Here are our most commonly asked questions. If you have a question that is not answered here, please call us. We would be happy to answer it for you.
Sube, Inc. 505-758-1387
What does SUBE mean?
Sube comes from the verb Subir... to go up, as in to the next level in life...high enough to reach your dreams!
How did SUBE get started?
SUBE started as a neighborhood after school program in Taos New Mexico by local artist/teacher Agnes Chavez. It was created out of a desire to help preserve the Spanish language in her child and the children in her community but was quickly adapted by teachers in private and public schools.
What is the vision of SUBE?
Our vision is to discover innovative ways to preserve language and cultural diversity in our schools and in our communities. We strive to empower teachers in the challenge of teaching Spanish or English as a second language using methods that are innovative and engaging, with a sensitivity to the connection between language and culture. We believe that learning more than one language develops in children a global awareness crucial to their survival in the world today.
How is SUBE different from other language programs?
Sube is innovative because it uses multisensory activities such as music, visuals, movement and dramatic play to teach around a thematic-based curriculum, with all of the materials included in the SUBE kit. The lesson plans are simple and easy to implement with very little prep work. Students love the games which makes it easy for the teacher to teach!
SUBE is based on research that has demonstrated best practices for second language learning. These teaching and learning strategies have been integrated into the skill-specific and collaborative games and activities. Games that stimulate a direct and intuitive response that becomes a catalyst for new thinking, enhancing cognitive skills.
Can I use SUBE at home to teach Spanish or English to my child?
The complete SUBE kit is designed for classroom use and includes more than what parents would need for home teaching. For this reason we have created the HOME TOOLS section. Here you can purchase SUBE items individually, such as the music video, music CD, reader books and activity book. These items are fun and have proven effective for language learning at home.
For what type of school was SUBE created?
Classroom environments where SUBE has been used successfully are: SSL (Spanish as a Second Language), SFL (Spanish as a Foreign Language), Dual language, ESL, (English as a Second Language), EFL (English as a Foreign Language), after school or summer programs, Bilingual programs.
The SUBE model can be used as a comprehensive school or district-wide Spanish or English program because it integrates a curriculum, preschool through 5th grade.
SUBE is also used successfully in
private
schools or as an after-school program because lessons are designed
specifically
for one hour blocks of teaching time. This curriculum format is also
excellent
for Bilingual classroom models that are required to teach
Spanish 45
minutes a day.
In classrooms with students whose primary language is Spanish, SUBE serves to help maintain the native language and stimulates cross-cultural cooperative learning among students.
How do I know which kit to buy for my school?
There are two levels Sube A-Beginner and Sube B-Intermediate. Spanish has both levels available and English has only the beginner.
You
would choose according to the proficiency level of the students, as
opposed to grade level. For example, the Beginner kit can be used for
preschool through 5th grade students. The Intermediate is sometimes
used in 1st and 2nd dual language and immersion classrooms when
students are very advanced. If you have any doubts as to which kit to
use, please call us and we would be happy to help you find the right
one for you.
How is SUBE sensitive to the connection between language and culture?
In the curriculum, the music video were created with rhythms from different countries in Latin America; salsa, merengue, ranchera etc. Each month a different country/style of music is introduced providing an opportunity to demonstrate how music varies with the culture.
We provide trainings and consultations that encourage learning strategies that develop appreciation of linguistic and cultural variances. For example, when you ask an American child the color of a banana they will say yellow. In Latin America they may say red, purple, green etc. Accepting these answers and using them as an opportunity to talk about differences demonstrates sensitivity to language and culture. Honoring these cultural differences builds self esteem in children of diverse backgrounds.
What does SUBE include?
Sube includes the comprehensive lesson manual with specific lesson plans for the year and all the components; flashcards, music videos, workbooks, games etc. needed to teach the class. SUBE is a complete easy-to-use resource kit for the busy teacher or homeschooling parent. Your purchase of the curriculum includes free phone and email support to answer questions as needed throughout the year.
How does SUBE develop global awareness?
The manual is packed with games and activities that explore multicultural themes. The music videos, cultural guest visitors, Around The World project and other games, are a great point of departure to discuss the cultures; history, architecture, food, dance, music etc. from different countries. The study of other languages and cultures can serve as an important vehicle by which to expand their intercultural views. With this expansion children will have the freedom to explore the wealth of values and perceptions of the world; they will not be restricted to one narrow view of life or one limited set of options? (Carpenter & Torney,1973)
Does SUBE include arts and craft projects?
Yes, in the lesson manual you will find art projects for every month. We use art to engage children in the process of learning a second language, stimulate their creativity and build self esteem.
Does SUBE meet my State standards and benchmarks?
The SUBE curriculum was designed by a teacher and with teachers, but also with the suggestions of experts at the New Mexico Department of Bilingual Education and other specialists. It includes a matrix that aligns SUBE activities with the N.M.State standards, the NM ELD standards and the TESOL Standards. Specific benchmark skills are attached to each game description, and are listed in the benchmark evaluation chart. Free upgrades are available online in the Research and Standards section. If you need a correlation for your state that is not yet available please call us, and we will work with you to provide the correlation as quickly as possible.
Do you offer training workshops and how much do they cost?
Yes,
training workshops can be
scheduled
throughout the school year and in the summer. We offer teacher
trainings and classroom demonstrations that review the curriculum
and demonstrate the games and specific teaching strategies that
make Sube unique. The fee
ranges from $900 to $1200 plus travel expenses. Please see Sube
Products/Training section for more.
Has SUBE been field tested in schools and what has been the response?
The developer of SUBE, Agnes Chavez, developed all the games and activities in the classroom in 1996. Since then, SUBE has been used district wide in public schools as well as charter schools and private schools. The response has been unanimous; kids respond to the activities and the teachers find that the SUBE curriculum simplifies work and implementation. See what some of the teachers have said about SUBE in our Sube Review section.
Is SUBE a phonics or reading program?
SUBE includes phonics games and activities but is not a reading program. SUBE is a complete curriculum that includes games and activities for vocabulary acquisition, sentence structure and formation, oral language development, as well as reading and phonics.
What is the Sube return policy?
We have a satisfaction gauranteed policy. We take the time to answer any questions you may have about the product to make sure it is what you are looking for. We also will send digital files of any Sube component, lessons and even videos to make sure you know what you are getting, and will be happy with your purchase. If you you purchase the Sube materials and decide it is not right for your school, we allow you 7 days to return the item. if the item is returned in the excellent condition as it was received, we will refund your money. Satisfaction gauranteed!
