This group is for Osher members at or above an advanced beginner / low intermediate knowledge of Spanish (described as Levels A-2 to B-1 of the Common European Framework Reference for language study). Members will improve their ability to express themselves with reasonable fluency about past, present and future events, as well as a variety of topics of interest to them; respond, ask, summarize, communicate and offer opinions with some confidence on topics of interest or daily life, even if one must ask for sentences to be repeated a few times when the interlocutor speaks very fast; understand, in general, simple and brief speeches; find and understand information to achieve an objective such as navigating the city, renting a car, instructions for cooking a dish, etc.; express emotions and respond to feelings such as surprise and happiness.
An obligation of participation is to take a turn leading a weekly class, which is arranged in three 30-minute sections. One section focuses on grammar and vocabulary (using the Grammar Text designated below); the second section emphasizes reading comprehension, pronunciation, and discussion based on stories included in the Short Story Text designated below; and the third section focuses on Spanish Conversation in a casual and supportive environment, using the leader’s choice of tools, including questions selected by members in advance from an extensive list of questions, articles made available in advance by the leader, and online resources including YouTube videos selected by the leader.
Members of the SIG should have the Grammar Text and the Short Story Text available on the first day of class.
Grammar Text: The Ultimate Spanish Review and Practice Premium Fourth Edition. (Later editions may exist but we all want to be using the same edition for the avoidance of confusion.) Available on Amazon (new, used) and at local bookstores.
Short Story Text: 80 Short Stories in Spanish -4 Books in 1—VOLUME 1. Published by Acquire a Lot. Available on Amazon and at local bookstores.
This SIG meets weekly in-person and livestream. Online ONLY every third Thursday.
Coordinators:
Harvey Kurtz, hkurtz@ameritech.net
Joelyn Olen, joelynolen@gmail.com
Instructor
Joelyn Olen is a former junior high school teacher and a clinical social worker. She has been interested in studying languages since she was in high school. Joelyn finds it fun and challenging to read an author in his/her native… read more