech and intonation of language as it is spoken. So you may or may not have heard of the method of Shadowing as a strategy to increase your fluency in Spanish (or any language), but if not familiar with this method of increasing your Spanish fluency, this video will explain what it is. Shadowing is sometimes difficult for beginners, but for this assignment, do give it a try!!!!
- Watch (listen) to the video below and record yourself SHADOWING FOR AT LEAST THREE MINUTES. The video is related to the topic this week. If you would like to choose a different video to shadow, you are welcome to.
- Share a bit about your experience and the answers to the following:
- Share the link to the source (audio, video, etc.) you chose to shadow and explain WHY you chose it.
- What was your experience like with shadowing? (Fun? Challenging? Stressful? Simple? Useful?) Explain in English, as text.
- Based on this experience, do you think shadowing might (or might not) be a good way to increase your Spanish skills? Explain in English, as text.
- Please note that Shadowing is NOT repeating after you hear the phrase, it is saying the phrase at the same time (follow along) as you hear the phrases.
- Submit and audio link of your shadowing practice and the response to the questions above.
When a submission requires an audio file, please do not upload video or audio files. Instead, use a tool such as Vocaroo to record audio and share the link.
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Section 5: Grammar & Writing
Commands
Please visit the SpanishDict lesson provided via the link below to learn about this topic, and watch the video below. As you go through the lesson, you may want to think about the ways in which learning 'commands' can be helpful for giving orders or telling people to 'do something' in many situations such as emergencies or just daily life.
Complete the Activity Lesson located at the top of the page. Provide a screenshot(s) of the completed lessons as evidence of your completion.
SPANISHDICT LESSON
Interactive lessons at the top of the page for which you will submit screenshot(s) as proof of completion) Click on each of the lessons to complete.- Note: When completing the lesson activities, you can hover over the Spanish sentences to view the English translation
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Section 6: Pronunciation Station
Emergency words and phrases
Put all your pronunciation skills to the test by recording audio of yourself stating all the emergency words and phrases you practiced in a previous section. Click HERE to access a Quizlet set of flashcards you will use to record your audio in English and Spanish. Submit the audio link.
When a submission requires an audio file, please do not upload video or audio files. Instead, use a tool such as Vocaroo to record audio and share the link.
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Section 7: Culture
Native pronunciation: Does it make a difference?
Watch the videos below about Spanish pronunciation and how to sound more 'authentic' but DO KEEP IN MIND that getting your message across in Spanish is WAY more important than 100% accurate pronunciation! However, the pronunciation needs to be such that it does NOT interfere with understanding, so it is definitely a worthwhile endeavor.
- From the video titled How to Speak Like a Native Spanish Speaker, list and describe the 4 strategies explained (in your own words and with enough evidence from the video) to improve (not to make it perfect or native-like!) your Spanish pronunciation.
- From the video titled Are There Differences between Spanish in Latin America and Spain, list 3 new, interesting or useful things you learned. Your response can be in English, Spanish or both. Please use full sentences and enough details from the video.
- Explain if your views about how you approach your Spanish pronunciation (or understanding of the pronunciation of others) have changed based on what you learned from the videos. Why or why not?
- Note: This is a beginner's Spanish course, so 'native' pronunciation is not the most important thing at this point, but it is helpful both for speaking and understanding others. As long as you can be understood (your pronunciation does not interfere with understanding) you are speaking well!
- This activity is also for you to be aware of the differences in pronunciation amongst different countries. This is not meant to have you 'decide' upon one accent to pursue as you learn Spanish or 'understand' all the different accents or any particular pronunciation but rather to learn a bit about them.
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Section 8: "Academic Honesty and Resource Acknowledgment Statement"
Please submit a statement affirming that the work you submit is your own, indicating that you have watched the videos, read the lessons, recorded your own audio, any screenshots are of your own work that you completed, and that composed your own sentences. Additionally, please provide an explanation of the resources or help, including any AI tools, that you utilized in the process of completing this work.
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Additional Resources (Optional)
Emergency Phrases from Lingo: https://ling-app.com/es/spanish-emergency-phrases/
Module 13: Spanish and Arabic Connection
Estimated time to complete this Module: 4-6 hours
Please submit all sections, clearly labeled, in one document (unless otherwise stated such as Slides projects). PDF is preferred. If needed, you can submit more than one document, but that should be the exception rather than the rule.
Sections to complete and approximate time needed to complete each (may vary depending on your Spanish level, effort and interest)
- Warm-Up (15 minutes)
- Authentic Conversation (60 minutes)
- Vocabulary Builder (15 minutes)
- Language Learning Lab (30 minutes)
- Grammar & Writing (60 minutes)
- Pronunciation Station (15 minutes)
- Culture (30 minutes)
- "Academic Honesty and Resource Acknowledgment Statement" (15 minutes): Please submit a statement affirming that the work you submit is your own, indicating that you have watched the videos, read the lessons, recorded your own audio, any screenshots are of your own work that you completed, and that composed your own sentences. Additionally, please provide an explanation of the resources or help, including any AI tools, that you utilized in the process of completing this work.
YouTube Tips:
To view subtitles, click on the icon.
To view subtitles translated to any language, click on the icon, then click on the icon, click on ‘Auto-translate’ and choose the language you would like.
To slow down the audio speed of a video, click on the icon, click on ‘Playback Speed’ and choose the speed.
| Scroll down to get started with the first section! |
Section 1: Warm-Up
Origins of Spanish
Learn about the history of the Spanish language with this fun, animated video! You will be glad you watched!
Based on what you learned from the video, in Spanish, English or both, list 3 new, useful or interesting facts. Include enough specifics from the video as well as your own thoughts.
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Section 2: Authentic Conversation
Un hecho interesante (An interesting fact)
Spanish has a lot of Arabic-influenced word which we will explore in this Module, starting with the 2-minute video below which you will be glad you watched! However, there are many other interesting facts about Spanish and Spanish-speaking countries as well as resources to help learn Spanish. For this Discussion Board:
- Conduct your own research and find a new, interesting and/or useful resource to learn about a Spanish-speaking country, culture, places, learning Spanish or the Spanish language. Please make sure the resources is from a credible and appropriate for this class (content and language level) - this means you will have to become familiar with the resource before posting!
- Then, share a link to the fact/resource, its title and some image that gives a bit of context to the resource. You could even share a video.
- Explain and describe the resource and why you chose it. You can use English, but a Spanish version is always welcome!
All posts must be respectful and contribute positively to an atmosphere of civility and cooperation.
Post to the appropriate Discussion Board area of your course's Learning Management System (Blackboard, Canvas, Moodle, D2L, Google classroom, etc.) NOTE: If posting to a PADLET wall, please take a screenshot (or copy and paste the text) to also submit with the rest of the Module sections.
When applicable: Use a tool such as Google Translate, Forvo, DeepL or SpanishDict to check your grammar and/or pronunciation. Please share which (if any) translation platforms you used.
If the post requires an audio file, please do not upload video or audio files. Instead, use a tool such as Vocaroo to record audio and share the link. Note: If the Discussion Board is in a 'Padlet', this platform has an audio recording function as well.
VIDEO
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Section 3: Vocabulary Builder
Spanish words of Arabic Origin
From the list of 40 Spanish words of Arabic origin, choose 5 and create a sentence for each that uses that word. Submit the sentences in English and Spanish, as audio and text.
40 words of Arabic origin: https://www.spanish.academy/blog/40-spanish-words-that-came-from-arabic/
When a submission requires an audio file, please do not upload video or audio files. Instead, use a tool such as Vocaroo to record audio and share the link.
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Section 4: Language Learning Lab:
Translate Using Context
For this assignment, you will try out translating first WITHOUT help and then WITH the help of online resources. The goal here is NOT to have a perfect translation but to give you a sense of translating by using context. You will first read the text on the next page. Then:
1. Translate the text to English WITHOUT using any apps - title this translation NO APP TRANSLATION (remember the goal is not an accurate translation!)
2. After you translate on your own (without an app) Create a list of 10-20 words that you did not know and translate them using any of the resources you have (DeepL, SpanishDict, etc. - extend beyond Google Translate) - TYPE YOUR LIST IN BOTH LANGUAGES and title this translation NEW WORDS
3. Return to original and translate again. Did the translation get better? Explain.
4. Now, copy and paste (or type) the original English text into translator app and compare YOUR TRANSLATION with the APP translation. Title this new translation APP TRANSLATION
5. Compare translations - how close was your translation to the APP translation? Yours might be more accurate than the app, do you think so?
- Submit ALL written translations, properly labeled as per the instructions above AND:
- Share how this process went for you:
- How long did it take?
- How accurate was your initial translation?
- How did the translation improve after you increased your vocabulary by looking up the words?
- Was this activity challenging? Simple? Fun? Useful? Explain.
Translate the following:
La influencia del árabe en el español es notable. A partir del año 711, los ejércitos árabes iniciaron la conquista de la Península Ibérica, introduciendo su arte, arquitectura y lengua en la región.
Con el tiempo, el árabe se fusionó con el español antiguo, contribuyendo a la evolución del idioma tal como lo conocemos hoy. Después del latín e inglés, el árabe es posiblemente la lengua que más términos ha aportado al español. Muchos cognados entre inglés y español que no tienen origen latino provienen del árabe.
Source: https://www.thoughtco.com/spanishs-arab-connection-3078180
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Section 5: Grammar & Writing
Review of SER and ESTAR
Please visit the SpanishDict lesson provided via the link below to learn about this topic.
- Scroll down the page to find the written lesson title 'Explanation', which includes sample sentences displayed in grey boxes. Record audio of yourself reading aloud all the sample sentences and phrases from the lesson's 'Explanation' section. Each sample sentence has accompanying audio that you can listen to by clicking on the speaker icon. Feel free to submit audio of yourself repeating after the lesson audio.
- Next, complete the Activity Lessons located at the top of the page. Choose at least 3 lessons you will complete:
- Choose the 1st lesson and then choose 2 others (or more if you would like) and click on each lesson. Provide a screenshot of each completed lesson as evidence of your completion. If you complete lessons at different times, you can submit separate screenshots. If you complete them all at one, you can submit one screenshot that shows they have been completed.
SPANISHDICT LESSON
You will need to scroll down the page to view the 'Explanation' section
SPANISHDICT ACTIVITY
Interactive lessons at the top of the page for which you will submit screenshot(s) as proof of completion) Click on each of the lessons to complete.
- Note: When completing the lesson activities, you can hover over the Spanish sentences to view the English translation
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Section 6: Pronunciation Station
Words of Arabic origin
From the list of Spanish words of Arabic origin, record audio of yourself reading all the words. Submit a link to your audio. You are welcome to record yourself repeating after the audio that is next to each word.
SPANISHDICT LESSON: https://www.spanishdict.com/guide/spanish-words-of-arabic-origin
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Section 7: Culture
Flamenco
Flamenco is a form of song, dance, and instrumental (mostly guitar) music commonly associated with the Andalusian Roma (Gypsies) of southern Spain. (There, the Roma people are called Gitanos.) The roots of flamenco, though somewhat mysterious, seem to lie in the Roma migration from Rajasthan (in northwest India) to Spain between the 9th and 14th centuries. These migrants brought with them musical instruments, such as tambourines, bells, and wooden castanets, and an extensive repertoire of songs and dances. In Spain they encountered the rich cultures of the Sephardic Jews and the Moors. Their centuries-long cultural intermingling produced the unique art form known as flamenco.
For this assignment, however, watch the video below where 3 individuals complete a FLAMENCO dance lesson all in Spanish.
They are beginner speakers, part of a Babbel platform challenge, and I think they did really well!
After you watch the video, you might be inspired to find some online dance (or workout) lessons to have fun while improving your Spanish. Submit answers to the following questions, in English and Spanish (audio and text):
- What surprised you the most from the video?
- Could you take a dance lesson (or any other type of instruction) ALL in Spanish? Explain
- If you were to teach a lesson (in Spanish) on something you like, are good at or would like to learn, what would it be?
Submit your work as a Word or PDF document in the appropriate assignment submission area of your course's Learning Management System (Blackboard, Canvas, Moodle, D2L, Google classroom, etc.)
When applicable: Please do not upload video or audio files. Instead, use a tool such as Vocaroo to record audio or Screencast-o-matic to record videos, and share the link.
When applicable: Use a tool such as Google Translate, Forvo, DeepL or SpanishDict to check your grammar and/or pronunciation.
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Section 8: "Academic Honesty and Resource Acknowledgment Statement"
Please submit a statement affirming that the work you submit is your own, indicating that you have watched the videos, read the lessons, recorded your own audio, any screenshots are of your own work that you completed, and that composed your own sentences. Additionally, please provide an explanation of the resources or help, including any AI tools, that you utilized in the process of completing this work.
| Scroll down to continue to the Optional Additional Resources |
Additional Resources (Optional)
Arabic influence in Spanish: https://www.babbel.com/en/magazine/arabic-influence-on-spanish?utm_source=canva&utm_medium=iframely#:~:text=Perhaps%20the%20biggest%20surprise%20of%20all%2C%20however%2C%20is,4%2C000%20words%20of%20modern%20Spanish%20come%20from%20Arabic.
Module 14: Spanish around the World
Estimated time to complete this Module: 4-6 hours
Please submit all sections, clearly labeled, in one document (unless otherwise stated such as Slides projects). PDF is preferred. If needed, you can submit more than one document, but that should be the exception rather than the rule.
Sections to complete and approximate time needed to complete each (may vary depending on your Spanish level, effort and interest)
- Warm-Up (15 minutes)
- Authentic Conversation (60 minutes)
- Vocabulary Builder (15 minutes)
- Language Learning Lab (30 minutes)
- Grammar & Writing (60 minutes)
- Pronunciation Station (15 minutes)
- Culture (30 minutes)
- "Academic Honesty and Resource Acknowledgment Statement" (15 minutes): Please submit a statement affirming that the work you submit is your own, indicating that you have watched the videos, read the lessons, recorded your own audio, any screenshots are of your own work that you completed, and that composed your own sentences. Additionally, please provide an explanation of the resources or help, including any AI tools, that you utilized in the process of completing this work.
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Section 1: Warm-Up
How languages evolve
Did you ever wonder about the origins of language and how languages evolved? If not, after watching the following video, you likley will! This short, animated four-minute Ted-Ed video will explain just that.
Based on the video, list 3 new or interesting facts you learned.
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Section 2: Authentic Conversation
Adiós
Did you know? Adiós is Spanish for "goodbye" or "farewell". As we are nearing the end of this Spanish-learning journey, which hopefully you will continue, let's learn and practice how say 'goodbye' in Spanish.
Literally translated, the word is the contraction of "a" (to) and "Dios" (God), from the old Spanish phrase "A Dios vais" ("You're going to God", meaning to the Kingdom of Heaven), which appears in the novel Don Quixote.
- Here, we will say adiós to the course and each other. Hopefully you have had an enjoyable time, learned some basic Spanish language and culture as well as learned from and gotten to know some classmates.
- On the appropriate discussion board area, you are also welcome to reflect upon your Spanish journey as well as say goodbye to classmates.
- Meanwhile, learn 6 ways to say goodbye in Spanish with the video below, and make sure to practice them on your posts!
All posts must be respectful and contribute positively to an atmosphere of civility and cooperation.
Post to the appropriate Discussion Board area of your course's Learning Management System (Blackboard, Canvas, Moodle, D2L, Google classroom, etc.) NOTE: If posting to a PADLET wall, please take a screenshot (or copy and paste the text) to also submit with the rest of the Module sections.
When applicable: Use a tool such as Google Translate, Forvo, DeepL or SpanishDict to check your grammar and/or pronunciation. Please share which (if any) translation platforms you used.
If the post requires an audio file, please do not upload video or audio files. Instead, use a tool such as Vocaroo to record audio and share the link. Note: If the Discussion Board is in a 'Padlet', this platform has an audio recording function as well.
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Section 3: Vocabulary Builder
Be surprised by learning how different Spanish-speaking countries have various words for the same thing by watching the video below.
- Based on each video, share 3 'items/things' mentioned and share the different Spanish words for each. This will be 3 set of words from each video, for a total of 6. Include the English version and all the Spanish versions.Clear articulation of conceptual understanding supports deeper learning.
For example: Auto can be: Auto, automovil, carro and coche
(Please use other examples! Do not use Auto)
.
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Section 4: Language Learning Lab
100 Spanish words
Would you believe that 100 Spanish words cover 50% of spoken conversation?
Decide for yourself by watching the 5-minute video below containing the words. If true (or even if not), the 5 minutes will be time well spent!
- Based on the words on the video, create a set of 10 sentences in Spanish that would be useful for you using ONLY the video words.
- Then, translate them back to English and see if the message was accurate and complete? Please keep in mind that many translation apps will 'fix' grammatical errors, but if you use SpanishDict to translate, it may give you some hints as far as what may have been wrong. Regardless, as far as you can tell:
- Was it grammatically correct? What words do you wish you had been able to use in your sentences to make them better?
- Try to use the words as they appear on the video, and when you translate using an app, notice whether the app 'fixed' any grammatical errors. For this, you would have to use your current Spanish knowledge, which may be limited, however, as you might imagine , the verbs will likely not be properly conjugated when you create the sentences, so you may need to make some assumptions.
- What did you learn from this experience?
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Section 5: Grammar & Writing
Saber and Conocer
Saber and Conocer both mean "to know" but each is used in different contexts. The same is true of pedir and preguntar both of which mean "to ask". Learn more by watching the video below and completing the following activities.
- Please visit a SpanishDict lesson which you can access below to learn about verbs such as saber and conocer and more.
- Also visit this lesson to learn about pedir and preguntar
- Based on the lessons, explain the difference between saber and conoceras well as the difference between pedir and preguntar.
- Then, complete the Comprehensive Review and submit a screenshot at the end of the lesson as proof of completion.
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Section 6: Pronunciation Station
Improve your Spanish
Please watch the video provided and then in your own words"
- Explain the 5 'hacks' listed to improve your Spanish and include some of the Spanish words or phrases from the video as supporting examples of these 'hacks'
- Explain how you plan (or not ) to apply some of these strategies as you continue your Spanish learning journey.
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Section 7: Culture
Spanish in Asia and Africa
Did you know Spanish is spoken in one country in Asia and one in Africa?
- Watch the following videos and from EACH video, and state two new as well as surprising and/or interesting facts you learned. Please do so in English and Spanish as audio and text.
- Please provide enough details from the video.
NOTE: The video host (Drew Binsky) has travelled to every country in the World, so when he expresses 'surprise' at the conditions, environment, cost, etc. of the country, he is often comparing it tio what he has seen worldwide (including countries in that same continent) and not simply/just/necessarily to the U.S. So, if he says "I was surprised by ..." he is just making an observation and giving context which is not the same as judging.
- Please provide enough details from the video.
Submit your work as a Word or PDF document in the appropriate assignment submission area of your course's Learning Management System (Blackboard, Canvas, Moodle, D2L, Google classroom, etc.)
When applicable: Please do not upload video or audio files. Instead, use a tool such as Vocaroo to record audio or Screencast-o-matic to record videos, and share the link.
When applicable: Use a tool such as Google Translate, Forvo, DeepL or SpanishDict to check your grammar and/or pronunciation.
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Section 8: "Academic Honesty and Resource Acknowledgment Statement"
Please submit a statement affirming that the work you submit is your own, indicating that you have watched the videos, read the lessons, recorded your own audio, any screenshots are of your own work that you completed, and that composed your own sentences. Additionally, please provide an explanation of the resources or help, including any AI tools, that you utilized in the process of completing this work.
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Additional Resources (Optional)
El fin
This is el fin (the end) of this online textbook resource.