Using reflexive verbs!

Check out this great film clip made by Dani in Spanish III. The project was to use 5 reflexive verbs to create a short film or advertisement. In her cat video Dani demonstrates how we use verbs in real life - well, if cats could talk that is!

Dani verb video

Sugar Skulls



Making the sugar mixture




Unmolded skulls




Yum!!!



This past week, students in grades  4th through 8th, had the opportunity to create authentic sugar skulls and Mexican hot chocolate for Dia de los Muertos. In September, classes did a webquest on Diego Rivera and learned how his art style popularized skeleton and skull art in Mexico, in early October they viewed a PBS documentary on the Mexican holiday and learned more about the practices of skull making and decorating. and finally they tried their hands at the art; carefully molding wet sand-like sugar into their own creations and decorating them. Students had lots of fun getting sugar all over and now let's hope the ants don't learn about it too!!!

Sharing

Thursday at recess, I watched with joy as Ella (2/3) taught Liliana (K/1 teacher) how to "Salsa" dance! It is so rewarding to see the sharing that our students so easily do. Younger watching older, older teaching younger, younger teaching older...such a special circle we have.  

Friday's Parker Day assembly was another special moment in the week. I was so proud of the K/1's as they shared their new Spanish songs and practiced their "stage presence". It is such fun to see the kids shine - a great reward for their hard work and practice!

Salsa!!!

 

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Practicing our new dance moves..

 Last week, Middle School students participated in a Salsa! Workshop. Instructors, Felix and Lana, from Albany Salsa spent 45 minutes with the students teaching basic dance steps. The workshop was followed by a presentation from our very own new dancers along with a demonstration from the pros! Nervous at first about dancing together, the students showed courage and their committment to their community as they set their fears aside and tried something new. In the end, they were proud and had some fun too! What a great life lesson!

For more information on salsa classes and group dances, visit Albany Salsa on the web!

Dia de los Muertos



Dia de los Muertos Altar

Thursday, Spanish III students enjoyed a plentiful feast as they learned about the Mexican celebration of Day of the Dead. Dani's mother, Rosalba, joined us to share how altars of food are created throughout Latin America to remember deceased loved ones on this day. It was great fun and tasty too!

Welcome to our class!

Welcome to our new Spanish class blog! Check here to see a window to what we've been doing in class.