Welcome to Spanish I and Spanish for Spanish Speakers. My name is Kimberly Hughes Barahona and I have taught in Spring ISD for 22 years. This is my fifth year at Twin Creeks Middle School.

In class I strive to make all content as relevant and current as possible. I also stress the importance of interdisciplinary connections. In order for students to be successful, it is important to help them learn effective learning strategies and processes for reading and writing.

Finally, I believe that all students can be successful in school if they are willing to work hand in hand with their teachers.

Learning a new language is exciting and challenging. It can also be frustrating, expecially if a student falls behind for some reason. I will list below some study techniques that should be helpful to you as you begin this journey.
1. Study for 10-15 minutes daily, in addition to doing any homework assigned.

2. Be organized! Keep up with all materials so you aren't wasting time looking for notes or books.

3. Practice in the manner in which you are going to be tested! A written test? Practice writing. An oral presentation? Practice out loud for an audience.

4. Get help when you need it! Don't be shy about asking your teacher for help. Take responsibility for your own learning - make an appointment and come in for tutoring.

5. Be patient with yourself. If it were easy, we would all speak several languages.

6. Perservere! Learning a language is not a quick project; it takes YEARS to become fluent. However, even after one year you will be able to communicate on many topics.

Bienvenidos a la clase de ESPAÑOL PARA HISPANOHABLANTES. En esta clase, cubriremos todo el material que cubren en Español I y en Español II. Además, mantendremos el enfoque en la comunicación formal al leer, escribir, y presentar en español. Es diferente a las otras clases de espñol en que no se trata de enseñar un idioma extranjera sino de mejorar el español que ya hablan. Se puede comparar más con las clases de inglés que estudian los alumnos que con las clases de Español I. Al pasar el curso, el estudiante recibe crédito por el curso de Español I. En mayo, habrá un examen especial sobre el curso de Español II. Al pasar ese examen, el estudiante recibirá crédito por Español II. Así, es posible ganar dos créditos en un solo año.

Please refer to the letter given to students for the website and appropriate code for registering for the textbook online! Once you register, you will have access to practice activities as well!

Students who are having trouble need to get help quickly. Tutoring is available every Monday, Thursday, and Friday before school at 8:15. Parents need to write a note in the student's agenda stating which teacher he/she will be seeing that morning. Tutoring is also available after school on Thursdays until 5:00. Students staying after school may be picked up by parents or may ride the activity bus that leaves campus at 5:15. Other times may be available by appointment.