Henry Ford College

Subject Pronouns and Verbs

• Chart Overview: A chart displays subject pronouns and the corresponding changes the verb makes as subjects change.

• Activity Instructions: Write just the endings for the verbs listed in the chart based on the given subjects. The stem of the verb (infinitive form without "ar") is already provided.

Examples for Chart Completion

• For example, if the verb is hablar (to speak):

  • Yo -> -o (hablo)

  • Tú -> -as (hablas)

Verb Conjugation Practice

• Practice Task: Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the given infinitive verb.

• Sample Prompt: "Maria Elena ___" with the verb mirar.

  • Correct Form: "Mira" (because Maria Elena is singular).

Discussion on Personal Experiences

• Casual Conversation: Engages the class in discussing personal topics like marriage and having children. Emphasis on being prepared and responsible when considering parenthood.

• Student Experiences: Students share their views on having kids and their current life situations.

Topic of TV Shows and Movies

• Discussion Points: Various TV shows and movies are discussed, with highlights on preferences and opinions about different genres:

  • Twin Peaks: Mentioned as a surreal show but difficult to understand.

  • X-Files and Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Other popular TV series that students discuss.

  • Black Mirror: Provides a modern take on similar themes seen in the "Twilight Zone."

Pronunciation Practice

• Importance of Pronunciation: Engage in exercises focusing on pronunciation of verb forms and how they are used in sentences.

Examples of Sentence Use

• Example Sentences:

  • "Maria Elena mira la televisión" (Maria Elena watches television).

  • "¿Tú prefieres tacos o burritos?" (Do you prefer tacos or burritos?) - used to illustrate formal addressing.

Understanding 'Gustar'

• Gustar as a Unique Verb: Focus on how "gustar" translates to "to like" but implies something is pleasing to someone.

  • Key Forms: "me gusta" (I like it), "me gustan" (I like them).

• Negative Formulation: To negate, simply add "no" in front:

  • Example: "No me gusta" (I don’t like it).

Question Formation in Spanish

• Inverted Question Marks: Spanish uses inverted question marks (¿) to indicate questions at the start, which aids in comprehension.

• Interrogative Words: Important words include who (¿quién?), what (¿qué?), where (¿dónde?), when (¿cuándo?), why (¿por qué?), and how (¿cómo?).

Asking Information vs. Yes/No Questions

• Structure Differences:

  • Information Questions: Utilize interrogative words.

  • Yes/No Questions: Subject and verb inversion; often signalled by rising intonation.

Practical Application Through Conversation

• Interactive Questions:

  • Students practice forming and answering questions:

    • Example: "¿Dónde está Carlos?" (Where is Carlos?)

  • Emphasis on practicing conversations using the classroom context.

Conclusion: Verb Usage and Responses

• Response Form Matching: Responses are tailored to match the form of the question:

  • If the question uses 'yo,' the answer must use 'tú' or 'usted', etc.

  • Encourage students to think about the structure and flow of their answers in relation to the question they respond to.