Students in Spanish, Beginning I, work to gain foundational skills in the language. This  course is designed for students with little or no experience in Spanish. Initially, students listen closely, acquire vocabulary and practice pronunciation. Students work in small collaborative groups to practice speaking and share readings. All along we strive to create an active, stress-free learning environment. Elements of grammar are applied in written exercises.  In-context topics include people, school, pastimes, time, home, food, and travel. The main goals of the course are to gain listening comprehension, and to begin learning to communicate in Spanish.