So we’re supposed to learn Spanish… NOTE** ask students, before we begin, raising your hands, where have you seen or heard Spanish spoken in your every day life? But what’s the big deal? Why should I care? What’s Spanish got to do with me?

“Ay, caramba!” You already use many words that have come from Spanish, including ranch, canyon, Florida, cafeteria, patio, tornado, Colorado, lunch, tuna, rodeo, alligator… Many of the foods we enjoy come from Spanish-speaking countries: tacos, enchiladas, breakfast burritos, and even “wrap” sandwiches are made with tortillas! And don’t forget about the salsa!

Beyonce is even joining in! She sang a Spanish version of “Irreplaceable” that was such a hit on the Latin charts, she re-released her album B’day with 6 new tracks sung in Spanish! She also teamed up with Shakira (who is from the Latin American country of Colombia) to record “Beautiful Liar.”

Some of your favorite celebrities speak Spanish… Pitbull Eva Longoria David Beckham Selena Gomez Sammy Sosa Kobe Bryant Enrique Iglesias Jennifer Lopez

over 300 million Spanish speakers in the world! These are only a few of over 300 million Spanish speakers in the world! Countries whose official language includes Spanish are colored red.

In the United States alone, there are over 35 million Spanish speakers

Look how you can benefit from being bilingual Give yourself job security by having a valuable skill- speaking two languages! Bilingual people are more marketable and have more career choices (and can make more money!)- as an interpreter, teacher, translator, reporter, tour guide, flight attendant, social worker… the list goes on! In the business world: Sell your product or service to over 35 million Spanish speakers in the U.S., and to over 300 million people worldwide

You can get started now, right here in Charlotte… Visit the Latin American Coalition in Charlotte! Eat at Latin American and Spanish restaurants Rent a Spanish or Latin American movie

Group work procedures You will be working with your group members to make a poster about why you should study Spanish. You need to be at noise level 2 (meaning you are whispering and I can hear the music!) Do not move or start talking to your other group members until I say “vamanos” The students sitting in seats 1 and 2 will be the group readers. They will read aloud every other paragraph. Students sitting in seat 3 and 4 will be the scribe. Student sitting in seat 5 will be the presenter. 20 minutes