Hazan, M., & Travis, J. (1998). Pablo y sus amigos. St. Louis, MO: Symtalk Inc.
Target Audience and Theoretical Framework
The Symtalk textbook series teaches foreign languages through the use of visuals and games. The philosophy behind the program is based on cognitive psychology, where long term memory and retrieval are encouraged through hands-on lessons and visual aids. In addition, the program utilizes immersion approaches and exploratory learning. The Junior series is specifically geared towards grades kindergarten to eighth grade.
Organization of Topics
The text is divided into fifteen lessons, where each lesson reflects a thematic unit. The first page of each lesson includes an illustration of the vocabulary terms for the lesson. The second page introduces the verb for that lesson, which also reflects a graphic illustration. For example, for the verb “tener” there is a picture of a closed fist to show ownership of something.
It is important to note that the chosen verb for each lesson relates to the vocabulary. For example, in the food lesson, the verb “quiero” is used to express want of a certain food item. The remaining pages in each lesson show a series of pictures that are intended to illustrate sentences using the vocabulary and verb introduced. The majority of these sentences present a subject, verb, object order. Finally, these sentences are meant to be read aloud by students.
As the units progress so do the vocabulary and skills. While each unit may have its specific set of terms general terms associated with previous units, such as colors and numbers, are introduced periodically. These old terms are then used to apply to the new vocabulary learned. For example, in the school supply lesson, numbers are reinforced by counting school objects.
Use of Visuals and Grammar Instruction
The program relies on visuals to create associations with vocabulary and grammar. Pictures are used to represent nouns and verbs throughout the introductory lessons. After these are reinforced, the lessons start to introduce ways to blend these visual representations. The goal is for students to identify vocabulary and ultimately construct sentences in the target language. The use of magnetic strips and pictures are needed in order to teach the vocabulary and grammar concepts presented in the textbook. While grammar is not explicitly taught, examples of form are present in the activities and games included with the textbook series.
Activities and Exercises
Each lesson encourages recitation of the vocabulary presented. Also, the sentences at the end of each lesson can be seen as a grammar lesson in disguise. Although grammar isn’t explicitly taught, its structure is evident in last pages of each lesson, where students construct sentences with the pictorial representations. Furthermore, the textbook series includes manipulatives, such as board games, to reinforce vocabulary acquisition. These games are hands-on and require students to apply the concepts learned. One popular game in this series is bingo. With the basic level board, students are able to identify colors, numbers, and names of objects. On each board, one would see several school or home objects, in different numbers, and in different colors. For example, one square might contain five red pencils, and another may have two black chairs. In playing bingo, the teacher has the option to focus on the vocabulary separately, by doing colors or numbers only, or combining forms, by calling out a specific number or color of a certain object.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the text is visually stimulating, which is beneficial for younger learners. Also, the supplementary materials, such as its board games, encourage hands on practice. This series takes a constructivist, top down approach where grammar is learned through chunks and phrases. While grammar is not explicitly introduced, students are able to see grammar in context when they construct sentences at the end of each lesson or chapter.
Showing posts with label Textbooks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Textbooks. Show all posts
Friday, September 24, 2010
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Textbooks for the Elementary Spanish Classroom: Review #2
Gerngross, G., Santamaria, S.P., & Puchta, H. (2005). Vale: 1. Saint Paul, MN: EMC Publishing.
Target Audience and Theoretical Framework
The Vale textbook series aims at teaching Spanish as a second or foreign language to elementary-aged school children who have not been previously exposed to the language. The series is divided into three levels and is based on theories of cognitive psychology and multiple intelligences. As a result, the series utilizes hands-on and natural approaches to learning Spanish. This review will specifically look at the Level One textbooks.
Organization of Topics
The text is organized into thematic units. While the beginning units start with general topics, such as colors and numbers, they later progress to more specific topics, such as school and clothing vocabulary. Also, the exercises in the beginning units are simplified since students are beginning to learn the language. Later units incorporate skills and vocabulary learned in previous units. For example, in the fifth unit, students are asked to decipher the name of the days of the week according to a code of colors and letters. This exercise uses higher order thinking skills along with reviewing the colors to identify the days of the week.
Use of Visuals
The main focus of the Level One text is vocabulary recognition. This textbook seems suitable for young children due to its use of visuals. Colorful pictures, animations, and even real-life representations of Spanish-speaking children found throughout the text are stimulating and effective in maintaining students’ attention and interests.
Activities and Exercises
Activities and exercises in this text use a communicative approach to teaching language. Many of the exercises revolve around recognition of vocabulary words presented in each unit. Vocabulary exercises at the introductory level include matching, fill in the blank, true and false statements, and simple reading comprehension questions. However, the activities used to practice that vocabulary involve collaboration and communication. For example, when learning the numbers, students are first asked to write and recite their phone numbers. As an activity, the students are required to ask at least five classmates their phone numbers. In the activity section, pictures of students performing the task along with dialogues for that task are presented. This gives students a visual representation of the task they are to accomplish.
Introduction of Grammar
Since the level of this textbook is geared towards beginning learners of Spanish, the grammar presented throughout the text is limited. Much of the grammar is infused through simple phrases used in the target language. Also, since this textbook reflects a naturalistic approach, it does not present grammar in a structured format. Instead, grammar is presented through various mediums such as stories, rhymes, and chants. However, the text does not bring attention to these grammar features explicitly but rather holistically. This approach seems age appropriate, particularly since this level does not focus on grammar.
Final Thoughts
Overall, this textbook seems age appropriate for young students. Its visual appeal and simplified approach make it easy to follow. Also, the activities are collaborative which makes learning less intimidating for children. Finally, the organization allows for students to build on previously learned words and skills.
After reviewing the text, I think it can also be a useful supplemental resource. Each level comes with audio samples of the chants and other listening exercises that accompany several tasks within the text. I find this component of the series suitable for learning center time, where students can perform listening tasks (singing chants, pointing to pictures as prompted) from the textbook.
Target Audience and Theoretical Framework
The Vale textbook series aims at teaching Spanish as a second or foreign language to elementary-aged school children who have not been previously exposed to the language. The series is divided into three levels and is based on theories of cognitive psychology and multiple intelligences. As a result, the series utilizes hands-on and natural approaches to learning Spanish. This review will specifically look at the Level One textbooks.
Organization of Topics
The text is organized into thematic units. While the beginning units start with general topics, such as colors and numbers, they later progress to more specific topics, such as school and clothing vocabulary. Also, the exercises in the beginning units are simplified since students are beginning to learn the language. Later units incorporate skills and vocabulary learned in previous units. For example, in the fifth unit, students are asked to decipher the name of the days of the week according to a code of colors and letters. This exercise uses higher order thinking skills along with reviewing the colors to identify the days of the week.
Use of Visuals
The main focus of the Level One text is vocabulary recognition. This textbook seems suitable for young children due to its use of visuals. Colorful pictures, animations, and even real-life representations of Spanish-speaking children found throughout the text are stimulating and effective in maintaining students’ attention and interests.
Activities and Exercises
Activities and exercises in this text use a communicative approach to teaching language. Many of the exercises revolve around recognition of vocabulary words presented in each unit. Vocabulary exercises at the introductory level include matching, fill in the blank, true and false statements, and simple reading comprehension questions. However, the activities used to practice that vocabulary involve collaboration and communication. For example, when learning the numbers, students are first asked to write and recite their phone numbers. As an activity, the students are required to ask at least five classmates their phone numbers. In the activity section, pictures of students performing the task along with dialogues for that task are presented. This gives students a visual representation of the task they are to accomplish.
Introduction of Grammar
Since the level of this textbook is geared towards beginning learners of Spanish, the grammar presented throughout the text is limited. Much of the grammar is infused through simple phrases used in the target language. Also, since this textbook reflects a naturalistic approach, it does not present grammar in a structured format. Instead, grammar is presented through various mediums such as stories, rhymes, and chants. However, the text does not bring attention to these grammar features explicitly but rather holistically. This approach seems age appropriate, particularly since this level does not focus on grammar.
Final Thoughts
Overall, this textbook seems age appropriate for young students. Its visual appeal and simplified approach make it easy to follow. Also, the activities are collaborative which makes learning less intimidating for children. Finally, the organization allows for students to build on previously learned words and skills.
After reviewing the text, I think it can also be a useful supplemental resource. Each level comes with audio samples of the chants and other listening exercises that accompany several tasks within the text. I find this component of the series suitable for learning center time, where students can perform listening tasks (singing chants, pointing to pictures as prompted) from the textbook.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Textbooks for the Elementary Spanish Classroom: Review #1
These next few blog posts will be dedicated to my review of textbooks designed for the elementary Spanish classroom. Although we have not adopted a textbook for our particular program, I feel that textbooks can be a useful resource for the elementary Spanish classroom. For this reason, I have selected a few of my favorites and present their organization, description of the activities and exercises, and explanation of how grammar is incorporated at the elementary levels. I hope that you find these reviews useful and welcome your remarks, especially if you are using these texts in your own classroom or program.
Belisle-Chatterjee, A., Tibensky, L. W., & Martínez-Cruz, A. (2005).
¡Hola!: Viva el Español! Lincolnwood, IL: National Textbook Company.
Target Audience
The ¡Viva el Español! Series is geared towards students in the intermediate to upper elementary grades (4th-6th). The series includes several levels which include, Hola for introductory levels and ¿Qué tal? for intermediate levels. The Hola textbook serves as introduction or basic review of vocabulary and grammar forms in the Spanish language.
Organization of Text
This text is organized by thematic units. Each unit introduces vocabulary, grammatical structures, and cultural information that are pertinent to that particular unit. For example, in the animal unit, vocabulary for specific animals is introduced. Also, this unit reviews colors and introduces how to describe the color, size, and shape of an animal. In addition, a cultural section on South American animals in included in the unit. This same structure is seen throughout each unit. As the units progress, so do the skills and vocabulary. In other words, each unit usually incorporates general vocabulary or grammar, such as colors, numbers, and gender of nouns, from previous units. This structure and format is age appropriate for elementary students because of its repetition of grammar concepts and general vocabulary. Also, the text is able to scaffold and build on previously learned skills and vocabulary.
Activities and Exercises
Each unit begins with exercises where students practice identifying vocabulary and the grammar skill or form. Exercises at the beginning of each unit involve tasks where students practice asking and answering questions in the target language. For example, in identifying vocabulary for school supplies, student pairs must ask each other what each object is and respond with the correct term. These activities are collaborative and communicative in nature. This format is appropriate for intermediate elementary students because they get to practice focus on form through communicative and meaningful activities.
After each vocabulary or grammar section, the text includes an activity called “Entre Amigos.” This section involves collaborative work where students must complete a communicative task. The activity also requires students to include phrases that utilize the vocabulary presented in an authentic manner. For example, in the classroom unit, the students must complete a mini-scavenger hunt in their classroom. The task requires them to write down several colors and write the name of the classroom object that corresponds to each color. However, the students must do this in pairs, walk around the room, and ask their partner what color each object is before they can write it down. The textbook presents a clear example of a sample dialogue that can take place between students.
At the end of each unit, there is a section called ¡A Divertirnos! In this section students participate in visual arts or musical activities. Sometimes the unit will present a song about colors, such as Jose Luis Orozco’s De Colores. Other activities prompt students to create a product. For example, one unit has students create a birthday card using phrases in Spanish.
Grammar Instruction
Grammar is explicitly taught in each unit. However, the text integrates grammar into the theme in an interactive way. When introducing each grammar form, the text presents the grammar rule along with illustrations of examples relating to the unit topic. For example, in the school unit, the rule for making plurals is introduced along with pictures of several examples of how to make plurals using school objects (un globo, dos globos). Next, the exercises have students practice using the grammar form in structured dialogues. Again, the text presents models of how these dialogues should look.
The format in which grammar is introduced is age appropriate. While the activities and the exercises at the beginning of the unit are more structured, these become less structured as the unit progresses. Towards the end of the unit, the text integrates the grammar form presented with vocabulary that was learned in previous units. For example, in the school supply unit, students are asked to say the number of each object or supply they see in the classroom in complete sentences.
Final Thoughts
This text offers an interactionist approach that focuses on form. Even though grammar is explicitly introduced through concrete examples and rules, the exercises and activities in the text create opportunities for students to practice these forms in a collaborative and communicative way. More importantly, the communication exercises also allow students to see how each form functions across different contexts. Also, the text reiterates concepts and general vocabulary, which allows students to build on previous knowledge and skills.
Belisle-Chatterjee, A., Tibensky, L. W., & Martínez-Cruz, A. (2005).
¡Hola!: Viva el Español! Lincolnwood, IL: National Textbook Company.
Target Audience
The ¡Viva el Español! Series is geared towards students in the intermediate to upper elementary grades (4th-6th). The series includes several levels which include, Hola for introductory levels and ¿Qué tal? for intermediate levels. The Hola textbook serves as introduction or basic review of vocabulary and grammar forms in the Spanish language.
Organization of Text
This text is organized by thematic units. Each unit introduces vocabulary, grammatical structures, and cultural information that are pertinent to that particular unit. For example, in the animal unit, vocabulary for specific animals is introduced. Also, this unit reviews colors and introduces how to describe the color, size, and shape of an animal. In addition, a cultural section on South American animals in included in the unit. This same structure is seen throughout each unit. As the units progress, so do the skills and vocabulary. In other words, each unit usually incorporates general vocabulary or grammar, such as colors, numbers, and gender of nouns, from previous units. This structure and format is age appropriate for elementary students because of its repetition of grammar concepts and general vocabulary. Also, the text is able to scaffold and build on previously learned skills and vocabulary.
Activities and Exercises
Each unit begins with exercises where students practice identifying vocabulary and the grammar skill or form. Exercises at the beginning of each unit involve tasks where students practice asking and answering questions in the target language. For example, in identifying vocabulary for school supplies, student pairs must ask each other what each object is and respond with the correct term. These activities are collaborative and communicative in nature. This format is appropriate for intermediate elementary students because they get to practice focus on form through communicative and meaningful activities.
After each vocabulary or grammar section, the text includes an activity called “Entre Amigos.” This section involves collaborative work where students must complete a communicative task. The activity also requires students to include phrases that utilize the vocabulary presented in an authentic manner. For example, in the classroom unit, the students must complete a mini-scavenger hunt in their classroom. The task requires them to write down several colors and write the name of the classroom object that corresponds to each color. However, the students must do this in pairs, walk around the room, and ask their partner what color each object is before they can write it down. The textbook presents a clear example of a sample dialogue that can take place between students.
At the end of each unit, there is a section called ¡A Divertirnos! In this section students participate in visual arts or musical activities. Sometimes the unit will present a song about colors, such as Jose Luis Orozco’s De Colores. Other activities prompt students to create a product. For example, one unit has students create a birthday card using phrases in Spanish.
Grammar Instruction
Grammar is explicitly taught in each unit. However, the text integrates grammar into the theme in an interactive way. When introducing each grammar form, the text presents the grammar rule along with illustrations of examples relating to the unit topic. For example, in the school unit, the rule for making plurals is introduced along with pictures of several examples of how to make plurals using school objects (un globo, dos globos). Next, the exercises have students practice using the grammar form in structured dialogues. Again, the text presents models of how these dialogues should look.
The format in which grammar is introduced is age appropriate. While the activities and the exercises at the beginning of the unit are more structured, these become less structured as the unit progresses. Towards the end of the unit, the text integrates the grammar form presented with vocabulary that was learned in previous units. For example, in the school supply unit, students are asked to say the number of each object or supply they see in the classroom in complete sentences.
Final Thoughts
This text offers an interactionist approach that focuses on form. Even though grammar is explicitly introduced through concrete examples and rules, the exercises and activities in the text create opportunities for students to practice these forms in a collaborative and communicative way. More importantly, the communication exercises also allow students to see how each form functions across different contexts. Also, the text reiterates concepts and general vocabulary, which allows students to build on previous knowledge and skills.
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