I hope your navidad was filled with peace, joy, health and prosperity.  May showers of blessings fill your lives and energize your quest for knowledge. 

IT’S 2008, LET THE LEARNING BEGIN!

Below See New Year’s Artwork by Famous Spanish Painter Pablo Picasso

“I Wanna Know More!” Links

The History of the Paso Doble

How to Dance the Paso Doble

History of the Rumba

History of the Samba

La Llorona ~  The Weeping Woman

Español I y II:  Today was test day.  Spanish I took a test on Capitulo Uno-Segundo Paso Vocabulary, and Spanish II took a test on Capitulo Uno-Segundo Paso irregular verbs and the simple future tense.  After the exams we watched “Bailando con las estrellas” to see the performances of the mambo dances. (We also watched a tango performed by Latin dance champions/professionals ).  To learn more about the mambo click on the links below:

History of the Mambo

Learn to Dance the Mambo (Step Patterns and Illustrations)

Class Discussion:  Also, today we learned about the Cuban dance:  The Cha Cha Cha and watched “Bailando con las estrellas” as several professionals performed the hip swinging dance.  See the following links to learn more about the culture and history of the dance: 

History of The Cha Cha Cha

Learn to Dance the Cha Cha Cha (Video and Step Patterns)

Español I:  On Friday, the class viewed Part II of “30 Days – Immigration” and discussed immigration terminology and U.S. Immigration Policies.

Español II:  Students worked cooperatively with a partner to complete an the “10 Statements About Immigrants” Activity Sheet.  This activity was used to explore the many positive and negative perspectives regarding immigrants, their impact on the U.S. labor force, terrorism and illegal immigration. Students formulated thier points of view based on discussion and research.  On Monday, September 17,  each group will  present their arguments in a debate style format.

SHOUT OUT and PROPS:  To 4th Period for digging into their skulls and accessing masterful critical thinking skills. BRAVO!!! You guys brought out some great points.

Mi Diario:  “The House on Mango Street” ~ Vignette #10 ~ Louie, His Cousin and His Other Cousin

Español I:  “Los colores”…We made taquito study guides for the colors in Spanish.  9/13/07:  Test on the Spanish colors.

Click on the links below to study and practice ‘los colores”:

Los Colores

Online Color Quizzes

Español II:  Discussed the verb “ser”.  We also, viewed part 1 of “30 Days – Illegal Immigration”.   9/13/07:  Test on the verb “ser”.   Class Discussion:  amnesty, illegal immigration, Plyer vs. Doe (1982), and American citizenship.

Click on the links below to learn more about Immigration in the United States:

The Immigration Myths and Realities Quiz

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Mi Diario:  “The House on Mango Street” – Gil’s Furniture Bought and Sold