Through this immersive program, we expose our students to the sounds and basic vocabulary and expressions of the Spanish language. Exposure at an early age helps students develop an understanding of the sounds and structures of a language they may not speak at home. Thematic units are used to teach Spanish. Each unit includes vocabulary and expressions that the students put into practice through songs, interactive games, hands-on activities, direct instruction and simulated real-life situations.
Students have many opportunities to develop oral presentation skills using the Spanish language. Below are examples of different class projects, which are completed in small groups and then presented in Spanish to the whole class:
- Write a weather report skit
- Design a house, name its main rooms and objects inside each room, and write sentences describing the home
- Act out an airport scene; purchase airplane tickets, check in luggage at the airport, interact with flight attendants and security personnel
- Develop a restaurant menu; write paragraphs about specific foods
- Research salsa recipes; create and prepare a new salsa recipe
Our Spanish curriculum grows with the students and the lessons are adjusted to the students’ levels so they continue to be challenged. Students develop an appreciation of a foreign language, as well as new knowledge and skills that will serve them in the future.
