Summary of What We Have Learned This Semester

     As we approach the end of the semester, we are able to look back and say we have had an eventful year. The students have overcome many barriers and have excelled very quickly. Learning a different language at an older age is not easy but with a lot of practice it can be done. Their vocabulary has expanded and their pronunciation has improved. Many students have experienced cultural immersion and always have stories to tell.
     At the beginning of the semester, teaching the students to roll their R's was not an easy task. Many grew impatient and frustrated, but I can say that I'm proud that they have accomplished that. We learned about accent marks and when and where to use them. Just like in English, people from New York and people from Arkansas do not speak the same way. This is why we explored accents from Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Spain. Being able to learn different slang from different places allows for a student to become diverse and adapt to multiple forms of Spanish.
     Reflecting back at the beginning of the semester, we mentioned that students would not just learn the language, but they would also learn about the culture. The Hispanic or Latino culture is very different among each other. The students explored going to Spanish-speaking restaurants and try different foods, but also attended local events provided by the community. This coming semester we will go more in depth into the Spanish-speaking community by introducing a semester-long project in which they will partner up with a Spanish-speaking student or community member to interview. By doing this project, the students will learn about someone and be able to explore different avenues through the lens of another person from a different culture.

November Happenings

   

 Bienvenidos al otoño! Welcome to fall! This semester, we will be covering many topics. Grammar, vocabulary, political issues and traditions from Latin America and other Spanish-speaking countries. The United States has a growing population of Spanish-speakers and the history of Latinos in the United States is another fascinating topic. We are all familiar with Cinco de Mayo, but we do not know the correct history behind the historical event and this is why we will learn about important dates in Latin America as well. We will take a lot of time throughout the semester to learn about many of the countries that have an increasing number of immigrants in the United States.
     Aside from the students doing all the homework, I would like to encourage parents to participate as well. There are many events that happen throughout the fall semester that parents can participate in. At the University of Arkansas, La Oficina Latina, found in the Student Union, host Hispanic Heritage month every year. During the month of September, the department offers free viewing of Spanish-speaking movies and many other activities. There is also International Education Week that occurs in many college campuses. NWACC hosts films and invites many speakers to inform people about special topics. Spanish class is not just about learning the grammar and learning the language, it is also about understanding the culture and immersing in the culture is the most fun part of learning another language.  
     This semester we encourage all students and parents to participate and learn about a different culture while having fun!