Favorite Highschool Spanish Curriculum?

[MerryAtHope]

My dd wants to take Spanish next year, any recommendations? We'd prefer something incremental & teacher friendly (for someone who remembers only a little Spanish!).

 

TIA, Merry :-)

[jhschool]

BJU Spanish I is my favorite.

[cathmom]

The Destinos program is my number one recommendation, plus finding someone to speak with.

[jhschool]

The Destinos program is my number one recommendation, plus finding someone to speak with.

Is that the one on Annenberg with the telenovela?

Or is that a textbook?

[cathmom]

 

Is that the one on Annenberg with the telenovela?

Or is that a textbook?

Yes, but it has a textbook and workbook which make it a complete program.

[MerryAtHope]

What do you like about these programs?

[jhschool]

I like BJU because it has tons of grammar and vocabulary.

 

If you do all the homework you get lots of practice.

You need the Teacher Book for the answers as well as the student

textbook.

I also like it because it has lots of exercises.

 

If you continue, BJU Spanish 2 has some good literature and history in it.

Granted, they are tiny blurbs, but at least it's real literature and history.

 

BJU Spanish is a great curriculum.

[jhschool]

Yes, but it has a textbook and workbook which make it a complete program.

 

Good to know--I'll look it up. I saw the show but didn't know there was more material.

Thanks!

[StephanieZ]

Can you tell me grade level equivalents for Destinos? I am looking for something to follow up the three levels of Galore Park, with the eventual goal of nailing the Spanish SAT as well as the AP exam. . . What can you tell me about how Destinos could fit in there? I love the format, all that listening seems awesome.

[BetterthanIdeserve]

Giving this a bump. This fall I'm planning to teach Spanish 1 at a homeschool enrichment center two days a week for 9th graders. I was hoping to look at curriculum at our area homeschool conference, but I just realized I won't be able to make it. Any other suggestions? In the meantime, I'll start looking into Destinos and BJU.

[3andme]

Breaking the Barrier might be another option. They have a text based program and a new online textbook for the iPad.

[StillStanding]

Giving this a bump. This fall I'm planning to teach Spanish 1 at a homeschool enrichment center two days a week for 9th graders. I was hoping to look at curriculum at our area homeschool conference, but I just realized I won't be able to make it. Any other suggestions? In the meantime, I'll start looking into Destinos and BJU.

I am a native speaker and I have been teaching High School Spanish to homeschoolers now for a while.

I have used BJU in the past and I liked it. It is a hard program and not all students do well with it.

I am currently using Spanish is Fun by AMSCO. It is more gentle and most students can keep up with the work.

[jentancalann]

Yes, but it has a textbook and workbook which make it a complete program.

Can you link me to the textbook/workbook? I can't seem to find it....

[3andme]

Here's a linkto the Destinos textbooks and workbooks on Amazon and a linkto the original publisher's website. This thread discusses the items you might need as well as some good sites for planning/pacing ideas. Here's a link from UW which explains how they use the materials.

[klmama]

I am a native speaker and I have been teaching High School Spanish to homeschoolers now for a while.

I have used BJU in the past and I liked it. It is a hard program and not all students do well with it.

I am currently using Spanish is Fun by AMSCO. It is more gentle and most students can keep up with the work.

 

I agree. BJU is good, but hard. Spanish is Fun is much easier. However, to cover the grammar taught in a standard high school Spanish I course one does need to use both Spanish is Fun Book 1 and at least half of Book 2. Also, AMSCO teacher keys are only available to those teaching in a school setting or those who can prove certification, so the teacher should know the language well already.

[Renaissance Mom]

Breaking the Barrier might be another option. They have a text based program and a new online textbook for the iPad.

I have been using the ipad iBook to learn the basics myself. It is wonderful! It includes audio and you can do the exercises interactively.

 

 

[jhschool]

I am a native speaker and I have been teaching High School Spanish to homeschoolers now for a while.

I have used BJU in the past and I liked it. It is a hard program and not all students do well with it.

I am currently using Spanish is Fun by AMSCO. It is more gentle and most students can keep up with the work.

 

Thank you for this tip! I love BJU--use it in all my classes. But you are absolutely right.

Some of my students just can't handle it. (I think they should have worked harder, but

that's probably just me being mean.)

 

I checked out the sample pages and it looks great.

will order Spanish is Fun by AMSCO and try it next year with some students.

[jhschool]

 

I agree. BJU is good, but hard. Spanish is Fun is much easier. However, to cover the grammar taught in a standard high school Spanish I course one does need to use both Spanish is Fun Book 1 and at least half of Book 2. Also, AMSCO teacher keys are only available to those teaching in a school setting or those who can prove certification, so the teacher should know the language well already.

 

Thank you for the info. I will get both books.

[Renaissance Mom]

However, to cover the grammar taught in a standard high school Spanish I course ...

 

This begs the question ... is there a list somewhere of what grammar is typically expected to be in a standard high school Spanish I course? I'm having a hard time evaluating potential curricula since I've never taken Spanish and don't know any high school Spanish teachers.

 

My tentative plan for Spanish I, knowing that I am not going to be much more than basic help to my dd, is to work through So You Really Want to Learn Spanish book 1, supplement with some of the cultural readings, etc. in Puntos de Partida, and maybe play with the interactive iBook for Breaking the Spanish Barrier. I'd very much like the idea of Destinos, but I can't figure out all the parts, pieces, nuances of how to use it as an actual curriculum. I know that many do and love it. However, I am lost! Plus, I'm trying to learn slightly ahead of dd so am not qualified to truly evaluate any of it.

[profmom]

My kids are using BJU with their online classes at TPS, and I grade the homework. It seems thorough and incremental, and I feel confident that they're covering what should be covered in each level. Dd is in HS Spanish 2 this year, and ds (8th grade) is in junior high Spanish 2, which covers the last half of the high school Spanish 1 book. They also memorize Bible verses in Spanish as part of BJU.

[jentancalann]

Here's a linkto the Destinos textbooks and workbooks on Amazon and a linkto the original publisher's website. This thread discusses the items you might need as well as some good sites for planning/pacing ideas. Here's a link from UW which explains how they use the materials.

Thank you!

[cathmom]

 

 

This begs the question ... is there a list somewhere of what grammar is typically expected to be in a standard high school Spanish I course? I'm having a hard time evaluating potential curricula since I've never taken Spanish and don't know any high school Spanish teachers.

 

My tentative plan for Spanish I, knowing that I am not going to be much more than basic help to my dd, is to work through So You Really Want to Learn Spanish book 1, supplement with some of the cultural readings, etc. in Puntos de Partida, and maybe play with the interactive iBook for Breaking the Spanish Barrier. I'd very much like the idea of Destinos, but I can't figure out all the parts, pieces, nuances of how to use it as an actual curriculum. I know that many do and love it. However, I am lost! Plus, I'm trying to learn slightly ahead of dd so am not qualified to truly evaluate any of it.

 

http://www.nationalspanishexam.org/index.php/exam-content/exam-specifications

 

This is a link to the list of what the National Spanish Exam covers at each level.

[In The Great White North]

Also, AMSCO teacher keys are only available to those teaching in a school setting or those who can prove certification, so the teacher should know the language well already.

 

They sold it (German not Spanish) to me without teaching in a school setting or being certified. It was a few years ago, but I think all I sent them was the letter from the state saying we were homeschoolers.

[4wildberrys]

We are using and really like the ACE Paces Spanish 1. it's totally dependent on DVD, as all of the teaching is done on the DVD. The course covers grammar, vocab, culture etc.

[athomemom]

:bigear: What about Rosetta Stone? or another online program? I am searching for a good Spanish curriculum as well. I'm fluent, but my kids are not. I think they would enjoy doing something on the computer.

[klmama]

[/size]

 

They sold it (German not Spanish) to me without teaching in a school setting or being certified. It was a few years ago, but I think all I sent them was the letter from the state saying we were homeschoolers.

 

I wonder if it's a new thing, as that what it says on their website on a page for homeschoolers. Oh, well, glad you were able to get it!

[klmama]

This begs the question ... is there a list somewhere of what grammar is typically expected to be in a standard high school Spanish I course?

 

Based on what I've seen in many Spanish I texts, a standard text includes -ar,-er,and -ir verbs in both present and preterite tenses, stem-changing verbs in present and preterite tenses, direct and indirect object pronouns, and ser vs. estar. That doesn't mean all of that is taught (preterite and stem-changing verbs are often introduced at the end).

[Julie in MN]

I haven't seen anyone mention La Clase Divertida, but they have an online high school that I looked into (before ds decided to do French).

http://www.funclase.com/

 

 

Also, I like to mention that when I tried to use textbook type programs for my older dd (French, I think I looked at BJU & ABeka), by year 2 the teaching materials, instructions, and answers were all written in... French. I couldn't use those types of foreign language programs at home. I had better luck with self-teaching type programs.

 

Julie

[MerryAtHope]

I like the idea of ACE Paces/DVD taught. Are there others that are DVD taught?

 

How does La Clase Divertida work?

 

What do people think of Power Glide or Tell Me More? (Although I'm a bit skittish about Tell Me More because I got the sample CD for Japanese for my son & couldn't get it to work on either computer, though both technically fit the requirements. I need to get it out again & contact them to see what's up!)

 

What about Switched on Schoolhouse?

 

We do well with things that are incremental (All About Spelling, Essentials in Writing, Easy Grammar, Mystery of History, Apologia Science, are some of the things that have worked well here).

 

Appreciate any feedback! Thanks, Merry :-)

[Chels~]

We are enjoying http://duolingo.com/

 

Its new, but so far I've been happy with the results. Oh and it is free. I love free.

[jentancalann]

We are enjoying http://duolingo.com/

 

Its new, but so far I've been happy with the results. Oh and it is free. I love free.

 

LOVING Duolingo here. We found it through either here or SL forums, can't remember, but I'm pretty addicted so far. Ds has even started German on his own and has kept the motivation thus far.

[Another Lynn]

Has anyone used Visual Link for highschool credit? And if so, did you add? what did you add? etc.

[BakersDozen]

 

Has anyone used Visual Link for highschool credit? And if so, did you add? what did you add? etc.

Visual Link 1 was used with Galore Park Spanish and VL 2 is being used with Destinos this year. I use it as review and extra practice, not a separate course/credit.

[Kristin in Hawaii]

I just wanted to encourage anyone who wants AMSCO teacher keys that you CAN get them == but you have to contact them by phone and fax a letter explaining you are the teacher. I was able to do this for the coop class for US History (We are using their AP US History Book -- solid, chapter-per-week and readable ;)

 

Best wishes!

 

 

I agree. BJU is good, but hard. Spanish is Fun is much easier. However, to cover the grammar taught in a standard high school Spanish I course one does need to use both Spanish is Fun Book 1 and at least half of Book 2. Also, AMSCO teacher keys are only available to those teaching in a school setting or those who can prove certification, so the teacher should know the language well already.

 

[Julie in MN]

How does La Clase Divertida work?

 

We only used the elementary Divertida, but my impression is that the high school program is an online class. You could ask them. Here's all I see at their website:

http://www.funclase.com/High-School-Spanish-p/hs.htm

[cjzimmer1]

We only used the elementary Divertida, but my impression is that the high school program is an online class. You could ask them. Here's all I see at their website:

http://www.funclase....panish-p/hs.htm

 

 

Yes the high school class in online. My son has been taking it this year and I've been very happy with it. It meets twice a week and unlike the other 3-4 Spanish classes/curriculum (including an in person class), he's actually learning and remembering it. I've been very pleased with it.

[synchromom]

We have also been very happy with La Clase Divertida high school Spanish online. My dd has taken Spanish 2 and 3 with Senor Gamache over the past two years. The classes meet twice a week with additional workbook, textbook and online work during the week. The classes are live and interactive. Senor Gamache does all of the grading. Since I know nothing about Spanish, these classes have been wonderful!

[datgh]

My son just saw me playing around with Duolingo and gave it a try and took right off with it. It fits his learning style. He has been really struggling with Switched on School house Spanish and so wants to try something new. Has anyone gone far with Duolingo and can you give it a high school credit if they put the required time in? I am about at my wits end with trying to teach Spanish. We have been using Switched on Schoolhouse as our curriculum which my daughter has been doing fine with but the deeper we get into it the more it is asking me to correct which is about impossible since I don't speak the language.

[TexasRachel]

Can you tell me grade level equivalents for Destinos? I am looking for something to follow up the three levels of Galore Park, with the eventual goal of nailing the Spanish SAT as well as the AP exam. . . What can you tell me about how Destinos could fit in there? I love the format, all that listening seems awesome.

 

 

I used Destinos in college. It worked well enough I could follow native speakers.

 

We're currently using Homeschool Spanish Academy. DD fights with me on languages so I outsourced it. We were using Galore Park and I liked it and thought it looked well. She just didn't want to work on it.

[wingedradical]

I lived in Central America so my Spanish is fairly fluent. My dfd used Avencemos in public school before coming to live with us so I have continued it (half-heartedly). I dislike the layout of the book because it is way too busy and seems to go around in circles but I'm sure that is a matter of opinion.She has certainly learned well from it. The redeeming thing about Avencemos, however, is the accompanying website, which anyone can get onto. Often, I just skip the book and use it, especially if I'm busy and want her to do it on her own. The address is classzone.com. Choose the correct text and go at it. Be sure to explore - there is more than you think. There are the online things (quiz cards, exercises, verb conjugation quizzes) and downloadable listening exercises. I never use the videos since my student thinks they are stupid but have used the rest. Of course, it doesn't make up for having someone to actually converse with. Nothing can make up for that. But it's not bad. The other thing I like about it is unlike the system of cassette tapes I learned with back in the Dark Ages, they start out with the native speakers speaking very slowly. I know no Spanish speaking person actually speaks slowly, lol, but I think it helps to work up to it.

[Mom0012]

My dd is using Homeschool Spanish Academy. It's okay. It seems too easy to me. She has a one hour one-on-one session with a native speaker each week and then she has about an hour of homework a week. She's finishing Spanish 1 next week. We also read a page a day from The Magic Treehouse books in Spanish.

 

I am just starting So You Really Want to Learn Spanish? With my son this week. This looks like a great program to me and what I had originally planned to do with my dd.

 

We've also used most of Pimsleur 1 and a couple of levels of La Clase, as well as GSWS. GSWS was the best! I only wish it took you farther.

[Celeste101]

I have been teaching Elementary level Spanish at my homeschool co-op, and I have been asked to consider teaching high school Spanish. I am a native Spanish speaker, so I could use many different materials. However, we only meet once a week for 1hr, which limits how much I can cover in class. I'm looking at potentially using AMSCO's Spanish is Fun, since it seems simple enough while covering the essentials. I would like ideas from those of you who have used it. Any reviews and details about the teacher manual (is it really necessary?), the textbook and the additional workbook would be appreciated since the information on the AMSCO website is very sparse. Thanks!

[StillStanding]

I have been teaching Elementary level Spanish at my homeschool co-op, and I have been asked to consider teaching high school Spanish. I am a native Spanish speaker, so I could use many different materials. However, we only meet once a week for 1hr, which limits how much I can cover in class. I'm looking at potentially using AMSCO's Spanish is Fun, since it seems simple enough while covering the essentials. I would like ideas from those of you who have used it. Any reviews and details about the teacher manual (is it really necessary?), the textbook and the additional workbook would be appreciated since the information on the AMSCO website is very sparse. Thanks!

 

I use Spanish is Fun in a co-op class. It is a gentle introduction to Spanish and students usually do well with it. After Spanish if Fun 2, I have offered a Spanish 3 class using Destinos (the online portion + comprehension questions for it I have created), episode summaries they had to translate, a grammar book for Spanish 3 (sold by AMSCO), and  I usually add a Susana and Javier reader sold by AMSCO as well.

If you are a native speaker you will not need the answer key. I usually cover one chapter each week. My classes meet for an hour and a half once a week.

I start each class with a vocabulary and grammar quiz (vocabulary covered the previous week, verb conjugation, and sometimes an oral portion of "question/answers we have practiced in class). Sometimes we have a review quiz (everything covered to date).

I spend a few minutes each week working on "Conversations": Very simple question/answer structures that cover material introduced and very basic dialogues.

Then we go over all homework in class (they get ½ point if they correct their work in class, and zero if I find the mistake and they didn’t correct—they need to use a color pen for corrections so I can spot them easily). I take homework home to see how things are going, grade work, and give feedback.

Homework includes both the workbook and a few things from the Textbook (Dialogo, Preguntas Pesonales, and Capsula Cultural).

New material is presented weekly: We go over vocabulary (meaning and pronunciation). I have a link to Quizlet for each list of vocabulary so students can practice the words at home. We cover grammar, and practice in class together (textbook exercises). I read the story in the chapter so they can hear a native speaker speaking (they take turns translating sentences) and do the comprehension questions. The textbook is very user friendly.

Later in the school year I start them on translations (Spanish to English) and small paragraph writing (putting all information covered together).

I really like the program.

[Celeste101]

Paintmisha, thank you so much for your detailed response. It is very helpful!

Do you use the tests that come with the teacher's materials? Did you prepare your own quizzes?

[StillStanding]

Paintmisha, thank you so much for your detailed response. It is very helpful!

Do you use the tests that come with the teacher's materials? Did you prepare your own quizzes?

 

 

I make my own.

Every class starts with a 10-15 minute “Vocabulary†quiz:

For the vocabulary part of the quiz I say the words out loud twice in Spanish, sometimes they ask me to spell it (I do it in Spanish). The book doesn’t teach the alphabet, but I add it in the first weeks of class.

For the conjugation part I just write down on the board the verbs I want conjugated (Verbs assigned “To Study for the Quiz†that week) and I put all the pronouns on the board (I am from Spain so they have the extra Vosotros form that is not in the book but I have added in class).

Every now and then we have an “Oral Quiz†and I will just ask 5-6 questions from the basic dialogues we have practiced in class.

I assign the “Review Part†in the textbook as a grammar quiz.  It reviews several chapters at a time. It starts by reviewing grammar and then presenting several exercises (I only assign the grammar exercises not the vocabulary ones as we do vocabulary quizzes already). It is an open book quiz but at least it makes them review the material. (Spanish 2 students take the grammar quizzes in class, not open book).

:001_smile:

[Celeste101]

Paintmisha, thank you very much for taking the time to explain! I truly appreciate it. Muchisimas gracias!

[StillStanding]

Paintmisha, thank you very much for taking the time to explain! I truly appreciate it. Muchisimas gracias!

 

De nada :)