The homeschool-friendly Breaking the Spanish Barrier middle school program takes the original Breaking the Spanish BarrierLevel 1 (Beginner) and reorganizes it into two parts: Level 1A: Vamos and Level 1B: En Camino. This option was created for students who prefer a more deliberate, comfortable pace with more review along the way. It can be used at the middle school level or in placeof the original high school Level 1 (Beginner) which moves at a quicker pace. Whether you choose levels 1A and 1B or Level 1, completion of these courses will place a student into Level 2 (Intermediate).
If you are unsure which program to choose, here is an overview of each option:
1A: Vamos! (Beginner Year 1) begins with greetings and other commonly used words. You then learn the present and past tense (preterit), and move onto pronouns/adjectives, ser/estar, and prepositions/conjunctions, all with frequent review. This is a full-year course and can be used for high school credit.
1B: En Camino (Beginner Year 2) reviews grammatical lessons from Vamos! and continues with imperfect tense, adverbs, saber/conocer, progressive, comparisons, commands, por/para, and the immediate future. Like 1A, this is also a full-year course and can be used for high school credit.
Level 1 (Beginner) is the original level. It starts with an
introduction section called the Ten Steps. This provides a time for a student
to become familiar with the look and sounds of the language before they begin
the actual lessons. In addition to vocabulary, students will learn to use the
present tense, preterit, and imperfect verb tenses. The course moves at
quicker pace for the student who is enthusiastic about learning Spanish and
wants to grow their grammar and vocabulary in a school year. This one-year
course is a solid high school credit.
At these beginner levels, students will learn the four language skills of speaking, listening, reading, and writing, with a healthy dose of culture and fun in every lesson! Online access provides cultural videos, grammar exercises, and interactive vocabulary flashcards. The narrative teaching style feels comfortable and engaging. Students are required to have a consumable worktext and answer key, plus access to online instruction and resources.
See each course description for more details. ~Sara
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Teaching Method
Traditional
Teacher-centered curriculum commonly used in classrooms that may include a text, teacher manual, tests, etc.
Charlotte Mason
A methodology based on the work of a 19th century educator who maintained that children learn best from literature (Living Books), not textbooks.
Classical
A methodology based on the Latin Trivium (three stages of learning), including the grammar stage (memorization and facts), logic stage (critical thinking), and rhetoric stage (developing/defending ideas).
Unit Study
A thematic or topical approach centered around one topic that integrates multiple subject areas.
Montessori (Discovery)
A methodology based on the work of a 20th century educator that emphasizes student and sensory-driven discovery learning and real-life applications.
Other
Other methodologies
Religious Content
Secular
Contains content contrary to common Christian beliefs (i.e. evolution).
Neutral
Avoids religious or theoretical topics or presents multiple viewpoints without preference.
Christian/Religious
Faith-based or including instructional religious content.
Learning Modality
Auditory
Learns through listening, talking out loud or reading out loud.
Visual
Learns through seeing, prefers written instructions and visual materials.
Kinesthetic/Tactile (Hands-On)
Learns through moving, doing and touching.
Multi-Sensory
Curriculum that employ a variety of activities/components.
Presentation
Sequential
Curriculum progresses through well-defined learning objectives. Emphasizes mastery before moving to the next topic.
Spiral
Topics and concepts are repeated from level to level, adding more depth at each pass and connecting with review.
Conceptual/Topical
Focus is on the “why,” often with a unifying concept as well as specific skills; coverage may be broader.
Teacher Involvement
Low Teacher Involvement
Student-led materials; parent acts as a facilitator.
Medium Teacher Involvement
A mix of teacher-led time and independent student work.
High Teacher Involvement
Teacher-led lessons; may utilize discussions, hands-on activities and working together.
Additional Materials Required
No other materials needed
Everything you need is included.
Other Materials Required
There are additional required resources that are a separate purchase.
Other Materials Optional
There are additional resources mentioned or recommended but are not absolutely necessary.
