Spanish

Spanish

The Spanish program is built with an emphasis on oral language within a cultural context. We study vocabulary and language patterns and practice them through conversation and real-life experiences. In keeping with the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL), student skill acquisition includes speaking, listening, reading, writing, culture and developing cross linguistic connections.

1st Grade Spotlight

5th Grade Spotlight

7th Grade Spotlight

Curriculum

In Lower School, class is conducted in authentic and engaging ways similar to how children learn their first language in their home: through social interactions, playing games, singing, listening to and reading children’s literature, and by engaging in hands-on projects through the study of various Spanish speaking cultures. The Alba Y Gael curriculum (aligned with ACTFL World-Readiness Standards) is used in the classroom 

In Middle School, Spanish class meets three times a week. The curriculum is rooted in equity and justice learning, with a focus on news, events, and culture from Spanish speaking countries. A typical lesson may find students viewing short news clips in Spanish, and writing responses to those which are then used as catalysts for group discussion. Because we have a wide range of students at various levels of Spanish language proficiency, from native speakers, to children coming from immersion pre-schools and grade-schools, to first time speakers, our Spanish program is thoughtfully differentiated.