Spanish 1B Students

Welcome !

Welcome to Spanish 1B

Welcome to Spanish 1B! A fun and interactive class that reviews what students have learned and prepares them for high school Spanish. We are: -Speaking, reading, and writing practice; -With fun activities, games, and projects -Cultural learning across Spanish-speaking countries.

Pedagogical Approach

A Little History

More information

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About Me

Hello! Hola! My name is Valeria Garrote.

• From Argentina 🇦🇷, Ph.D. in Spanish & Cultural Studies

• 15+ years teaching Spanish

• Fun + interactive lessons

• Build curiosity, confidence, creativity

more about me

What is spanish 1B?

• Interactive course

• Games, readings, projects

• Cultural exploration

What We’ll Do: 1. Play games and do role-plays

2.Read stories and learn songs 3. Talk about real-life situations in Spanish

4. Discover traditions from Spanish-speaking countries 5.Practice in VHL

Schedule

We work in 3 Tracks: Whole Class – Mondays & Fridays, 12:40–1:10 pm (Simon Room) Heritage Group – Tuesdays, 12:40–1:10 pm (small group) World Language Group – Thursdays, 12:40–1:00 pm (small group)

The bell rings at 12:40 pm; arrive by 12:47 pm or it will count as an absence Attendance & participation = 20% of final grade Be in class & join activities

• Mistakes = learning

• Assignments in Schoology + VHL

• Complete ≥70% to pass

Check Schoology every class. Extra Tools for Fun!

assesments and retakes

Quizzes & exams:

• Retake if needed
• Step-by-step learning
• Ask for help 💪

Tutoring Passes

• 3 passes per semester 📅
• After that → meet with teachers to decide if Spanish continues

DROPPING THE COURSE

• Talk to teacher if struggling
• Missing homework/participation ❌

Heritage Spanish TRack: Tuesdays

• Senderos 2 + literature texts

• Cognitive Grammar: past tenses, subjunctive, direct & indirect objects

• Literature & theater

Our Book + literary texts and other supporting resources.

Cognitive Grammar in Spanish

Our goals:

Together we grow. Juntos crecemos.

Core beliefs

CORE BELIEFS

You can succeed

Mistakes = learning 💡

You belong

Grow with practice

Spanish Opens Doors

Contact

Contact:Email: vgarrote@stsimon.org Schoology & VHL Central

¡Bienvenidos a la clase de español! / Let’s enjoy the journey together!

Our Book

Spanish 1B aligns with the California State Standards for Foreign Language and is designed to strengthen students’ skills in speaking, reading, and writing in Spanish. The course is optional, not required, and is open to any student who is genuinely interested in learning the language. Because Spanish is considered an elective course, Homeroom Teacher approval is required to enroll. Once enrolled, students are expected to commit to the class with the same level of responsibility as they would for any core academic subject. Active participation, consistent effort, and completion of assignments are essential for success in this course.

Contacto

IEmail: vgarrote@stsimon.org Schoology & VHL Central ¡Bienvenidos al español! / Let’s enjoy the journey together!

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I post homework in Schoology and announcements. Check it everyday.

Other Resources

To make class more interactive, we will use a variety of digital tools

Attendance policy

-Attendance is tracked in Schoology.

-Come to class -Play, read, act, and talk -Mistakes = learning -Check Schoology + VHL for work -Do at least 70% to pass -Assignments are posted in VHL Central and Schoology.

Show Up & Join In!

Attendance & Participation Being in class regularly and joining activities is key to learning Spanish

To make class more interactive, we will use a variety of digital tools: Padlet → for uploading videos, songs, short writings, and presentations. Booklet & Kahoot → for fun and engaging vocabulary practice.

Other Resources

These tools encourage creativity, collaboration, and active participation inside and outside the classroom.

In Spanish 1B, our specific goals are to:

- Build confidence in speaking and writing Spanish.- Use Spanish in both formal and informal contexts. - Expand vocabulary through word families and connections. - Strengthen grammar skills in meaningful ways. - Develop cultural awareness and curiosity

Where We’re Headed

PedagogicAl Approach

Cognitive Grammar: learn grammar with meaning Popular Culture: songs, movies, everyday culture Real + fun + useful

A little Story

In Fall 2023, with Professor Denise Lausasset, we created the Spanish elective during tutoring time for students who wanted to explore another language. Denise teaches Spanish 1A, an introductory course, and I continue with Spanish 1B, focusing on review and expansion. I also created a dedicated space for Heritage Speakers—students who speak Spanish at home. Saint Simon is fortunate to have a very diverse student population, and I believe it’s important that Heritage Speakers participate in general classes while also having a space of their own to grow and deepen their Spanish skills.

Senderos 2 is the second level of a Spanish language learning program from Vista Higher Learning, a program designed to teach Spanish with a strong focus on both language and culture through a connected, technology-integrated platform.VHL (Vista Higher Learning) platform include content specifically designed for HLLs)

Senderos 2 + extra material

We will use Senderos 2 along with literary texts and other supporting resources.

In our class, grammar = meaning We learn why we say things a certain way We connect grammar to real-life situations We practice by talking, playing, and creating.

Cognitive Grammar in Spanish

Grammar is not just rules 📖 — it’s a tool to help you use Spanish with confidence 💬💪.

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Something else about me. I have a degree in Education from the University of Buenos Aires and a PhD in Spanish Literature and Cultural Studies from Rutgers University. I’ve taught kids, teens, and adults, including Heritage Speakers. I live in Mountain View, CA, love hiking, the outdoors, and the arts, and I have two kids: Vera (10) and Manuel (15). I’m excited to share my love of Spanish with you and learn together this year!