Breaking the Barrier Quarterly

Another Seasonal Treat!

• A teaching tip as refreshing as a cool glass of iced tea. John Conner shares Step Number 3 from his much-acclaimed workshop The Ideal Lesson Plan: Ten Steps to Total Fluency.
• A selection from Think Spanish magazine that will help you describe the ongoing action and excitement of your summer.
• Our friend Pura's recipe for amazing Spanish-style tortillas. This culinary delight will make your mouth water and is a perfect treat for a family picnic!
• Our Conference Schedule: While you have a little extra time, make plans now to see us at one of the many conferences we will be attending around the country this summer and in the coming academic year.

Here's to a great summer!

John Conner, Cindy Beams & "Summer Associate" Will Stone

TEN STEPS to Total Fluency: John Conner shares STEP THREE
The right approach to presenting new material in class makes all the difference! John Conner offers some helpful advice on the best approaches to presenting grammar in the classroom. This summer's offering is Step 3: New or Old Grammar! from his acclaimed workshop for teachers, The Ideal Lesson Plan: Ten Steps to Total Fluency.

New or Old Grammar! New or Old Grammar! Executive Summary

Speaking of Grammar

John Conner Tackles his Favorite Subjects

As readers know, John Conner writes a monthly column for Think Spanish magazine.

Think Spanish is perfect for all those who want to deepen their understanding of the Spanish language. Each month's issue contains wonderful articles covering a wide range of topics related to Spanish and Latin-American culture. A sister-publication, Think French, was just launched this summer.

Have you been spending far too much time trying to figure out how to describe ongoing action in Spanish? Despair no more! Spend a little time going over this article and you'll soon be a master. Expressing ongoing action can be tough because Spanish and English use different constructions, but once you've got the basics down, the rest comes quickly.

Ongoing Action: The Fun Never Stops!

Think Spanish Think French

 

"Tortilla a la Pura"

Our friend Pura's recipe for delicious Spanish-style tortillas!

This summer, we share a simply legendary recipe with you. It comes from our good friend Pura Medina Quevedo, a wonderful woman whose family first hosted John Conner in Spain nearly 30 years ago. In addition to being a mother and grandmother, Pura is a master of the kitchen, and her tortilla española is absolutely delicious! In this article from Think Spanish, Pura shares the recipe for the first time ever. Make one on your own and learn why many say that they're the best tortillas in all of Spain! After you read the article, try your hand at the comprehension questions.

This article and the accompanying questions are an ideal cultural activity to use in your classroom.

Tortilla Pura - Article Comprehension Questions

At Breaking the Barrier, we make a point of visiting many foreign language

Conferences 2009-2010





BREAKING NEWS: John Conner is a TRANSFORMER!

As you know, Breaking the Barrier can "transform" Spanish and French neophytes into fluent speakers. Thus it should come as no surprise that in a recent trip to New York City, author and series editor John Conner found himself, rather appropriately, near a shooting of CBS's "The Early Show" in which several actors from the summer blockbuster Transformers 2 were interviewed.

Enjoy the clip, and we hope this summer will be one of rest and transformation!

CBS Early Show Segment (scroll down, hit play, and see John Conner smiling in the background)

Our 2009 Editions Are Now on the Shelves -- Order yours today.

Order Now!

email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it phone: 866-862-7325 web: http://www.tobreak.com

Grammar doesn't need to be dry. Let's tackle it together with rigor and humor!