This course will focus on 5 main thematic topics with pronunciation, speaking and communication skills at the forefront. Grammar writing and spelling will be taught
along with and within the theme or topic. Each topic or Unit will include a speaking or presentation component, a cultural component as well as applicable grammar.
Each unit will also have a type of project which may accompany a role play “skit” presentation (these will be graded). Students will receive a booklet of vocabulary which may serve as a reference as well
as a type of dictionary. We will use a variety of methods such as listening to the teacher speak, watching videos related to the topic and taking notes and using a type of workbook.
Students will be expected to practice what we learn in class at home doing various things such as: making flashcards to help memorize words; listening to/watching videos; reading over notes; writing small paragraphs (eventually); signing up for an online program such as Duolingo, as well as purchasing either a textbook or workbook. There will be weekly assignments. Time expected each day during the week is recommended to be between 20-40 minutes per day.
The themes or topics will be:
PERSONAL IDentification (talking about who you are)
INTRODUCTIONS (asking and answering questions to get to know another person)
FAMILY (identify members and describing people and things we do at home)
EDUCATION/School (items we use; actions we do; subjects we study; telling time)
MEALS/FOODS (names of meals and foods; likes/dislikes; preferences; menus)
Numbers 1-100, colors, ABCs/pronunciation and days of the week will be basics to learn, which are their own short “topic” but necessary building blocks of the language.
Projects may include: role play “skits”; collages; creating booklets; making posters and menus.
Instructor: Cheryl Botts
Instructor Bio: Cheryl began her professional career as a Spanish teacher in the 1980s after 6 years of a career in theperforming arts of dance. Her 34-year career included mainly teaching in NYS public schools at the middle- and high-school levels. Her philosophy of teaching has grammar as
secondary focus to the thematic and applicable communicative factors of learning a language.
After teaching remotely for a full year during the pandemic of 2020-21, she decided to retire from the New York State system. Cheryl is focusing on raising her now high school-aged son and actively participating in “matters of the heart”, which she considers to include healthy living, the arts and improving environmental and societal challenges of the day.
Required Materials: pencil; notebook and folder or looseleaf notebook
TEEN DAY Ithaca 