Foreign Language Spanish/Cultural Perspective
Alice Birney School’s approach to Foreign Language studies centers on a Spanish cultural perspective and is taught by a credentialed teacher. Beginning in grade 1, studying cultures opens children up so they may learn about and accept the uniqueness of others in the world for a more peaceful co-existence. Through the Spanish curriculum, they begin to develop an ear for a second language so as they progress into high school they have a stronger aptitude. In the younger grades, students are taught through songs, stories, and rhymes. Throughout the upper grades, students hear poetry, practice dialogue, study grammar, and are introduced to reading and writing in Spanish.
For the first three years of instruction, the students are taught through the use of Spanish songs, finger plays, games, stories and poems. The “shower of language” is needed for the students to feel the character of the language. The students create their own texts by making entries into their Spanish lesson books as a keepsake of what has been presented in each grade.
Beginning in grade 4, students are introduced to the study of Spanish grammar. There are whole class activities that require student participation. These include verb games, skits, riddles, and tongue twisters. At this time the students are ready for the reading of the Spanish word. The student created Spanish lesson book now becomes a resource for the student where the accuracy of information is stressed. In grade six, homework in Spanish is first introduced with the beginning of the study of the ancient Aztec civilization.
Grade 7 is a continuation of the study of ancient cultures with the focus on Maya and Inca civilizations. It is also a time for students to express their Spanish voice. At this point, the student is asked to speak as an individual through a Spanish interview and a biographical report on a person who influenced the Latin Culture. The preterite and imperfect past verb tenses are explored through these activities.
Grade 8 begins with a review of previous years’ Spanish lessons. Future verb tenses and a classical reading selection, “Don Quixote de la Mancha” are introduced. Although participation/effort marks are provided for grades 1-6 students at the trimester, only 7th and 8th grades are provided with letter grade for each quarter.
