Elevate Your Language Skills This Summer with FSYF Virtual Language Clubs!
Embark on an exciting linguistic journey this summer with the Foreign Service Youth Foundation (FSYF) Virtual Language Clubs! Designed exclusively for Foreign Service kids, our engaging program aims to enhance and maintain your existing proficiency in French and Spanish while fostering a vibrant virtual community.
Key Features:
- Tailored for Both Intermediate and Advanced Proficiency Levels
- Two Convenient Time Slots: 6:30 am EDT for Europe, Africa, Middle East & Asia, and 8 pm EDT for the Western Hemisphere
- Interactive Hour-Long Sessions Held Weekly for 10 Weeks
- Expert Instruction from Language Specialists
- Immersive Learning Environment
- Opportunity to Connect and Network with Peers Globally.
Please take the self assessment before registering.
Course Description:
This ten-week Spanish course is designed for intermediate young learners with a focus on developing communicative abilities for practical use. The curriculum emphasizes a fast-paced learning experience through engaging activities, interactive discussions, and real-world applications. Each class will explore various language skills, including listening, speaking, reading, and writing, while integrating cultural aspects to enhance the overall language learning experience.
Course Title: ¡Hablemos Español!: Spanish II Language class
Course Description:
This ten-week Spanish course is tailored for teens eager to enhance their Spanish language skills in a fun and interactive online environment. Through engaging activities, lively discussions, and immersive experiences, students will delve into various topics while developing proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Cultural exploration will be integrated to enrich the learning journey, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of Spanish-speaking cultures.
Session 1: Culture in Spanish-Speaking Countries
Objectives:
- Explore the vibrant culture in Spanish-speaking countries.
- Discuss popular music, fashion trends, slang, and social media habits among Spanish-speaking countries.
- Practice conversational skills through role-plays and discussions.
Grammar Point:
Verbs like Gustar
Activities:
- Participate in a cultural discussion forum.
- SpanishDict - Youth Culture (Vocabulary Exercise)
Homework:
Write a short paragraph describing a typical day in your life and compare it with the video presenting a day in the life of a Latin American teen. Report your findings with the class.
Session 2: Travel Adventures
Objectives:
- Learn about famous landmarks, cultural attractions, and local cuisine from Spanish-speaking destinations.
- Practice travel-related vocabulary and conversational skills through interactive activities and virtual tours.
- Share personal travel experiences and preferences in Spanish.
Grammar Point:
Preterite
Activities:
- · Create a travel itinerary (group exercise).
- · BBC Languages - Virtual Travel (Exercise).
Homework:
Watch the video between two friends planning a trip to Peru, write a short paragraph summarizing their plan and the things they want to do once they get to their destination.
Session 3: Hispanic Heritage Celebration
Objectives:
- · Learn about influential figures, historical events, and cultural traditions from Spanish-speaking countries.
- · Discuss the significance of cultural heritage and identity.
Grammar Point:
Ser and Estar
Activities:
- Participate in a virtual cultural fair.
- Explore a virtual art exhibition.
Homework:
Research and write a short biography of a prominent figure from Hispanic culture, using past tense verbs (preterite).
Session 4: Latin American Cuisine Adventure
Objectives:
- Learn about staple ingredients, cooking techniques, and regional dishes from all over Latin America.
- · Discuss the cultural significance of food and culinary traditions.
Grammar Point:
Command form
Activities:
- · Research and present a Latin American dish.
- · Participate in a virtual food tour.
Homework:
Choose a traditional Latin American recipe, write step-by-step instructions in Spanish and share it with the class.
Session 5: Literary Fiesta: Exploring Spanish-Language Literature
Objectives:
- · Discover the richness of Spanish literature by exploring works from renowned authors such as Gabriel García Márquez, Isabel Allende, or Federico García Lorca.
- · Discuss themes, symbolism, and cultural contexts found in selected texts.
- · Engage in creative writing exercises inspired by literary works.
Grammar Point:
Preterite and Imperfect
Activities:
- Participate in a virtual book club.
- Instituto Cervantes - Spanish Literature Exercises.
Homework:
Read a short story or poem by a Spanish-speaking author and write a paragraph discussing the themes or symbolism. Share your work with the class.
Session 6: Film Club: Spanish-Language Cinema Showcase
Objectives:
- Attend a virtual film club featuring acclaimed Spanish-language films from various genres and countries.
- Engage in discussions about storytelling and cultural representation.
- Create movie reviews or short film critiques in Spanish.
Grammar Point:
Comparative and Superlative Adjectives
Activities:
- Participate in a film discussion panel.
- Create a film review blog.
Homework:
Watch a short film and write a movie review.
Session 7: Environmental Awareness in Spanish-Speaking Countries
Objectives:
- Learn about environmental challenges and conservation efforts in Spanish-speaking regions.
- Discuss topics like deforestation, biodiversity, and sustainable practices while brainstorming solutions to global issues.
Grammar Point:
Two-verb structures
Activities:
- WWF España - Environmental Activities for Teens
- Participate in a virtual environmental panel.
Homework: Research an environmental issue affecting a Spanish-speaking country, write a short report in Spanish discussing the issue and what can be done to address it.
Session 8: Creative Writing Workshop
Objectives:
- Spark creativity by hosting a Spanish creative writing workshop.
- · Encourage teens to write short stories, poems, or scripts in Spanish, exploring personal experiences, imaginary worlds, or social themes.
- · Share and provide feedback on each other's work to foster language proficiency and self-expression.
Grammar Point:
Tense review (present tense, past tense (preterite and imperfect), future tense, conditional tense.
Activities:
- Storybird - Creative Writing Platform
- Participate in a collaborative storytelling activity.
Homework:
Write a short story or poem in Spanish envisioning your future, using the future tense to describe your aspirations and goals. Share your writing with the class for feedback and discussion.
Session 9: Art and Architecture Across Spanish-Speaking Countries
Objectives:
- Explore the diverse artistic traditions and architectural styles found in Spanish-speaking countries.
- Examine iconic landmarks, museums, and public art installations.
- Discuss the cultural significance and historical context of various artworks and architectural masterpieces.
Grammar Point:
Perfect tenses
Activities:
- Participate in a virtual Art Gallery Tour
- Take part in an architectural Scavenger Hunt
Homework:
Choose a piece of art or architectural landmark from a Spanish-speaking country. Write a short essay in Spanish analyzing the artistic or architectural elements and discussing its historical and cultural significance.
Session 10: Music and Dance Extravaganza
Objectives:
- Explore the rich musical traditions and vibrant dance styles across Spanish-speaking cultures.
- Discover famous musicians, composers, and dancers from Latin America, Spain, and other Spanish-speaking regions.
Grammar Point:
Subjunctive Mood
Activities:
- Engage in a music Playlist Exchange
- Virtual dance tutorial
Homework:
Choose a song from a Spanish-speaking artist and write a paragraph in Spanish analyzing the lyrics, musical style, and cultural context. Discuss how the song reflects elements of Hispanic culture and identity.
