Modelos: An Integrated Approach for Proficiency in Spanish

The key to good writing is having good models!

Modelos offers a unique student-centered, holistic approach that focuses on 1) proficiency, 2) student engagement in speaking, reading, writing, and listening, and 3) integrated treatment of literature and composition with grammar review. Each chapter of the text consists of an authentic reading selection, instruction on writing strategies and tips, followed by activities with specific roles for understanding and exploring the text.

Modelos, Prentice Hall's newest composition book is designed to enhance students' critical thinking and interpretive skills. Taking a highly motivational approach, Modelos asks learners to comprehend and produce Spanish in a way in which they assume responsibility and accountability for their own work. At each juncture, Modelos strives to reinforce the conviction that each student is an author, with a unique voice and individual ideas to share.

A unique student-centered, holistic approach to composition, Modelos features:

• An integrated approach to composition covering the full process of writing, revision, and evaluation
• A consistent focus on language proficiency
• An emphasis on developing reading strategies and literary discussion
• A manual/workbook that includes a complete grammar review and exercises, as well as additional activities for speaking and writing, and appendices (e.g., verb paradigms, abbreviations, and ACTFL guidelines).

The title Modelos plays on the meaning of authentic texts as models for writing, and the notion that students are asked assume different roles as a writer, such as: escritor fotógrafo (description), and escritor abogado (argumentation). This innovative approach to composition fosters a solid and interesting next step in language comprehension and production.