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ERIC Number: ED337013
Record Type: RIE
Publication Date: 1987
Pages: 10
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Memory Hooks: Clues for Language Retention.
Stickels, Leslie; Schwartz, Marsha
Memory-assisting devices used in high school Spanish instruction are described, including strategies in many forms: visuals, sounds, rhythms, rhymes, and actions. Mnemonics for subjunctives include: a suffix-"switching" procedure; a word ("dishes") to remind them of the six verbs not using the first person to form the present subjunctive; a cheerleading activity to retain past subjunctive forms; a word ("wedding") for remembering the functions of verbs and impersonal expressions determining subjunctive use in noun clauses; and three categories with adverbial conjunctions, each with a mnemonic acronym. The formation of conjugations of stem-changing verbs is illustrated with a shoe- or L-shaped box. Uses of "ser" and "estar" are remembered with a brief saying. Perfect tenses are illustrated in several simple ways. The distinctions between preterite and imperfect forms also uses a mnemonic acronym. Negatives are taught using silly sayings, and object pronouns are illustrated with song and dance and another acronym. For demonstrative adjectives, a rhyme is used, and silly phrases assist with vocabulary retention. The devices have been found to be effective tools for language learning and for adding humor to the class. (MSE)
Publication Type: Guides - Classroom - Teacher; Speeches/Meeting Papers
Education Level: N/A
Audience: Teachers; Practitioners
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Note: In: Planning for Proficiency. Dimension: Language '86. Report of the Southern Conference on Language Teaching, p65-73, 1987; see FL 019 583.