clcollier@aurorak12.org
Spanish
Classes in the 2023-24 School YearSecondary Spanish (6th-12th grade), Elementary Fiesta (3rd-5th grade), 2nd Grade, Kinder & First Grade
It doesn't matter what level you are at (but you have to try!), and it is great to take my class again and again!
Teaching PhilosophyI aim to lead classes that result in functional Spanish and fun in general, aligning with the research-backed methods of Comprehensible Input and Total Physical Response and Storytelling. This means you will hear stories, sing, joke, take part in skits with peers, move around, and laugh. It all adds up to learning an additional language as naturally as possible, as you did with your first. I personally enjoy getting grammar and spelling right, but don't expect students to. We are aiming for communication; not perfection. Languages are refined and perfected later in the language-learning process, so, grammar drills and worksheets, if desired, are best done on your own time. The best thing I can do for you (your student) is speak Spanish to you/him/her! I will focus on speaking to the class in Spanish as much as possible in grades 3-12.
My classes thrive on routines and expectations.
6th-12th grade students should practice Spanish at home at least once a week with their/their family's preferred resource.
Essential Information-->Cinco de mayo isn't a big deal in most of Mexico. It is not their independence day. I was in Mexico on cinco de mayo, and nothing happened.
Mexico's independence day is September 16th. It is a huge deal in all of Mexico.
Additionally, the Spanish-speaking countries of Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica celebrate their independence days on September 15th!
-->What is called "Mexican" food in the U.S. is often not truly what they eat in Mexico, but rather, TexMex.
--> Only Mexico is Mexico. Other Spanish-speaking countries are not Mexico. Only Mexicans are Mexican. Guatemalans are Guatemalan. People are not "Spanish" unless they are Spaniards. "Spanish-speaking" or "Hispanic" are generally safer terms.
It doesn't matter what level you are at (but you have to try!), and it is great to take my class again and again!
Teaching PhilosophyI aim to lead classes that result in functional Spanish and fun in general, aligning with the research-backed methods of Comprehensible Input and Total Physical Response and Storytelling. This means you will hear stories, sing, joke, take part in skits with peers, move around, and laugh. It all adds up to learning an additional language as naturally as possible, as you did with your first. I personally enjoy getting grammar and spelling right, but don't expect students to. We are aiming for communication; not perfection. Languages are refined and perfected later in the language-learning process, so, grammar drills and worksheets, if desired, are best done on your own time. The best thing I can do for you (your student) is speak Spanish to you/him/her! I will focus on speaking to the class in Spanish as much as possible in grades 3-12.
My classes thrive on routines and expectations.
6th-12th grade students should practice Spanish at home at least once a week with their/their family's preferred resource.
Essential Information-->Cinco de mayo isn't a big deal in most of Mexico. It is not their independence day. I was in Mexico on cinco de mayo, and nothing happened.
Mexico's independence day is September 16th. It is a huge deal in all of Mexico.
Additionally, the Spanish-speaking countries of Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica celebrate their independence days on September 15th!
-->What is called "Mexican" food in the U.S. is often not truly what they eat in Mexico, but rather, TexMex.
--> Only Mexico is Mexico. Other Spanish-speaking countries are not Mexico. Only Mexicans are Mexican. Guatemalans are Guatemalan. People are not "Spanish" unless they are Spaniards. "Spanish-speaking" or "Hispanic" are generally safer terms.