WORLD LANGUAGES

Saint Helena School introduces Spanish in Kindergarten.  As students advance, skills are developed with increased scope and complexity.  In Middle School, students have an opportunity to explore Italian and French.

Kindergarten

Kindergarten uses Rock and Learn - Spanish for Kids videos. The videos are animated and use songs and actions to teach the vocabulary. It is repetitive and students enjoy the characters.  Basic vocabulary such as greetings, colors, numbers, and family members are introduced.

Grade One

Students focus on developing basic skills in listening, speaking, basic reading, and writing. They practice proper Spanish etiquette by using appropriate expressions for greetings, departures, and questions.  Students are able to tell time, recite the days of the week and months of the year as well as name colors, food items, places, animals, family, and clothing.

Grade Two

In Second Grade students reinforce basic speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills introduced in First Grade. Students also play Spanish educational games using different platforms. 

Grade Three

Spanish in the Third Grade reinforces concepts learned in Grade Two and expands upon them to include different aspects of culture.  Students learn songs and dances specific to Spanish speaking countries as well as cuisine specific to those areas.

Grade Four

Students increase their vocabulary using digital notebook that serve as the basis for basic writing communication. Topics such as colors, animals, seasons, months, and food are expanded upon. As their vocabulary skills develop, more attention is paid to listening and speaking to practice their ability to communicate effectively. Projects are assigned that reflect Spanish culture and customs.

Grade Five

Students in fifth grade build proficiency in basic conversation and how to make introductions with emphasis on proper pronunciation of words. Vocabulary is expanded upon. Students also learn about geography and culture of the South American and Central American countries.

Grade Six – Italian

This course includes elements of the language, pronunciation, and grammar, with exercises in reading, writing, and conversation. It also focuses on the most important historical aspects of Italian civilization, including art and music, from the Middle Ages to the end of the Renaissance. There is also a section on Italian contemporary culture and current events.

Grade Seven - Spanish

Students in seventh grade are immersed in the Spanish language and call upon a solid foundation of vocabulary and conversational skills to interact with the teacher and other classmates.  Projects include video tours of their homes and classroom, introducing classmates to learn about age, favorite foods and pastimes, and writing paragraph descriptions vivid adjectives for classmates to match to related artwork.   Students also learn to recite the Our Father.  Thirty minutes of Duolingo is required each week to practice listening, speaking, writing, and translating.

Grade Eight -French

In eighth grade, students are introduced to the fundamental knowledge and the development of basic grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and communication skills.  Geography, art, and the history of France are discussed as well as culture and customs.