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Mrs. Giselle Leonhardt » Bienvenidos/ Welcome

Bienvenidos/ Welcome

Bienvenidos de regreso a la escuela!
(Welcome back to school)
 

My name is Giselle Leonhardt and I am excited to not only be an 8th grade homeroom teacher but, to teach 3rd - 8th grade Spanish for the second year in a row. While at St. Joseph’s Catholic School I have had multiple positions and have taught for six and a half years. I became a part of the parish 9 years ago. I have two sons; one who just graduated from St. Joe's and one who currently attends St. Joseph's. I grew up with Spanish as my first language so I am delighted for the opportunity to teach Spanish again this year. I look forward to working with your child to understand and speak the Spanish language in real-world situations. Your child will learn about the cultures of the Spanish-speaking countries as well as the history of these countries.

 

Growing up, I too attened Catholic school and I feel blessed to have the privilage to send my children to St. Joseph's. During my free time, I love spending quality time with my husband, 2 boys and 3 dogs; Leia, Rey and Hans Solo. We enjoy going on walks, heading out to family dinners and going to the movies. My favorite sport is Volleyball. I coached the 6th/7th grade boys volleyball team in 2021 and the 7th/8th grade boys volleyball team in 2024.

 

I look forward to another wonderful and blessed year with your children.

 
 

Posts

Week of 1/20/25

 

3rd Grade: No School MLK Day

4th - 5th Grade: Students have now learned the terms Me Gusta and Te Gusta__?, “Si, me gusta ___” or “No, no me gusta__.” They have also completed another Reading comprehension of deportes (sports) and verbs for example: Me gusta jugar tenis de mesa.

Performance Targets: Students Will learn a variety of foods so that they can further have mini conversations with their classmates.

Students will learn the following words: hamburguesa, pastel, los panqueques, el helado etc..

6th Grade:

Continuing this week we will continue with Capitulo 1B Y tu, Como eres? 

Identify cultural practices in an authentic video about personality traits.

Students have done a wonderful job in identifying and learning the adjectives in Spanish.  ordenado / ordenada, estudioso/a, perezoso/a muy trabajador/a, impaciente.

  • Objective: They can now identify the definite and indefinite articles el and la.
  • This week they will learn the word order: placement of adjectives using the Subject, verb, indefinite article + noun and adjective.
  • We will close this chapter with a video about the culture. Students will be able to listen to the video and answer the questions pertaining to the video.

7th-Grade: (Continuing this week)

  • Students have interviewed each other with questions provided in class. Como te llamas y cuantos años tienes? Que te gusta hacer?
  • Students have completed their writing assignment using the verb tener
  • Students have been preparing for their writing assignment using the tener verb.  
  • We are about to complete the students practice run using their papers this week and we will complete with a mini conversation with no use of their papers beginning this week to be completed in Spanish.

8th Grade: (Continuing this week)

  • Tuesday 8th Grade will have their Confirmation Retreat 7:35- 12:00 PM
  • This week they will work on reading comprehension and have a writing assignment about using the verb tener.

Week of 1/13/25

 

3rd Grade:  Students will have a chance to learn about the Epiphany also known as  Dia de los Reyes Magos. Students will learn how this Day is celebrated in Mexico and will learn about el Rosca de Reyes which is a Mexican sweet Orange and cinnamon bread which hides a baby Jesus figurine.  They will also learn  about el Dia de la Candelaria on February 2nd which follows 3 Kings day in Mexico and the traditions.

 

4th - 5th Grade: Students will learn how to express their opinions as to whether they like something or not.

Performance Targets: Students comprehend the question “Te gusta __”?

Students answer the question using the phrases, “Si, me gusta ___” or “No, no me gusta__.”

Students will learn the following words: refresco, televisión, jugar futbol, andar en patineta, leer un libro Ect..

 

6th Grade:

Continuing this week we will continue with Capitulo 1B Y tu, Como eres? 

Identify cultural practices in an authentic video about personality traits.

    • Will continue to Identify adjectives; ordenado / ordenada, estudioso/a, perezoso/a muy trabajador/a, impaciente.
    • Objective: Identify definite and indefinite articles el and la.Students will identify and write about people and things at their school.
    • Students will present their mini conversations this week Yo Soy/ No Soy, Es/ No Es

7th-8th Grade: (Continuing this week)

  • They will review the use of the verb tener; used to show relationship or possession.
  • Identify that some expressions in Spanish use tener where English uses “to be.” For example: tengo, tienes, tiene, tenemos, tienen.
  • Students will interview each other with questions provided in class. Como te llamas y cuantos años tienes? Que te gusta hacer?
  • They will prepare the questions and answers and will be able to present in class with the use of their notes and finally at the end of the week be able to interview each other without notes.
  • Students will have a writing assignment using the verb tener

Week of January 6th

8th Grade: Graduation Pictures - Attention All Graduates! Color Portraits Inc. will be at St. Joseph Catholic School on Wednesday, January 8th, 2025.

3rd Grade: Monday No School.

 

4th-5th Grade:

January 6th is the Epiphany also known as  Dia de los Reyes Magos.

Students will learn how this Day is celebrated in Mexico and will learn about el Rosca de Reyes which is a Mexican sweet orange and cinnamon bread which hides a baby Jesus figurine.  They will also learn about el Dia de la Candelaria on February 2nd which follows 3 Kings day in Mexico. They will learn how they celebrate and traditions of the Mexican culture.

 

6th Grade:

This week we will continue with Capitulo 1B Y tu, Como eres? 

  • Will continue to Identify adjectives; ordenado / ordenada, estudioso/a, perezoso/a muy trabajador/a, impaciente.
  • Objective: Identify definite and indefinite articles el and la.Students will identify and write about people and things at their school.

7th-8th Grade:

    • They will review the use of the verb tener; used to show relationship or possession.
    • Identify that some expressions in Spanish use tener where English uses “to be.” For example: tengo, tienes, tiene, tenemos, tienen.
    • Students will interview each other with questions provided in class. Como te llamas y cuantos años tienes? Que te gusta hacer?
    • They will prepare the questions and answers and will be able to present in class with the use of their notes and finally at the end of the week be able to interview each other without notes.



Week of 1/6/2025

This is just a reminder that 8th Grade Graduation pictures will take place on Wednesday January 8th, 2025. There will be a re-take day scheduled in February.
 
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Week of 12/16

3rd-5th Grade : We will continue learning about Christmas traditions in Mexico and in Spanish Speaking Countries. Students will learn about the feast of our Lady of Guadalupe and Saint Juan Diego.  Students will also learn about The Spanish Tradition of Las Doce Uvas (the 12 grapes) for the New Year.

Culture Objectives: 

  • 3rd Grade will complete las Posdas worksheet and listen to the story the Three Wise Kings by Tomie dePaola.
  • Students will learn about the apparition of Our Lady of Guadalupe and when she appeared to the Saint Juan Diego and be able to Identify the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City.
  • Identify: the vocabulary word Tilma a type of cloak/apron.
  • Objective: Students will also get to learn about the Spanish tradition of Las Doce Uvas del Año Nuevo (12 grapes for New Year).
  • Identify: the history behind the tradition of many Spanish speaking countries, people eating 12 grapes at midnight on New Year’s. The grapes represent the 12 months in the year, the 12 hours at midnight. They will learn that each grape represents a wish for the New Year.
  • Students will have a chance to write down their 12 wishes for the New Year.
  • Students will Also hear the Story the Three Kings By Tomie dePaola and Los Tres Reyes. 
  • We will learn more about Los 3 Reyes Magos (3 Wise Kings) and Rosca de Reyes which is celebrated on January 6th when we return to School on January 7th.
6th Grade:

This week we will continue with Capitulo 1B Y tu, Como eres? 

Identify and describe their personalities to others.

Identify cultural practices in an authentic video about personality traits.

  • Students will learn some Adjectives that describe people and things in Spanish.
  • They will learn that most adjectives in Spanish have both Masculine and Feminine forms. They will review adjectives that end in e describe both Masculine and Feminine nouns:  ordenado / ordenada, trabajador/trabajadora, paciente/ paciente

7th-8th Grade:

This week students will continue Capitulo 5A Una fiesta de cumpleanos

Objective: Listen to and read descriptions of the family members and family relationships.

Identify and exchange information while describing their family.

  • They will learn the use of the verb tener; used to show relationship or possession.
  • Identify that some expressions in Spanish use tener where English uses “to be.” For example: tengo, tienes, tiene, tenemos, tienen

Week of the 12/9

3rd - 5th Grade:

This week we will be continuing learning about Christmas traditions in Mexico. Students will listen to the story of the Legend of the Poinsettia by Tomie dePaola.They will also learn about facts and origins of The Christmas Flower (la flor de noche buena).

Culture Objectives: 

  • Students will learn about la historia de la flor de nochebuena
  • Identify the leaves which are called bracts.
  • Objective: Learn about Dr. Joel Roberts Poinsett and his travel to Mexico.
  • 3rd Grade students will complete their snapshot of Las Posadas.
  • 4th-5th graders will be making a Poinsettia this week.

6th Grade:

This week we begin Capitulo 1B Y tu, Como eres?

Objective: Students will listen to and read descriptions of others.

Identify and describe their personalities to others.

Identify cultural practices in an authentic video about personality traits.

  • Review and write out their vocabulary words on a worksheet which they are to keep in their binder.
  • Be able to watch a video and answer questions on Como eres?
  • Review masculine and feminine adjectives and complete a worksheet.

7th-8th Grade:

This week students will begin Capitulo 5A Una fiesta de cumpleanos

Objective: Listen to and read descriptions of the family members and family relationships.

Identify and exchange information while describing their family.

  • Review and write out their vocabulary words on a worksheet which they are to keep in their binder.
  • Talk and write about family, friends, and celebrations.
  • Watch a video and answer questions about Los quince años.
  • Review the verbs tener, tengo and tienes

Week of 12/2/24

3rd - 5th Grade

This week the students will be preparing for Las Posadas which is a religious tradition that begins on December 16th and runs through December 24th. This tradition is celebrated in Mexico and Latin America. They will learn about the commemoration of the journey of Mary and Joseph from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Students will read about las nueve noches, las procesiónes, traditional foods prepared during this time and the festivities. They will have a fun time creating a traditional Christmas Flower.  

Students will listen to story books “Las Posadas” and "The legend of the Poinsettia.” 

Culture Objectives: 

  • Students will understand and become familiar with the traditions and celebrations during Las Posadas.
  • Identify: Comidas tradicionales, celebraciones, historia de Jesucristo
  • Students will learn about la historia de la flor de nochebuena
  • 3rd and 4th Grade will continue to learn more next week as I meet with them only 1 and 2 times a week.

6th- 8th Grade:

  • 6th Grade has reached the end of Capitulo-1A
  • We will review in class this week to prepare for the quiz.

Vocabulary Quiz will be Friday 12/6/24

Students will have a Pear Practice to help them prepare for the quiz

  • 7th - 8th Has reached the end of Capitulo- 4B
  • We will review in class this week to prepare for the quiz.

7th Grade Vocabulary Quiz will be Friday 12/6/24

8th Grade Vocabulary Quiz will be on Thursday 12/5/24

Students will have a Pear Practice to help them prepare for the quiz

Week of 11/25

 

3rd - 4th grade

As we prepare for Thanksgiving Break, students will learn about “el día de acción de gracias.” Students will identify la comida utilizado el dia de gracias. They will also create un pavo de papel and list 5 cosas por las que ser agradecido.        

  • Students will listen to the Story about Thanksgiving and identify vocabulary words.
  • Objective: to identify names of food used at Thanksgiving.

5th Grade: 

  • Students will learn about El Día de Acción de Gracias
  • They will identify palabras de comida que se utiliza el día del pavo. Students will navigate through an escape room in Spanish with the theme of El Día de Acción de Gracias

 

6th- 8th Grade:

  • 6th - 7th Grade: Students will enjoy Roxxem a day of learning through music. This helps to improve their listening skills. Students will listen to Un poco loco (Song in Coco). Students will listen to the song, read the lyrics and play Whac-a-word to complete the Spanish lyrics in Spanish.
  • 7th Grade will continue their 1st draft of their Invitation writing assignment that is written in Spanish when we return from break..
  • 8th Grade will enjoy Roxxem, a day of learning through music. This helps to improve their listening skills. Students will listen to No se habla de Bruno. (Song in Encanto). Students will listen to the song, read the lyrics and play Whac-a-word to complete the Spanish lyrics in Spanish.

Week of 11/18


3rd Grade:

  • This week the Students will be completing their numbers packet and begin to learn how to say what day it is.
  • Students will identify the days of the week in Spanish
  • They will comprehend the question, “Que dia es hoy.”
  • They will Answer the question using the phrase “Hoy es ___.”

4th Grade:  

  • Last week students created a dibujo del tiempo (drawing of the weather) of one of the seasons.
  • This week the students will present in Spanish their drawing of “Que tiempo hace”?

5th Grade: 

Last week students completed their Ropa packet.  This week they will create dibujo del tiempo (drawing of the weather).  They will list “Que tiempo hace”? 

  • Students can now identify with the weather and clothes.  
  • They will create a drawing choosing one of the Estaciones (seasons).

6th Grade: 

  • This week we will be ending Capitulo 1A.  
  • Students will be ending this chapter this week and will be working on reading comprehension in their Literacy Skills workbook.
  • Students will watch a video on Autentico about el condervatorio de mariachi.

7th Grade: Will continue with Capitulo 4B

  • Objective: Students will listen to phone messages about invitations
  • Write about and discuss plans
  • Read and extend an invitation by phone. 
  • Grammar: Learn the Ir + a + infinitive (Voy a jugar),
  • Learn to use the verb jugar and Ir in present tense form.
  • Review the use of the verb Ser in the preterite form

8th- Grade:

  • Has now learned about the Ir + a + infinitive and the verb jugar. 
  • Next week students will be working on their 1st draft writing assignment about an invitation to a special event.
  • Students will watch a video about Deporte, cultura e innovación and complete the worksheet pertaining to video.
  • Will prepare to review the end of the chapter for the vocab quiz

Week of 11/11


3rd Grade:

  • 3rd grade will be completing the Dia de Los Muertos booklet and begin to learn how to spell and write their numbers in Spanish from 1-10.

4th - 5th Grade:  

  • This week students will begin a La Ropa (Clothes) lesson.  
  • Objective to identify articles of clothing used in all four seasons. 
  • Students will be able to identify Que necesito? Que tengo? (What do I have? what do I need)?

5th Grade: Last week I mistakenly wrote the wrong date for the Days of the week quiz. The students have been working really hard reviewing the Days of the week in class all week long.  They can continue to study their study guide spin wheel that they made in class that will help them with Hoy es, Ayer fue, Manana sera.. They also have a Kahoot to practice their days of the week that is located in google classroom under the category Days of the Week Quiz.

5Schiff will have the Days of the week quiz on Monday 11/11

5Bubis will have the Days of the week quiz on Tuesday 11/12

6th Grade: 

  • This week we will continue with Capitulo 1A where the students will prepare a presentacion oral (oral presentation).
  • Students will talk about their likes and dislikes: Me gusta, Me gusta mucho, No me gusta nada..Students will learn to write in complete sentences and use visuals to stay focused.
  • Students will work in partners and practice their oral presentation of their likes and dislikes of one another in Spanish and be able to present a mini conversation in class.

7th - 8th Grade: Students will continue with Capitulo 4B

  • Objective: Students will listen to phone messages about invitations
  • Write about and discuss plans
  • Read and extend an invitation by phone. 
  • Grammar: Learn the Ir + a + infinitive (Voy a jugar),
  • Learn to use the verb jugar and Ir in present tense
  • Review the use of the verb Ser in the preterite tense

Week of 11/4

We had such a fun week learning and celebrating Dia de Los Muertos. Each grade had a wonderful project to help them learn about the traditions of the Holiday along with the typical foods,drinks and celebrations.  It is definitely one of the students favorite holidays in Spanish class. 

3rd Grade - 4th Grade:  Since I only see 3rd grade once a week and 4th grade 2 times a week, they will continue to work on their Dia de los Muertos packet so they can complete their booklet.

5th Grade -  Will begin to review and prepare for their Dias de la semana quiz which will be on the week of 11/18. 

  • 5 Schiff Quiz will be on Monday 11/18 and Ms. Bubis Quiz will be on Tuesday 11/19.

 

Middle school completed their first Ofrenda for Dia de los Muertos and each did such a wonderful job and projects are displayed outside the Spanish classroom.

6th Grade: Last week the students had a chance to learn about the different dances of Latin music.  They even got a chance to learn how to Salsa in Spanish and had a great time learning.

  • This week we will continue with Capitulo 1A. 
  • They will express agreement and disagreement about what others like to do.
  • They will read and write opinions about activities
  • Students will talk about their likes and dislikes and will get a chance to have a mini conversation with a partner to end this chapter.

7th - 8th Grade:

  • We will continue on with Capitulo 4B
  • Students will write and talk about activities they like to do and sports they like to play.
    They will discuss activities they and others like to do. 
  • Students will complete the “Eres Deportista”? Worksheet packet and “Los planes” worksheet.

Week of 10/28

3rd - 5th This week students will be learning about Dia De Los Muertos which is coming up next week on Friday November 1st and 2nd.  They will how the ancient Aztec custom of celebrating our ancestors, a holiday brought to Mexico by Spanish invaders in the early 1500’s.  They will learn about la ofrenda, Pan de muertos, sugar skulls, the meaning of the monarch butterflies and the day of the dead flower which is the marigold. The aztec name of the marigold is cempasuchil.

3rd Grade- Will be making a Dia de los muertos booklet

4th Grade -  Students will be making a sugar skull packet and paper sugar skulls. 4th Grade Shreiner's class will see the movie Coco while we work on Friday 11/1.

5th Grade - Students will be making a sugar skull packet and paper sugar skulls. Will be watching the movie Coco while we work on Friday 11/1.

 

6th -8th Grade:

  • As we paused due to having the students create an ofrenda this week since we will be celebrating the upcoming holiday of Dia De Los Muertos.  Students have been asked to choose a loved one that has passed, a passed pet, a favorite character from a movie that passed or a famous celebrity.  Info is posted on google classroom under homework.They will also be writing in Spanish why they chose this person and what that person means to them. Due October 31st.
  • Middle school will be watching the Movie Coco on Thursday 10/31 and 11/1

(6th -8th grade will continue on with the chapters for each grade)

6th Grade:

  • This week we will continue with 1A Qué te gusta hacer? Students have learned new vocabulary words that pertain to this chapter: correr, dibujar, bailar ect..
  • This week we will learn the infinitives: we will discuss the AR, IR, and ER verbs.
  • We will review cognates so that students can become skilled at recognizing cognates that will help them to understand what they are reading.

7th Grade:

  • We will continue on with Capitulo 4B- they will listen and read invitations and responses. 
  • Review new vocabulary words of sports and activities outside of school, accepting and declining invitations. Vocabulary worksheets should be kept in their black Spanish binder.
  • They will watch a video- Te gustaria ir de camping? in class- discuss and answer questions pertaining to video via Savvas (will be posted on google classroom).
  • They will complete worksheets; las invitaciones y los planes
 

8th Grade

  • Students will begin Capitulo 4B- they will listen and read invitations and responses. 
  • Review new vocabulary words of sports and activities outside of school, accepting and declining invitations. Vocabulary worksheets should be kept in their black Spanish binder.
  • They will watch a video- Te gustaria ir de camping? in class- discuss and answer questions pertaining to video via Savvas (will be posted on google classroom).
  • They will complete worksheets; las invitaciones y los planes



Week of 10/21

3rd Grade - Last week the students learned their numbers 1-10, this we students will be learning numeros 10-20. Packet will be in their red Spanish folder.

4th Grade -  Students wrapped up learning los numeros 1-30. This week the students will be busy learning about Que dia es hoy. Students will comprehend the question “que dia es hoy y  Hoy es___.” They will learn how to write los dias de la semana ( days of the week) while working on their days of the week packet.

5th Grade - Students comprehend the question “que dia es hoy and Hoy es___.” They have begun to learn how to write los dias de la semana (days of the week). We have also refreshed our knowledge on los meses (the months of the year).  This week they will complete the day’s of the week wheel which will help them study for their quiz at the end of our lesson.  They will also be working on the month's packet and have a Spanish writing exercise about the months within the year.

6th Grade:

  • Students have begun Capítulo 1A Qué te gusta hacer? 
  • Students have learned new vocabulary words that pertain to this chapter: correr, dibujar, bailar ect..
  • This week we will learn the infinitives: we will discuss the AR, IR, and ER verbs.
  • We will review cognates so that students can become skilled at recognizing cognates that will help them to understand what they are reading.
  • They will work on their infinitive worksheet.

7th Grade:

  • We have begun presenting the Influential leaders report in class.  We will continue to complete this by the beginning of the week.
  • Students will begin Capitulo 4B- they will listen and read invitations and responses. 
  • Review new vocabulary words of sports and activities outside of school, accepting and declining invitations. Vocabulary worksheets should be kept in their black Spanish binder.
  • They will watch a video- Te gustaria ir de camping? in class- discuss and answer questions pertaining to video via Savvas (will be posted on google classroom).
  • They will complete worksheets; las invitaciones y los planes

8th Grade:

  • We have begun presenting the Spanish Speaking Countries report in class.  We will continue to complete this by the beginning of the week.
  • Students will begin Capitulo 4B- they will listen and read invitations and responses. 
  • Review new vocabulary words of sports and activities outside of school, accepting and declining invitations. Vocabulary worksheets should be kept in their black Spanish binder.
  • They will watch a video- Te gustaria ir de camping? in class- discuss and answer questions pertaining to video via Savvas (will be posted on google classroom).
  • They will complete worksheets; las invitaciones y los planes

Week of 10/14

3rd Grade - This week third grade will continue to learn about los numeros.

4th Grade - will wrap up learning los numeros 1-30. Next week students will learn about Que dia es hoy. Students comprehend the question “que dia es hoy and Hoy es___.” They will learn how to write los dias de la semana (days of the week).

5th Grade - Students comprehend the question “que dia es hoy and Hoy es___.” They will learn how to write los dias de la semana (days of the week). Since they learned their ordinal numbers in Spanish they will work on matching up the ordinal number with the days of the week.

6th Grade:

  • Students have begun Capítulo 1A Qué te gusta hacer? 
  • Students will listen to and read about activities people like to do and don’t like to do.
  • They will identify cultural practices in an authentic video about an after school music program.
  • Learn new vocabulary words of activities

7th Grade:

  • Students will complete the vocab quiz on Monday 10/14 due to shortened schedules Thursday and Friday.
  • We will begin Influential Leader report presentations this week.

8th Grade:

  • Students will complete the vocab quiz on Monday 10/14 due to shortened schedules Thursday and Friday.
  • Will begin Hispanic Speaking Country Report presentations this week.