Experiencing Spanish Culture

Experiencing Spanish Culture

Throughout the first semester of learning a new language, I have learned a lot about how to appreciate a new culture. In my Spanish class, we have watched Hispanic movies, tried cultural foods, and listened to Spanish music. By doing so, I  have learned how vibrant, energetic and fun, the culture of Latin American countries are. "Hispanic culture is bright, cheery, and full of life!" (Boyles 2).  I have loved learning about Hispanic culture and I am eager to learn. In class, we watched a movie called Selena, about a girl and her Spanish singing career. In this movie,  we experienced food culture, dance culture, clothing culture, and most importantly, music culture of Hispanics.  "Music is one of the best ways to look into a culture. By listening to the local music of Mexico, Spain and Puerto Rico, you can learn much about what each country has to offer" (Boyles 2).

Lately, I have been listening to Hispanic music during class. Everyday I have understood more and more of the Spanish language, which is something I'm very proud of. And you can do it too!

Boyles, Peggy Palo. Prentice Hall Realidades 1. Pearson Education, 2011. 

Accessing Online Resources

Accessing Online Resources

Another crucial way of studying Spanish, is remembering all the access to information you have. The internet! Although flashcards and even taking notes are very effective, there are many more ways to study Spanish online. 

One way I have found studying online to be very helpful, is using Quizlet. Many teachers even suggest it or have made their own study sets for their students to use. Quizlet gives you the opportunity to first learn the vocabulary, study using flashcards and learn how to spell, write and match the vocabulary. Later on, there are tests and other games that you can do to finalize your knowledge. I find this site very helpful, but it is very important to know your learning style first. For example, "You must learn that everyone doesn't study the same. It is important to find the way studying for Spanish is the most effective and easy for you" (Boyles XXX). 

Another way to study for Spanish is by using Conjuegamos. This website is used to time yourself when rewriting the word in Spanish. I find this website very useful when trying to comprehend your learning as fast as you can. When using a timed mode you get to choose how much time you would like to study for and then you get your percentage right once the timer runs out.  As an example, "Working in a timed environment can teach you skills in working efficient" (Boyles XXX). 

Studying Spanish is something you can do in many ways and all you have to do is make sure you know how to study for yourself, not for others.

Boyles, Peggy Palo. Prentice Hall Realidades 1. Pearson Education, 2011. 

Final blog: How to 'Ace' a test

Acing a test mainly involves the preparation and study that have been made before the actual test. Fry says that this only accounts for about 70% of acing a test. He encourages " admitting that you are at ground zero can help you realize that preparing for an exam is not in itself a whole new task of life its merely part of a continuum"(Fry 348). personally through reading this book I came to learn how my study habits and perception of  a test  affect the outcome of the test. Putting too much weigh on a test no matter how big or small the test is the pressure increases ten fold. Calming down and thinking things through never hurt anyone.

Though believing in yourself when you have done no preparation is useless it can be helpful with study.Fry explains this by using the example of one in a million he says " think of this fraction 1 over 1 million, your life is the big number your next test is the small number, all the ones in your life add up to the one million; they are important by themselves but alone they can not compare to the Giant, Economy-sized Number of Life"(Fry 348). looking at the bigger picture and understanding that it is not the last test you will ever take plays a huge role in increasing the chances of acing the test.

Do you have any pretest rituals?

Manage Your Time: Get the big picture

Are there times when you lose track of time and  feel panic stricken? losing track of time or having poor time management can lead to shoddy and incomplete work. Fry explains that one way to combat is by using a planner and following it strictly.
Fry says "as a result of this plan you will notice there is little time allocated to last minute cramming or studying for a specific final the week before it is given, just a couple of hours to go over any details you are still unsure of or to spend on areas you think will be on the test" (206). having proper time management skill leads to the completion of tasks at the right time, less worry and proper distribution of the work load to avoid procrastination.

Do you prefer procrastination to evenly distributing work ?

How To Study: How to write terrific papers

Have you ever taken the time to revise old graded papers? I know i haven't, through reading How To Study  the importance of revising old papers has been noted. Fry suggests going through old papers, finding the points of corrections and taking them into consideration to avoid repeating the same mistakes.

Fry states that one should "check if the comments that are applicable for the paper you are writing...the more such comments the more extensive the "map" your teacher has given you for your next paper, showing you right where to "locate" your A" (67).Fry continues to explain how the previous papers are maps that point you to the right direction during current writing, going back and checking the papers gives a writer a chance to dodge the mistakes and improve while also using the positive comments to know what exceeds the standard and wind up with an A.

What are your tips on writing a good paper?

How To Study: How to read and remember.

How may take the time to come up with a reading plan? according to Fry one must have a plan in  order to be able to read a text and understand. Fry explains how one must learn the terms in the book and analyze them in order to understand the contents of the book and the concepts it presents. As one gets involved and captivated by the book they should always remember that every concept being applied in the book connects back to the main idea of the book, thus understanding of the concepts  means understanding the book.

Fry also encourages writing of a summary immediately after completion. He says that "answer any questions raised when you skimmed the text( Fry 66). writing from memories increases the chance of not forgetting the content, after completion answering all the questions that arose through out the book would be much more simpler  since the outcome of the book is already known and all the reference points are known.

what are some of your reading plans?  Are they similar to Fry's?

How To Study:How to organize your studying

What effect can good study habits have? certainly the native born talents and skills have the most to do with success in school ( Fry 34). studying has always been a  problem for me but not anymore, the book  How to Study has helped me get my studying habits right. according to fry one must  make  time in order to have good study habit and succeed. even though there are many distractions in the modern world and technology era one must practice self discipline and respect in order to not go back on their study habits.
To do this one needs help from their surrounding. Fry encourages that parents should step in and help in the setting of the goals to be achieved. He also encourages students to know their teachers and know their methods of grading and testing, likes and dislike, this helps the students know what way to adapt and approach different classes. according to Fry knowing your teacher could go along way because everyone needs a mentor in life.

Do you agree with Fry?

Important Study Tips for Spanish

Important Study Tips for Studying Spanish

When studying a language you must primarily understand that it will take time. You cannot learn all of a language just in class. If you truly want to learn Spanish, here are some tips to make your learning more organized and helpful!

When just starting to learn a language it is important to think of what you already know, even if it is as simple as saying hello or goodbye. Also you must think of what you know in English. It is easy to make connections through certain languages. For example, "...words such as comunicación, deliscioso, limón, and oficina. You'll find Spanish easier if you use what you already know" (Boyles XXXI). These are called conjugations. Words in English and Spanish, although very different, are regularly similar and therefore easier to learn/understand.



Another important strategy for learning Spanish would be the use of tangible things. Make flashcards! Make graphic organizers! Use songs and mnemonic devices! Have fun with Spanish and it will be easier to learn! When it comes to making charts and other graphic organizers, it is important that you make it easy for you to remember (for example, make a key). Drawing and writing diagrams can help you with the connections and meanings of other words. Flash cards are really easy to make too! and for how helpful they are, its definitely worth the time! An easy way to make them is to create a picture on one side of a flashcard, and the Spanish word on the other. You can use the picture to memorize the word and you can use the word to think of the picture that goes with it (Boyles XXXI).

All in all, there are many creative ways to use materials for studying. And certain ones work better than others, but it all depends on how you like to study. Once you know how to do that, everything else should be very simple.

Boyles, Peggy Palo. Prentice Hall Realidades 1. Pearson Education, 2011.

Why Study Spanish?

Why Study Spanish?

Studying a language is obviously very important and even necessary for graduating high school. Learning a new language expands all of your opportunities for success throughout life and in all aspects of communication. In my opinion, studying Spanish is something I believe every student should do. "Over 340 million people who live in Spain, 18 Latin American countries, Puerto Rico, Equatorial Guinea, the Philippines and the United States speak Spanish. It is the second most common language in the United states and 3rd most commonly spoken language in the world" (Boyles XXX). After knowing this and already being enrolled in Spanish 1-2, I realized the importance of the class I was taking. There is so much to learning Spanish besides speaking. Learning this language involves me in understanding a new culture, expanding my soon-to-be career opportunities and to all in all enjoy and experience the culture surrounded by the Spanish language.

Spanish is key for understanding its culture. Language heavily surrounds and supports a culture, giving it a way for its people to communicate and share ideas. The world of Spanish-speakers is rich in food, art, literature, history and numerous traditions based on their fascinating culture (Boyles XXX). This allows you to learn about other cultures and helps you see other perspectives. After learning parts of a new language, everything after comes naturally in their culture, especially in literature and music.

Not only is Spanish truly interesting, but from what I have read, knowing how to speak Spanish is very helpful when getting a job. Businesses now-a-days are looking for employees that speak languages other than English. When workers can communicate with others in another language it widens their incoming customers, once they know they don't have to get a translator, etc. The amount of Spanish-speaking people within business is growing, so the employees have to too!

So far, learning Spanish, has introduced me to many possible opportunities. Clubs, projects, culture, and even daily homework, has been a good effect from this class. I believe everyone should take a language and especially Spanish because of its growing importance in the world.

What more could this language do in the World?

Boyles, Peggy Palo. Prentice Hall Realidades 1. Pearson Education, 2011.