- ADULT CLASS SCHEDULE
- ADULT CLASS OBJECTIVES
- ADVANCED
- ADVANCED INTERMEDIATE
- COSTA RICA, WINTER 2015
- DESCRIPTION OF ADULT PROGRAM
- DETERMINING YOUR LEVEL
- FREE TRIAL CLASS
- HOMEWORK: BEGINNING
- HOMEWORK: INTERMEDIATE
- KIDS' CLASSES
- PRIVATE CLASSES
- REGISTRATION FOR ADULT CLASSES
SPANISH STUDY IN COSTA RICA
WINTER 2015
Prepare yourself for Spanish immersion, cultural exploration, and lots of fun in the sun!
- 2 Options:
- 1. Group Trips
- 18-24 January 2015
- 8-14 February 2015
- 1-7 March 2015
- 2. Customized trip—1 week or longer during January-March 2015
- Dates:
- 18-24 January 2015
- 8-14 February 2015
- 1-7 March 2015
- Cost: $900
- Includes: Accommodations, food (during homestay) Spanish instruction/activities/experiences, and general guide/coordinator sorts of services
- Does not include: Cost of travel to or within Costa Rica or food (outside of homestay)
- Group size limit: 6
Group Trip 2015
Itinerary:
- Day 1: Arrive in San José (Alajuela really) get settled
- Day 2: Tour and activities in Alajuela (a small and accessible city)
- Day 3: Travel north to San Carlos (Ciudad Quesada and San Vicente) and activities
- Day 4: Projects and activities in San Vicente (small farm community) and meet host families
- Day 5: Continue projects and activities in San Vicente and spend time with host families. Go to hot springs.
- Day 6: Travel to Playa Hermosa via Arenal volcano area and activities.
- Day 7: Hang out at beach and/or in town and activities
- Day 8: Head back to Alajuela or fly out of Liberia (NW airport)
- "Activities" means Spanish instruction, scavenger hunts, man-on-the-street interviews, hot springs soaking, coffee drinking, exotic fruit tasting, bus taking, latin dancing and other fun stuff.
- We will take public transportation and students will be encouraged to sit next to Costa Rican nationals and strike up a conversation.
- Some knowledge of Spanish required.
- Please contact us if you are interested.
Customized Trip
Your time with us can be a week long or longer during January, February or March 2015. We pick you up at the airport (SJO) and rest one night then we go by bus up north to San Carlos. This is an opportunity for you to get to chat with a native for a couple of hours. In the hillside village of San Vicente, you stay with a host family, giving you plentiful opportunity to converse in Spanish and learn about Costa Rican culture. Ethan and/or Isabella will give you 1-2 hours of daily tutoring. In addtion, you will have the option of doing daily volunteer work, possibly in the village or in the nearby city of Ciudad Quesada. Hikes, a visit to a hot springs, and a visit Arenal volcano are also options.
If you decide to go have further adventures like go to the beach or a national park, we can help you arrange that.
First week: $600
Includes (same as Group Trip): Accommodations, food (during homestay) Spanish instruction/activities/experiences, and general guide/coordinator sorts of services
Does not include: Cost of travel to or within Costa Rica or food (outside of homestay)
Subsequent weeks: $500
Please contact us if you are interested.
What participants say:
"The trip that my wife and I made to Costa Rica with [Lengua Rica] took the two-dimensional Spanish we had been studying in the classroom and made it a three-dimensional language by giving it a cultural context. We would recommend this trip to anyone who wants to experience Spanish within the cultural context of those to whom Spanish is their native language. The richness of the language is embodied in the warmth of the people who speak it.
"
---Bill B., Costa Rica Trip 2007
"There is a saying that 'the traveler sees what he sees, the tourist sees what he has come to see.' If that is true, the Lengua Rica trip to Costa Rica is not for tourists. The Lengua Rica trip is for people with a traveler's mindset looking for an authentic experience; for a cultural and language exchange. My thoughts and emotions were always active when I was in Costa Rica. I never felt like a passive outsider watching "others", even while on bus rides through the countryside. Instead, for a week, I was a participant in Costa Rican life."
---Kathleen O., Costa Rica Trip 2010
"I'd been studying Spanish with Lengua Rica for several
sessions and was looking for a way to really intensely immerse myself in the
language. The trip to Costa Rica was just the thing. Ethan and Isa designed the trip to maximize the amount of
interaction we had with Ticos. We stayed in a
wonderful farm community in the mountains, welcomed with friendship, fresh and
delicious food, and nonstop conversations in Spanish. By the end of this stay
we were even making up puns and jokes in Spanish. We also had the opportunity to see much of the northern part
of the countryside, traveling by bus through beautiful scenery, conversing with
our seatmates in Spanish all the way. And our beach stay was a place where Costa Rican tourists go. Foreign tourism is a big part of the
Costa Rican economy now and it is possible to take a trip there without ever
speaking Spanish or really talking with Ticos. But with Lengua Rica, we were immersed in the culture, the
language and the land. It was a great
week."
---Linda R., Costa Rica Trip 2010
"Thanks for a fantastic trip. Loved the conversations with Jose Manuel [the owner of Hotel Pacandé]—very charming—that man could get a sack of rocks to talk. He was sincerely enjoyable company and very patient with my rusty grammar. The couple of days in Alajuela—loved the market scavenger hunt... could have done more of that. The market workers were the most friendly ever. Thank you for the opportunity to step up with a task and get local with the locals. I adored the days we spent in San Vicente... Having to speak in Spanish with [the] entire family was a true treasure—they were so patient and helpful... I loved every minute of it. I treasured the gift the folks in San Vicente offered to welcome our group with open arms and tons of patience (the welcoming karaoke, tours, etc).... There's nothing to compare to living in someone's house, sharing their space, conversing in their language, and coming to a common respect and caring.
"
---Kara S., Costa Rica Trip 2012
"I liked the variety (not staying in one place the whole time). I liked not being a tourist..., I liked the time spent in San Vicente with regular families..., I liked traveling in a small group because of the fun, positive interactions among ourselves, the hot springs was super nice, I liked being pushed to speak Spanish more... and more. I also really liked riding the bus. "
---Ruth M., Costa Rica Trip 2012
"I have really been struck by what a nice balance it was to have had a few days in the city, a few days in the mountains and a few days at the beach. I am so pleased to have been able to experience several different Costa Rican environments, particularly given our short time in country. Extending the visit by staying at the beach for a few extra days was very, very, nice. When I got back I looked at a bunch of companies who do tours of Costa Rica, and almost all of them have a trip with roughly the same sorts of territory and itinerary. Every one of them is WAY more expensive. I really think we got a terrific bargain."
---Midge P., Costa Rica Trip 2014
"For me, the trip was perfect. Absolutely the best educational-adventure-vacation I've ever had. I was looking for something that gave me a sense of the real day-to-day Costa Rica (that is, as much of a sense as could be given in a week), and the design of the trip mirrored the pace of the country, and that worked for me. The design (i.e., the schedule of events, the structure of the experience) of the trip had a certain improvisational quality: things will come together when they come together, the bus will get here when it gets here, the fiesta will start when it starts.... a certain time-less quality that worked for me, because it fit the lifestyle of Costa Rica somehow. But the reason it worked for me is because my agenda was to experience what it would be like to live in Costa Rica because I've been thinking about moving there for awhile now. There was enough structure for me to know when we were going to start each day, and a general sense of what we were going to do. The rest was improv, and that was great. I loved Alajuela, and the Pacandé hotel. Loved the people at the Pacandé. I loved the walking through the mercado and asking about different foods. I loved eating as a group together and talking about the day and what we had discovered. I loved catching the buses to various places. I really liked my host family. They were wonderful. They were very nice to me, and the accommodations were perfect. Also, I really liked the hot springs and also the Hotel Huetares at Playa Hermosa. I think that was the perfect way to end the trip, at the beach resort. So basically, I am your most satisfied customer. It was a great, perhaps life-changing, experience for me."
---Frank L., Costa Rica Trip 2014
ADULT CLASS SCHEDULE
Adult group classes normally run for 8 weeks and meet once a week for two hours each class.
The cost of attending classes includes materials and is
$170
The per-class drop-in rate is
$25
June-August 2014
Beginning
(course: Carbón)
Wednesdays (AM class) Starting 18 June 10:00 AM-Noon
or Wednesdays Starting 18 June 06:30-08:30 PM
Intermediate
(course: Esmeralda)
Tuesdays (AM class) Starting 17 June 10:00 AM-Noon
or Tuesdays Starting 17 June 06:30-08:30 PM
Advanced Intermediate
Mondays Starting 16 June 06:30-08:30 PM
Advanced
Thursdays Starting 19 June 06:30-08:30 PM
August-October
Beginning
(course: Azul)
Wednesdays (AM class) Starting 27 August 10:00 AM-Noon
or Wednesdays Starting 27 August 06:30-08:30 PM
Intermediate
(course: Celeste)
Tuesdays (AM class) Starting 26 August 10:00 AM-Noon
or Tuesdays Starting 26 August 06:30-08:30 PM
Advanced Intermediate
Mondays Starting 25 August 10:00 AM-Noon
or Mondays Starting 25 August 06:30-08:30 PM
Advanced
Thursdays Starting 28 August 11:30 AM-01:30 PM
or Thursdays Starting 28 August 06:30-08:30 PM
October-December
Beginning
(course: Rojo)
Wednesdays (AM class) Starting 29 October 10:00 AM-Noon
or Wednesdays Starting 29 October 06:30-08:30 PM
Intermediate
(course: Café)
Tuesdays (AM class) Starting 28 October 10:00 AM-Noon
or Tuesdays Starting 28 October 06:30-08:30 PM
Advanced Intermediate
Mondays Starting 27 October 10:00 AM-Noon
or Mondays Starting 27 October 06:30-08:30 PM
Advanced
Thursdays Starting 30 October 11:30 AM-01:30 PM
or Thursdays Starting 30 October 06:30-08:30 PM
All classes are held in the studio at
303 10th Ave. SE
Registration for regular adult classes
To register for an adult group class (that is to say, to reserve a spot), we require a non-refundable $30 deposit. (Deposits are applied to tuition.)
- Checks should be made out to "Lengua Rica."
- Please indicate which class, day, and time you are registering for.
- Include your name, phone number, and email address
- Mail your check to:
Class Deposits
Lengua Rica
P.O. Box 806
Olympia WA 98507
If your desired class is starting in less than a week, you should drop off your deposit at the Downtown Olympia post office (98501). That way it will be sure to get to us by the next day. Prospective students can also just show up on the first day of class and hope that there is room for them: there sometimes is.
Determination of level
Please converse with us before deciding you are ready for our intermediate or advanced classes!
In order to determine in which level students belong, we talk with them over the phone or in person. We get a sense of their vocabulary and how well they put words together. It just takes a minute or so. In the rare event that we place a student in the wrong level, there is no problem if he or she wants to switch level. Prospective students are also welcome to sit in on a class with no obligation. Please contact us and we will arrange for you to do so.
Private classes can be arranged by calling or emailing us. For individuals, we charge $50/hour (prorated). Private group classes cost $75/hour (for the whole group) with a class maximum of 15 students. Scheduling is flexible.
"A challenging, yet safe, supportive, and FUN atmosphere."
-- Cherie Beckstrom, Labor & Industries
DESCRIPTION OF ADULT PROGRAM
"I think your teaching methods are fantastic!"
--Jessicarae Núñez, Quattro Studio
Materials and content used in class are full of realistic, authentic language. Class activities address a variety of learning styles. We strive to create an engaging, fun, and relaxed atmosphere so that students enjoy themselves and are motivated to learn.
"Such a wonderful experience and class atmosphere!"
--Seth Kirby, Program Director Oasis Youth Center, Tacoma
"Students are challenged to think deeper about ways to express
themselves using Spanish. I was surprised at the advances I made in
only a short period of time."
--Jennifer Yamahuna
Class size can be as small as six, but never larger than sixteen. There are four distinct courses at the beginning level and seven courses at the intermediate level. Courses at the advanced level vary widely from session to session depending on students' interests.
"If you are in Olympia this is the place to learn to speak Spanish: 100% Spanish -- it's the way to go. Ethan is a patient, innovative & entertaining teacher."
--Sienna Potts, Sienna Moonfire Designs
We use traditional, popular, and original songs (check out our CD). In addition, students write their own songs, their own dialogues, perform role plays, read books in Spanish written for Spanish speakers and talk about them with their classmates.
In our classes, we emphasize the importance of communication over perfection. Students are evaluated by comparing each individual with his or her own past work. We give students many and varied opportunities to demonstrate their progress so that they can see how far they've come and feel encouraged.
We feel respected, included, engaged.... A class that is... accessible for students with differing learning styles."
-- Maureen Considine, Take ChargeProgramManager, DSHS
FREE TRIAL CLASS
If you'd like to sit in on a class just to see what it's like, please contact us and we will arrange for you to do so.
ADULT COURSE OBJECTIVES
Keep in mind: these items are not only "covered." Because we teach through immersion, students in our classes are constantly exposed to, and have ample opportunities to use, authentic Spanish. In truth, what's listed below is just the tip of the iceberg.
BEGINNING
Course
Functional Language Objectives
Grammar Objectives
CARBÓN
Greetings, farewells, food
Definite and indefinite articles, demonstrative adjectives, the verbs SER and ESTAR, present progressive, how to express possession, and some important irregular verbs
AZUL
spatial relationships, family
Regular verbs, negation, how to form questions, the irregular verbs QUERER, VENIR, DECIR, OÍR, and PODER.
ROJO
Describing things, body parts
Adjectives, noun-modifier agreement, the verbs ser (to be), ir (to go), present progressive, demonstrative adjectives, and the prepostions POR and PARA.
AMARILLO
Shopping, numbers, time, days of the week, months, seasons
The verb TENER (to have), TENER QUE (to have to), expressions that use TENER, regular verbs, pluralization, accents, possessive adjectives, negation, interrogative sentences
INTERMEDIATE
Course
Functional Language Objectives
Grammar Objectives
VERDE
Asking for and giving directions, making complaints about goods and services
Prepositions, stem-changing verbs, present and past tenses
MORADO
Talking about the future, the body
Future tense of regular and irregular verbs, preterite tense of irregular verbs
ANARANJADO
Shopping, emergency situations
Comparison of adjectives and adverbs, the intricacies of definite articles, verbs ending in -cir, -cer
ESMERALDA
Food, earth science
Preterite and imperfect tenses
CELESTE
Talking about likes and dislikes, using direct and indirect object pronouns
Using direct and indirect object pronouns, the verb gustar
CAFÉ
Commands, daily routines
The imperative mood, reflexive constructions
LAVANDA
Health, talking about the past
Preterite and imperfect tenses of regular and irregular verbs
KIDS' CLASSES
All classes are held in the studio at
303 10th Ave. SE
Spanish for kids through songs and games and silliness!
To register for kids' classes, please contact us. Please include the name and age of you child.
ADVANCED INTERMEDIATE
This level covers the gaps between our INTERMEDIATE classes and our ADVANCED discussion class. Students do weekly assigned readings (short stories, articles) and discuss them in class along with whatever other interesting topics arise. Grammar covered commonly includes the perfect tenses, progressive tenses, the subjunctive, the imperative, irregular verbs, prepositions, direct and indirect object pronouns, preposition use, and the passive voice.
Advanced Intermediate courses feature readings on and discussions of a variety of contemporary issues such as Science vs. Art, Human Rights, Smoking, and Immigration, with supporting vocabulary lists and corresponding grammar units.
AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2014: We will read and discuss the first eight chapters of "Senderos Fronterizos" [ISBN 0618226184], the second in Francisco Jiménez' autobiographical trilogy about his life growing up in the U.S., the son of migrant workers from Mexico. The reading assignment for each week should be read ahead of the week in question in anticipation of its discussion in class.
Semana 1: Expulsados
Semana 2: Solos en casa
Semana 3: En busca de diversiones
Semana 4: Juntos de nuevo
Semana 5: De vuelta al campo
Semana 6: La medalla de San Cristóbal
Semana 7: Escaramuzas veraniegas
Semana 8: Hacerse Santo
ADVANCED
Advanced courses feature study and discussion of literature, film, and current events. Activities include continued review of the perfect tenses, progressive tenses, the subjunctive, the imperative, irregular verbs, prepositions, direct and indirect object pronouns, preposition use, and the passive voice.
AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2014: The Spanish film "La lengua de las mariposas" (1999). The film won the award for Best Adaptation of a Book at the 14th Annual Goya Awards in 2000. We will read the screenplay, watch and discuss the film in 8 installments. There is a reading assignment for the first class. Please contact us if you are interested.
KIDS' CLASSES
We work with any pre-formed group of up to ten children of similar developmental level to provide a customized class that is age appropriate. In addition, we offer private group classes for families. In either case, the group pays $75/hour or any pro-rated fraction thereof. Please call or write us for more information.
LENGUA RICA
Certified Spanish Language Instruction,
Interpretation, and Translation Services
P.O. Box 806
Olympia WA 98507
(360) 357-9924
This page was last modified: 24 July 2014.
---Kathleen O., Costa Rica Trip 2010
"I'd been studying Spanish with Lengua Rica for several
sessions and was looking for a way to really intensely immerse myself in the
language. The trip to Costa Rica was just the thing. Ethan and Isa designed the trip to maximize the amount of
interaction we had with Ticos. We stayed in a
wonderful farm community in the mountains, welcomed with friendship, fresh and
delicious food, and nonstop conversations in Spanish. By the end of this stay
we were even making up puns and jokes in Spanish. We also had the opportunity to see much of the northern part
of the countryside, traveling by bus through beautiful scenery, conversing with
our seatmates in Spanish all the way. And our beach stay was a place where Costa Rican tourists go. Foreign tourism is a big part of the
Costa Rican economy now and it is possible to take a trip there without ever
speaking Spanish or really talking with Ticos. But with Lengua Rica, we were immersed in the culture, the
language and the land. It was a great
week."
---Linda R., Costa Rica Trip 2010
"Thanks for a fantastic trip. Loved the conversations with Jose Manuel [the owner of Hotel Pacandé]—very charming—that man could get a sack of rocks to talk. He was sincerely enjoyable company and very patient with my rusty grammar. The couple of days in Alajuela—loved the market scavenger hunt... could have done more of that. The market workers were the most friendly ever. Thank you for the opportunity to step up with a task and get local with the locals. I adored the days we spent in San Vicente... Having to speak in Spanish with [the] entire family was a true treasure—they were so patient and helpful... I loved every minute of it. I treasured the gift the folks in San Vicente offered to welcome our group with open arms and tons of patience (the welcoming karaoke, tours, etc).... There's nothing to compare to living in someone's house, sharing their space, conversing in their language, and coming to a common respect and caring.
"
---Kara S., Costa Rica Trip 2012
"I liked the variety (not staying in one place the whole time). I liked not being a tourist..., I liked the time spent in San Vicente with regular families..., I liked traveling in a small group because of the fun, positive interactions among ourselves, the hot springs was super nice, I liked being pushed to speak Spanish more... and more. I also really liked riding the bus. "
---Ruth M., Costa Rica Trip 2012
"I have really been struck by what a nice balance it was to have had a few days in the city, a few days in the mountains and a few days at the beach. I am so pleased to have been able to experience several different Costa Rican environments, particularly given our short time in country. Extending the visit by staying at the beach for a few extra days was very, very, nice. When I got back I looked at a bunch of companies who do tours of Costa Rica, and almost all of them have a trip with roughly the same sorts of territory and itinerary. Every one of them is WAY more expensive. I really think we got a terrific bargain."
---Midge P., Costa Rica Trip 2014
"For me, the trip was perfect. Absolutely the best educational-adventure-vacation I've ever had. I was looking for something that gave me a sense of the real day-to-day Costa Rica (that is, as much of a sense as could be given in a week), and the design of the trip mirrored the pace of the country, and that worked for me. The design (i.e., the schedule of events, the structure of the experience) of the trip had a certain improvisational quality: things will come together when they come together, the bus will get here when it gets here, the fiesta will start when it starts.... a certain time-less quality that worked for me, because it fit the lifestyle of Costa Rica somehow. But the reason it worked for me is because my agenda was to experience what it would be like to live in Costa Rica because I've been thinking about moving there for awhile now. There was enough structure for me to know when we were going to start each day, and a general sense of what we were going to do. The rest was improv, and that was great. I loved Alajuela, and the Pacandé hotel. Loved the people at the Pacandé. I loved the walking through the mercado and asking about different foods. I loved eating as a group together and talking about the day and what we had discovered. I loved catching the buses to various places. I really liked my host family. They were wonderful. They were very nice to me, and the accommodations were perfect. Also, I really liked the hot springs and also the Hotel Huetares at Playa Hermosa. I think that was the perfect way to end the trip, at the beach resort. So basically, I am your most satisfied customer. It was a great, perhaps life-changing, experience for me."
---Frank L., Costa Rica Trip 2014
ADULT CLASS SCHEDULE
The cost of attending classes includes materials and is
June-August 2014
Beginning
(course: Carbón)Wednesdays (AM class) Starting 18 June 10:00 AM-Noon
or Wednesdays Starting 18 June 06:30-08:30 PM
Intermediate
(course: Esmeralda)Tuesdays (AM class) Starting 17 June 10:00 AM-Noon
or Tuesdays Starting 17 June 06:30-08:30 PM
Advanced Intermediate
Mondays Starting 16 June 06:30-08:30 PM
Advanced
Thursdays Starting 19 June 06:30-08:30 PM
August-October
Beginning
(course: Azul)Wednesdays (AM class) Starting 27 August 10:00 AM-Noon
or Wednesdays Starting 27 August 06:30-08:30 PM
Intermediate
(course: Celeste)Tuesdays (AM class) Starting 26 August 10:00 AM-Noon
or Tuesdays Starting 26 August 06:30-08:30 PM
Advanced Intermediate
Mondays Starting 25 August 10:00 AM-Noon
or Mondays Starting 25 August 06:30-08:30 PM
Advanced
Thursdays Starting 28 August 11:30 AM-01:30 PM
or Thursdays Starting 28 August 06:30-08:30 PM
October-December
Beginning
(course: Rojo)Wednesdays (AM class) Starting 29 October 10:00 AM-Noon
or Wednesdays Starting 29 October 06:30-08:30 PM
Intermediate
(course: Café)Tuesdays (AM class) Starting 28 October 10:00 AM-Noon
or Tuesdays Starting 28 October 06:30-08:30 PM
Advanced Intermediate
Mondays Starting 27 October 10:00 AM-Noon
or Mondays Starting 27 October 06:30-08:30 PM
Advanced
Thursdays Starting 30 October 11:30 AM-01:30 PM
or Thursdays Starting 30 October 06:30-08:30 PM
303 10th Ave. SE
Registration for regular adult classes
- Checks should be made out to "Lengua Rica."
- Please indicate which class, day, and time you are registering for.
- Include your name, phone number, and email address
- Mail your check to:
Lengua Rica
P.O. Box 806
Olympia WA 98507
If your desired class is starting in less than a week, you should drop off your deposit at the Downtown Olympia post office (98501). That way it will be sure to get to us by the next day. Prospective students can also just show up on the first day of class and hope that there is room for them: there sometimes is.
Determination of level
Please converse with us before deciding you are ready for our intermediate or advanced classes!In order to determine in which level students belong, we talk with them over the phone or in person. We get a sense of their vocabulary and how well they put words together. It just takes a minute or so. In the rare event that we place a student in the wrong level, there is no problem if he or she wants to switch level. Prospective students are also welcome to sit in on a class with no obligation. Please contact us and we will arrange for you to do so.
Private classes can be arranged by calling or emailing us. For individuals, we charge $50/hour (prorated). Private group classes cost $75/hour (for the whole group) with a class maximum of 15 students. Scheduling is flexible.
-- Cherie Beckstrom, Labor & Industries
DESCRIPTION OF ADULT PROGRAM
--Jessicarae Núñez, Quattro Studio
Materials and content used in class are full of realistic, authentic language. Class activities address a variety of learning styles. We strive to create an engaging, fun, and relaxed atmosphere so that students enjoy themselves and are motivated to learn.
--Seth Kirby, Program Director Oasis Youth Center, Tacoma
Class size can be as small as six, but never larger than sixteen. There are four distinct courses at the beginning level and seven courses at the intermediate level. Courses at the advanced level vary widely from session to session depending on students' interests.
--Sienna Potts, Sienna Moonfire Designs
We use traditional, popular, and original songs (check out our CD). In addition, students write their own songs, their own dialogues, perform role plays, read books in Spanish written for Spanish speakers and talk about them with their classmates.
In our classes, we emphasize the importance of communication over perfection. Students are evaluated by comparing each individual with his or her own past work. We give students many and varied opportunities to demonstrate their progress so that they can see how far they've come and feel encouraged.
-- Maureen Considine, Take ChargeProgramManager, DSHS
FREE TRIAL CLASS
If you'd like to sit in on a class just to see what it's like, please contact us and we will arrange for you to do so.
ADULT COURSE OBJECTIVES
Keep in mind: these items are not only "covered." Because we teach through immersion, students in our classes are constantly exposed to, and have ample opportunities to use, authentic Spanish. In truth, what's listed below is just the tip of the iceberg.
| Course | Functional Language Objectives | Grammar Objectives |
| CARBÓN | Greetings, farewells, food | Definite and indefinite articles, demonstrative adjectives, the verbs SER and ESTAR, present progressive, how to express possession, and some important irregular verbs |
| AZUL | spatial relationships, family | Regular verbs, negation, how to form questions, the irregular verbs QUERER, VENIR, DECIR, OÍR, and PODER. |
| ROJO | Describing things, body parts | Adjectives, noun-modifier agreement, the verbs ser (to be), ir (to go), present progressive, demonstrative adjectives, and the prepostions POR and PARA. |
| AMARILLO | Shopping, numbers, time, days of the week, months, seasons | The verb TENER (to have), TENER QUE (to have to), expressions that use TENER, regular verbs, pluralization, accents, possessive adjectives, negation, interrogative sentences |
| Course | Functional Language Objectives | Grammar Objectives |
| VERDE | Asking for and giving directions, making complaints about goods and services | Prepositions, stem-changing verbs, present and past tenses |
| MORADO | Talking about the future, the body | Future tense of regular and irregular verbs, preterite tense of irregular verbs |
| ANARANJADO | Shopping, emergency situations | Comparison of adjectives and adverbs, the intricacies of definite articles, verbs ending in -cir, -cer |
| ESMERALDA | Food, earth science | Preterite and imperfect tenses |
| CELESTE | Talking about likes and dislikes, using direct and indirect object pronouns | Using direct and indirect object pronouns, the verb gustar |
| CAFÉ | Commands, daily routines | The imperative mood, reflexive constructions |
| LAVANDA | Health, talking about the past | Preterite and imperfect tenses of regular and irregular verbs |
KIDS' CLASSES
303 10th Ave. SE
Spanish for kids through songs and games and silliness!
To register for kids' classes, please contact us. Please include the name and age of you child.
ADVANCED INTERMEDIATE
This level covers the gaps between our INTERMEDIATE classes and our ADVANCED discussion class. Students do weekly assigned readings (short stories, articles) and discuss them in class along with whatever other interesting topics arise. Grammar covered commonly includes the perfect tenses, progressive tenses, the subjunctive, the imperative, irregular verbs, prepositions, direct and indirect object pronouns, preposition use, and the passive voice.
Advanced Intermediate courses feature readings on and discussions of a variety of contemporary issues such as Science vs. Art, Human Rights, Smoking, and Immigration, with supporting vocabulary lists and corresponding grammar units.
AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2014: We will read and discuss the first eight chapters of "Senderos Fronterizos" [ISBN 0618226184], the second in Francisco Jiménez' autobiographical trilogy about his life growing up in the U.S., the son of migrant workers from Mexico. The reading assignment for each week should be read ahead of the week in question in anticipation of its discussion in class.
ADVANCED
Advanced courses feature study and discussion of literature, film, and current events. Activities include continued review of the perfect tenses, progressive tenses, the subjunctive, the imperative, irregular verbs, prepositions, direct and indirect object pronouns, preposition use, and the passive voice.
AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2014: The Spanish film "La lengua de las mariposas" (1999). The film won the award for Best Adaptation of a Book at the 14th Annual Goya Awards in 2000. We will read the screenplay, watch and discuss the film in 8 installments. There is a reading assignment for the first class. Please contact us if you are interested.
KIDS' CLASSES
We work with any pre-formed group of up to ten children of similar developmental level to provide a customized class that is age appropriate. In addition, we offer private group classes for families. In either case, the group pays $75/hour or any pro-rated fraction thereof. Please call or write us for more information.LENGUA RICA
Certified Spanish Language Instruction,
Interpretation, and Translation Services
P.O. Box 806
Olympia WA 98507
(360) 357-9924