FAQ

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. 575-758-1387

 

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 at home and in her community, but was quickly adapted by teachers in private and public schools, and finally adapted to teach English language learners.

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?

1. Sube is innovative because it incorporates the Howard Gardner Research on Multiple Intelligences and uses multisensory activities such as music, visuals, movement and dramatic play to teach around a thematic-based curriculum.

2. Sube is not just a guideline of activities for which you have to create lesson plans and buy additional components. With Sube all of the key components are included in the Sube kit and the only additional materials you will need are common classroom materials such as crayons, markers and paper. The lesson plans are laid out for you in one hour sessions and are easy to implement and adapt to different time frames. Evaluation tools are also provided to track student progress and assure your kids are learning. This means that with Sube there is very little prep work and you can get started right away with your language program.

3. The Sube Methodology is based on research that has demonstrated best practices for second language learning. These proven and field tested teaching strategies have been integrated into the skill-specific and collaborative games and activities. These games uniquely stimulate a direct and intuitive response that becomes a catalyst for new thinking, enhancing cognitive skills.All the games can be easily found according to theme and skill base on the Curriculum Map. This useful chart helps to customize your curriculum and identify learning gaps.

4. All the activities have been aligned with the TESOL Standards providing a solid academic foundation for your language program, while your kids enjoy a playful art and games approach.

Can Sube be used for Homeschools?

The  Sube curriculum is designed for small groups of children and therefore can be used for homeschool environments.

Can I use SUBE at home to teach English to my child?

The complete Sube kit is designed for classroom use and normally includes more than what parents would need for home teaching to one or two children. For this reason we offer Supplementary Materials. 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 been proven effective for language learning at home.

For what type of school was SUBE created?

Classroom environments where SUBE has been used successfully are: ESL (English as a Second Language), EFL (English as a Foreign Language), ESL pull-outs, language institutes, after school or summer programs, homeschools and bilingual programs.

SUBE is very successful as an after-school program due to its art and games approach and because lessons are designed specifically for one hour blocks of teaching time.

 See testimonials

How is SUBE sensitive to the connection between language and culture?

In the curriculum, the music video were created with rhythms from different regions of North America; Zydeco, Blues, Country etc. Each month a different style of music is introduced providing an opportunity to demonstrate how music varies with the 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.

Why are there only eight cards for each Bingo theme? I have 24 children in my class.

The Bingo Game, like many other games in the Sube curriculum incorporate cooperative learning strategies that have proven effective for second language learners. The game is designed to be played in groups so in your class of 24 students you could have eight teams of three. Many studies have shown that when correctly implemented, cooperative learning improves information acquisition and retention, higher-level thinking skills, interpersonal and communication skills, and self-confidence (Johnson, Johnson, and Smith, 1998).

Why are there only bingo games for four units and not all units?

We know the kids love Bingo and love to play it all the time, but we wanted to make sure that we provided a variety of activities that address the diverse learning modalities of your class. Therefore, the units that do not include Bingo offer alternate activities that develop specific skills and that they enjoy as well. In addition, the Bingo games are designed to be played repeatedly, each time in a  unique way designed to develop key skills: vocabulary acquisition, comprehension, speaking and critical thinking skills. In this way the Bingo game can be played throughout the year to review and reinforce the vocabulary for those four units.

Why is the Memory and Go Fish Game only available for two units, Food and Animals?

For the same reasons mentioned above, these games were created to develop specific skills. In other units we have created different games, in order to make the curriculum diverse. If time allows, you can always play this game during other units to review the vocabulary.

Why are the flashcards in black and white and not color? 

We know our flashcards are not fancy but they are simple and effective. They are just one of many multi-media components that work together as a whole. The vocabulary in the flashcards are integrated in all the Sube components and activities. For example, in the music video they see the vocabulary from the flashcards as live footage. The drawing of the elephant becomes a live elephant in a zoo. In addition, it is suggested to use plastic toys, objects, or class-created photo flashcards when playing the Show and Tell flashcard game. In this way the content is constantly being seen and experienced in a holistic way through multiple mediums. We have also found that color-coding the cards for each theme is motivational for the children. They always ask anxiously, "When are we going to do get to the "Pink" cards, or the "Blue" cards?"
 

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 State standards and benchmarks?

The SUBE curriculum was designed by a teacher and with the help of teachers and language experts. It includes a matrix that aligns SUBE activities with the TESOL Standards. Specific benchmark skills are attached to each game description, and are listed in the Benchmark Evaluation Chart . Free upgrades are also available online. Sube can be easily correlated for your state standards.

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. We alsp provide live Web-based training sessions. Please see About Our Product, for more.

What is included in the free online and phone support? 

Sometimes all you need is to ask a quick question about how to use a game, or some ideas on how to get started. We want to be there to answer your questions when you need it. For this reason we are available by phone or email as you implement the Sube program.

We also want to get feedback from you, and if there is something you would like to see added, we encourage you to ask. Often we are able to send you digital files for components or activities that you are needing.

 
Has SUBE been field tested in schools and what has been the response?

The developer of SUBE, Agnes Chavez, developed most of 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, testing and modifying the program according to specific teacher and school needs. The response has been unanimous. The children respond to the playful approach and the differentiated learning strategies assure that each child develops according to their own pace. This develops confidence and a positive view of their language learning abilities.

Through constant communication with our teachers we  continue to add new tools and features that constantly improve the effectiveness of the SUBE curriculum. For example, the Parent Take-Home Sheet, and the Sube Letter to Students were added thanks to teacher requests. We encourage teacher feedback and often work with our teachers to provide solutions to their particular needs. This is how Sube was developed and why it continues to be a teacher-created curriculum. See what some of the teachers have said about SUBE in our testimonials 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 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!