¡Bienvenidos Padres!
Hola, I’m Señora Ramos. I teach Spanish 3 Honors, Spanish 3 for Native Speakers and AP Spanish. I've created this website to provide extra resources and to make sure students have access to information and materials that we cover in class should they have missed something in class or were absent.
Please don't hesitate to e-mail me if you have any questions about the class or to check on your student’s progress.
Target Language
Our focus as the World Languages
Department at Takoma Academy is the
use of Target Language.
Using at least 90% target language (Spanish) in the classroom is good practice in language teaching. If introduced from the very beginning when learning a new language, students will accept this as the norm and reap the benefits of being immersed in a supportive language learning environment.
The advantages of using the target language include:
increased confidence in speaking and listening skills
a more realistic environment for students, especially those who have not visited a Spanish-speaking country
a greater development of both passive and active vocabulary
a real preparation for visits abroad and job opportunities
problem-solving and critical thinking skills
Goals by level:
AP Spanish - Advanced mid to high
Spanish 3 - Intermediate low to high
Spanish 2- Novice High to Intermediate mid
Spanish 1- Novice mid to high
Students demonstrate their proficiency through their performance in one of the three modes of communication:
Interpretive- reading, listening, and understanding
Interpersonal- conversing
Presentational- writing and speaking
Additionally, we are moving toward
Proficiency-oriented language instruction:
To communicate meaningfully,
effectively, and creatively in the target language for real-life purposes.
promotes intercultural communication by exploring the mosaic of language and culture, so that students can communicate appropriately and accurately in authentic contexts in the foreign language.
student-centered
builds upon what students need, already know, and can do, and it respects diverse learning styles, while encouraging the development of a wide range of skills and learning strategies.
Some ways we are committed to supporting students with this BIG challenge include:
lots of repetition, visuals, gestures,
graphic organizers
use of cognates
prior knowledge common classroom expressions list given in Spanish English at beginning of year- a "cheat sheet"
use of screencasts, online video lectures, videos, and audios.
How can I help my Student at Home?
Ask them what they are learning
Have them teach you vocab or concepts
Quiz them on vocab or verb conjugations
Ask them to sing or show you the songs we are singing in class
Check their Tareas (homework)
Have them order in Spanish in a restaurant or encourage them to speak with native speakers
Some online activities, links here, or download Spanish learning apps
Put Spanish subtitles on movies and shows
Discussing the advantages and privilege of learning another language, share your personal experience
Talk about culture: the practices, products, and perspectives of people around the world