Teaching Material

Books & Study Guides

We have a syllabus for each level, which our teachers follow. In covering this syllabus our teachers will use Zion’s books and guides, which have been written by our teachers. However, we encourage teachers to be flexible and creative in their teaching style, therefore they will often use additional books and materials to meet their individual student’s needs.

These books and study guides are carefully prepared to meet your needs and are revised regularly. Each student book consists of six chapters, which cover vocabulary, reading texts, pronunciation exercises, grammar, practice activities, cultural notes and explanations and a summary. Teachers use these books as the basis of the classes, supplementing with other books and activities where necessary.

Each chapter contains:

Aims and objectives: These are essential as they set goals for the student and teacher.

General vocabulary: Each chapter has a theme designed to meet students’ needs (e.g. accommodation; eating out; shopping, etc) and so each chapter contains a lot of relevant new vocabulary.

Reading text: Each chapter contains a reading text, which covers different aspects of life and culture in Ecuador and Latin America, giving students the chance to learn more about our culture.

Pronounciation: We believe that a fundamental part of the learning process is learning correct pronunciation. So each lesson contains pronunciation exercises. And as (often) the classes are one-to-one, teachers can stop and correct students freely.

Grammar: We have chosen appropriate grammar for each level and each chapter includes some grammar so students constantly build their grammatical knowledge.

Exercises: At the end of each book we have included exercises relating to each class. We also have many other books that we use in addition to our books, to reinforce what we teach. We also give students workbooks which give further opportunities for practice.

Exercise books: You will receive two exercise books, one to record vocabulary, grammar, exercises etc, and the other for homework and compositions.

Activities: to support the learning process we encourage our teachers to take students on outings and trips. For example, after learning about shopping the teacher may take the student to the market to buy some fruits, vegetables and/or local products.

Cultural notes: Our classes include explanations of Ecuadorian and Latin American customs and cultural events, so that students learn not just our language but also our culture.

Writing: From the first day, students practice and develop their writing skills. We ask students to keep a daily diary, and teachers also set compositions.

Summary: At the end of each week, students take a test covering everything they’ve studied each week.This helps teacher and student assess progress and spot weaknesses that may need further work.

Each student book consists of six chapters, which cover vocabulary, reading texts, pronunciation exercises, grammar, practice activities, cultural notes and explanations and a summary.

Library: Reading is the best way to improve your vocabulary and reinforce what you learn in classes! With this in mind we have set up a small library which all students are welcome to use. And we will be really happy if you also choose to read some of books by Latin American authors!
To complete our little library, we have many e-books to learn Spanish, ask your teacher to put some of them in your computer.

Audio materials: Our teachers also use audios for listening exercises, and you will probably learn some songs in your time with us!
In addition to the instruction received during regular class hours, each week teachers make calls by whatsApp to students at their residence. These conversations are optional and last for a maximum of 30 minutes each and serve as practice and review of class materials already covered.
This activity is often used when you take a online spanish course.

Games, magazines, and newspapers:   We use a wide variety of games, magazines, and newspapers to supplement classes. This means you will get lots of different kinds of practice, and you certainly won´t get bored!

Tests and exams: In your first class (or before) you will take a placement test, which helps us to see your level of Spanish (if you have some previous knowledge). Your teacher will also take you through a general oral revision of the initial areas. This revision, and the placement test, will enable us to start at the right level for you.

You will take progress tests throughout the course (usually weekly). These help us to see if you are ready to continue to new areas. You will also take an exam at the end of each level to check if you are ready to move up to the next level. If we feel you are not ready, your teacher will spend more time with you on the areas which present particular problems for you. After this you should be able to move up a level with no problems.

At the end of the course you will take a final exam to confirm the final level you reach.