Puertas abiertas (Open Doors) was designed to teach children ages three and older--and even adults--the Spanish language in such a way that they can comprehend and enjoy the lessons, and develop a desire to become proficient in the language. This is the first of the Puertas abiertas series, and we look forward to having the next level ready soon!
Level 1 of the Puertas abiertas curriculum consists of the video program (total of over 6 hours on DVD or VHS), the audio program (over 3 hours on CDs or audio cassettes) to accompany the included Student Workbook (212 pages), and a Facilitator’s Guide (105 pages). Additional workbooks are available for purchase. English is not used on the videos or audio program. However, the Facilitator’s Guide does provide English instructions in the use of the workbook, the videos, and the CDs/audio cassettes. The script and translation for the workbook activities is also included in the Facilitator’s Guide. The course is divided into five units, and units into lessons, with a total of 28 lessons.
The main unit topics for Level 1 include animals, people, colors, numbers 1-20, face and body, and clothing. Emphasis is also placed on additional vocabulary, including a variety of objects, descriptive adjectives, actions, and commands. Learners will acquire more Spanish as they are exposed to the language in meaningful contexts. View sample pages from the Student Workbook
Because learners acquire language as they listen to and understand language, Puertas abiertas videos offer children the unique opportunity to listen to Spanish and understand as they associate spoken Spanish with graphics, body language, and other visual and aural input. Their growing vocabulary will serve as a building block to learn new material.
When using the Puertas abiertas curriculum, students will first watch a video lesson on DVD or VHS. Next, they will listen to the CD or audio cassette as they complete the workbook activities for that lesson. These activities allow learners to practice the material presented in the video lesson.
Students will not understand every word spoken on the video, just as a child learning his/her first language does not understand every word spoken. What is important is that the child understand the main vocabulary words and phrases being taught. Meanings of surrounding words will be deduced over time as the child hears them in more contexts.
Because comprehensible input is so important, the child should watch the video lesson as many times as necessary to feel comfortable with the material before doing the workbook activities for that lesson.
If a child feels highly threatened or anxious, he/she will have a much more difficult time acquiring Spanish. For this reason, Puertas abiertas is designed so that the learner will have fun learning!
Click here to see what makes Puertas abiertas unique.