Lesson 10: Basic Classroom Commands (Mandatos Básicos de Clase)

¡Bienvenidos a la clase! (Welcome to class!)

Welcome to Lesson 10! Today we're learning the essential phrases you'll hear in every Spanish classroom, language exchange, or learning situation. These commands and questions are crucial for communicating with your teacher, understanding instructions, and participating actively in your Spanish learning journey.

These aren't just "classroom" phrases - they're survival phrases for any learning situation, including conversations with native speakers who are helping you learn. Master these, and you'll be able to navigate any Spanish-learning environment with confidence!

Part 1: Commands You'll Hear - The Imperatives

Spanish teachers use command forms (imperatives) to give instructions. These are verbs in their command form, telling you what to do.

Essential Classroom Commands (Plural - to whole class)

💡 Teacher's Tip: These verbs end in -n because they're plural commands (ustedes form). The teacher is addressing the whole class!

Part 2: Individual Commands (to one student)

When the teacher speaks to YOU specifically:

Singular Commands (Formal - Usted)

The Pattern:
- Plural (ustedes): -n ending → Escuchen, Repitan
- Singular (usted): -e or -a ending → Escuche, Repita

Part 3: More Common Classroom Commands

Action Commands

Attention and Focus Commands

Part 4: Questions Students Ask - Your Survival Phrases

These are THE MOST IMPORTANT phrases for you as a learner!

When You Don't Understand

💡 Teacher's Tip: NEVER be afraid to say "No entiendo"! It's a sign of a good student who wants to learn correctly.

Part 5: More Essential Student Questions

Asking for Help

Practical Classroom Needs

Part 6: Teacher Questions You'll Hear

Be ready to understand and respond to these:

Comprehension Checks

Participation Questions

Part 7: Understanding Complex Commands

Teachers often combine commands with more information:

Multi-Part Instructions

Pattern 1: Command + Location
- Escriban en sus cuadernos (Write in your notebooks)
- Lean la página 10 (Read page 10)
- Miren el ejercicio 5 (Look at exercise 5)

Pattern 2: Command + Manner
- Hablen en voz alta (Speak in a loud voice)
- Lean en silencio (Read silently)
- Trabajen en grupos de cuatro (Work in groups of four)

Pattern 3: Command + Time
- Terminen en 5 minutos (Finish in 5 minutes)
- Completen esto para mañana (Complete this for tomorrow)
- Practiquen en casa (Practice at home)

Full Command Example

"Abran sus libros en la página 23, lean el diálogo en parejas, y después contesten las preguntas."

Translation: "Open your books to page 23, read the dialogue in pairs, and then answer the questions."

Breaking it down:
1. Abran sus libros (Open your books)
2. en la página 23 (to page 23)
3. lean el diálogo (read the dialogue)
4. en parejas (in pairs)
5. y después (and then)
6. contesten las preguntas (answer the questions)

Part 8: Polite Requests vs Commands

The difference between asking nicely and giving orders:

Commands (Direct - from teacher)

Polite Requests (Questions - from student)

Key Difference:
- Commands: Direct verb (Lean)
- Requests: ¿Puede...? or ¿Puedo...? + infinitive verb

Part 9: Real Classroom Dialogue

Let's see how these phrases work in a real class setting:

Typical Lesson Opening

Teacher: Buenos días, clase. Siéntense, por favor. (Good morning, class. Sit down, please.)

Students: Buenos días. (Good morning.)

Teacher: Abran sus libros en la página 15. (Open your books to page 15.)

Student 1: Profesora, ¿qué página? (Teacher, what page?)

Teacher: La página 15. Quince. (Page 15. Fifteen.)

Student 2: No tengo mi libro. (I don't have my book.)

Teacher: Está bien, comparte con María. (It's okay, share with María.)

Teacher: Ahora, lean el diálogo en parejas. (Now, read the dialogue in pairs.)

Student 3: Profesora, ¿qué significa "parejas"? (Teacher, what does "parejas" mean?)

Teacher: "Parejas" significa dos personas, en grupos de dos. (Pairs means two people, in groups of two.)

Student 3: Ah, entiendo. Gracias. (Ah, I understand. Thank you.)

Teacher: De nada. Empiecen ahora. (You're welcome. Begin now.)

Part 10: Homework and Assignment Vocabulary

Essential words for understanding assignments:

Assignment Phrases

Part 11: Responding Appropriately

How students should respond to commands and questions:

Acknowledging Commands

When teacher gives an instruction:
| Spanish | English | When to Use |
|---------|---------|-------------|
| Sí, profesora | Yes, teacher (f) | Formal acknowledgment |
| Sí, profesor | Yes, teacher (m) | Formal acknowledgment |
| Está bien | Okay | Casual acknowledgment |
| Entendido | Understood | "Got it" |
| Claro | Of course | "Sure" |

Asking for Patience

When you need a moment:
| Spanish | English |
|---------|---------|
| Un momento, por favor | One moment, please |
| Espere, por favor | Wait, please |
| Todavía no terminé | I didn't finish yet |
| Casi terminé | I almost finished |

Part 12: Common Classroom Mistakes

❌ Mistake #1: Not Asking for Clarification

• ❌ WRONG: Pretending to understand when you don't
• ✅ CORRECT: "No entiendo. ¿Puede explicar?"
• Lesson: It's GOOD to ask questions!

❌ Mistake #2: Using Wrong Question Form

• ❌ WRONG: "¿Qué es significa?" (What is means?)
• ✅ CORRECT: "¿Qué significa?" (What does it mean?)

❌ Mistake #3: Confusing Singular/Plural Commands

• When teacher says "Lean" (you all read), don't wait for others
• Everyone should read, not just one person

❌ Mistake #4: Not Using "Por Favor"

• ❌ WEAK: "Repita" (Repeat - as a command)
• ✅ POLITE: "¿Puede repetir, por favor?" (Can you repeat, please?)
• Lesson: Students ask politely, teachers command directly

❌ Mistake #5: Being Afraid to Participate

• ❌ WRONG: Staying silent because you're scared
• ✅ CORRECT: Trying, even if you make mistakes
• Lesson: Mistakes are how we learn!

Part 13: Cultural Notes About Spanish Classrooms

Formality and Respect

• Spanish classrooms tend to be more formal than US classrooms
• Always use "profesor/profesora" or "maestro/maestra"
• Stand when teacher enters (in some countries)
• Use "usted" form with teachers unless told otherwise

Participation Style

• Latin American classrooms often encourage group work
• Choral repetition is common (everyone repeats together)
• Making mistakes is accepted - it's part of learning!

"Profe" - The Nickname

• Many students use "Profe" (PROH-feh) as a casual term for teacher
• It's between formal "profesor/a" and informal first names
• Acceptable in most modern classrooms

Vocabulary Summary: Complete Classroom Reference

Commands You Hear

Questions You Ask

Classroom Objects

Key Takeaways

✅ Commands end in -n for plural (ustedes): Escuchen, Lean
✅ "No entiendo" is your best friend - always ask when confused
✅ ¿Qué significa? means "What does it mean?"
✅ ¿Cómo se dice? means "How do you say?"
✅ Students ask politely with "¿Puede...?" (Can you...?)
✅ Teachers command directly with imperatives
✅ Never be afraid to ask questions - it shows you care about learning!

Practice Tips for Success

1. Use these phrases immediately - in this course and with any Spanish teacher
2. Make a cheat sheet - Write your top 5 survival phrases on a card
3. Practice asking questions - Even when you understand, practice saying "¿Qué significa?"
4. Listen for command patterns - Notice the -n ending in plural commands
5. Don't stay confused - Use "No entiendo" as soon as you're lost
6. Be brave - Participation is the fastest way to learn!

Ready to Practice!

These classroom commands and questions are your toolkit for successful learning in any Spanish environment. They're not just for traditional classrooms - you'll use them:
- In language exchange meetings
- With Spanish-speaking friends who correct you
- In online Spanish courses
- With tutors
- In immersion situations

The 50 exercises ahead will help you master:
- Understanding commands
- Asking for clarification
- Responding appropriately
- Classroom vocabulary
- Polite request formations
- Real classroom scenarios

¡Excelente trabajo, estudiantes! (Excellent work, students!) These phrases will serve you throughout your entire Spanish journey. Let's practice until they become automatic! 📚