En �sta p�gina se incluyen las preguntas m�s frecuentes de estudiantes y padres.

1. �If I miss class, how can I find out about homework/other assignments?
2. �How can I most effectively use Spanish Lab?
3. �How can I best memorize new words and expressions?
4. �How often do quizzes and tests happen?
5. �Where is your office and when are your office hours?
6. �How can I best review for exams?
7. �How can I include accent marks in my typed essays?
8. �How can I get extra credit in your class?
9. How can I "survive" reading Cajas or Una Isla?
10. �How can I practice conversation outside of the classroom?
11. �How can I work with the Imagina Supersite? (For Spanish 4)
12. �Can I have others read my essays before I turn them in?

�If I miss class, how can I find out about homework/other assignments?

You may ask me, or talk to a classmate you think can be reliable to find out 
information from. Also, I will post a weekly "plan de tareas" on the "tareas" 
section of my web page. Such plan may change, so please be aware of it, and 
check regularly with other sources.

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�How can I most effectively use Spanish Lab?

You can use our Spanish lab sessions to reinforce grammar and vocabulary, as 
well as get extra assistance with readings. If Spanish lab sessions are 
mandatory and you attend, you will get two (2) points extra credit; your not 
attending will result in two points taken off your next exam. Spanish Lab 
happens every Wednesday and Friday during Activity block in U5. Our tutors 
are "lo mejor de lo mejor".

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�How can I best memorize new words and expressions?

Some effective ways to practice vocabulary are:
1. Writing flashcards with the word on one side,and either a drawing and/or a
definition in Spanish on the other side. Try to avoid TRANSLATION as much as
you can. This will help you increase your vocabulary.

2. Use a technique called "mnemonics": It is a technique used in foreign
language learning based on sounds and/or pictures in the first
language that combined sound close to a word in the foreign language. For
example, for the word �cantar� = to sing, one can draw a can and a piece of
tar (or the two words can be used). It does not work in all cases, but it can
be very effective in learning words.

3. Always find contexts for words. Write and/or say sentences that you can
relate to your experience.

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�How often do quizzes and tests happen?

Examenes will be given every month, and pruebitas can be given on a two-week
basis. You will find the dates in the sheet I gave you at the beginning
of the year, which also includes the times we will meet in the computer lab.
Please check this sheet regularly, as well as the "anuncios", and "calendario"
sections of my web page for updates/changes.

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�Where is your office and when are your office hours?

My office is located in the science building (S6). My office hours are:
1. Week one: Thursdays and Fridays during activity block (On Fridays I am in U5)
2. Week two: Tuesdays and Wednesdays during activity block.

My door is always open for you, so please feel free to go ANYTIME you need
help. For efficiency purposes, I recommend that you make an appointment in
advance, so that I can plan ahead and be totally available for you.

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�How can I best review for exams?

You can prepare for exams in various ways:
1. By reviewing the study sheet I will provide two weeks before the exam.
2. By doing exercises in your book/workbook, and on the web site (there is an
excellent site named      ;also Spanish 3 students can go to PHSchool.com, and
type a code (see the bottom right side of any page in your book, and then
click on Realidades 3 home page); Spanish 4 students can always resource to
the Supersite.

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�How can I include accent marks in my typed essays?

There is a system that works for Windows. Please see the Document section of
my web page for information. As for Mac users, I will get the information soon.

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�How can I get extra credit in your class?

There are various ways you can get extra-credit in my class:
1. By making corrections on your tests/quizzes. Please make such corrections
on a separate piece of paper. Include the original test, and hand the
test/quiz back to me within the next two days after the test has been turned
in to you.
2. By attending events that are related to the Hispanic culture (concerts, art
exhibits, performances, restaurants, etc), and writing a report on your
experience at these events.
3. By bringing material for classroom use (magazines, newspaper articles, etc
in Spanish), and creating an activity to share with the rest of the class
(puzzles, questionnaires, and others).

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How can I "survive" reading Cajas or Una Isla?

For Spanish 4 students, Una Isla should be relatively easy to handle since
they already have the experience of reading in a foreign language. Also, each
 chapter will be divided in two parts, since they are pretty long. For "first
time readers" (and why not? for the rest!), my best advice is: 

1. Write side notes in your book that include main ideas and thoughts.  
2. Underline key phrases and vocabulary.
3. Ask questions to yourself about the reading.
4. Relate the themes of the book to your own experience.
5. Discuss the themes with other classmates.
6. Attend Spanish Lab (for Spanish 3 students) for assistance with the reading.

Please see the guide for reading in Spanish under "Documentos Espa�ol 3" and
"Documentos Espa�ol 4".

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�How can I practice conversation outside of the classroom?

You can set some time aside to talk to your classmates and teachers in
Spanish. Also, you can start a "Caf� espa�ol" during lunch/activity block
where students meet to talk in Spanish for a certain amount of time. Try to
reach out to the Hispanic community in town. There are many resources you can
use.

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�How can I work with the Imagina Supersite? (For Spanish 4)

Yes, this site has given many of us a headache. However, it can be pretty easy
to handle if things go smoothly. Once you have signed in, you will find your
student page. Various elements to have in mind: 

1. Assignments due dates are posted on the upper right hand of the page.
2. Once you are doing an activity, make sure you click a "next activity" icon,
since you may be required to do all the parts of the activity that is posted. 
3.Another effective way to use this website is to do extra practice in
listening. On the right side of your page (scrolling down a bit)you will find
two icons. One is named "Lab audio MP3", and the other is named "Streaming
video". The first one includes activities you can complete on your workbook in
the "Lab manual" section (on the second half of your workbook). These
activities we will do during our computer lab sessions, but you can also
complete others for more practice. The "streaming video" icon allows you to
watch the "cortometraje" or the "documental" using Spanish or English subtitles.

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�Can I have others read my essays before I turn them in?

You may ask either another teacher or a Hispanic Honor Society member to read
your essays before you turn them in. However, do not expect the reader to edit
the text for you, but only to indicate the mistakes so that you can correct them.

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