Advanced Spanish

Gr 7 Up-The Standard Deviants are an acting troupe of 20-somethings who, through straightforward explanations and various humorously hokey skits, present advanced Spanish grammar in a clear, easily assimilated fashion. Each module, with the exception of the first tape which is entirely review, consists of a brief review of the concepts presented on the previous program, a quiz question, and presentation of the focus grammatical concepts. Most lessons are divided into two 12-minute sections. For example, Subjunctive & Formal Commands begins with a brief review of the preterite and perfect tenses, and then continues with about 12 minutes of instruction on forming and using the subjunctive, 12 minutes on formal commands, and concludes with a brief review of concepts covered. While the accents of the instructors vary from native speaker to American-just-beginning-to-learn, the content is sound. Various slightly eccentric characters appear in each lesson, sort of like an adult Sesame Street, and a strange little machine called The Translator 2000, which seems to be constructed from toilet paper tubes, also makes an appearance in each segment. The clever scripting and seamless integration of these features into the lessons makes them enjoyable. The layout of the lessons is ideal for classroom use. Each segment could be used to introduce as well as review the concepts presented, with the teacher expanding on each lesson in the classroom. While the pacing is a little swift for complete integration, it is perfect for adjunct use in advanced Spanish classes. Funny, informative, and admirably clear, this would be a boon to junior and senior high school Spanish language programs.-Ann Welton, Grant Center for the Expressive Arts, Tacoma, WA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.