WORLD LANGUAGES

 

Saint Helena School introduces Spanish in kindergarten.  As students advance, skills are
developed with increased scope and complexity.  Beginning in First Grade students are
introduced to Duolingo, a Spanish language learning program. This affords us the ability to
support the language growth of our novice students as well as our native Spanish speakers.

Kindergarten
Kindergarten students use Canticos, and Jack Hartman. The videos are animated and use songs and actions to teach vocabulary. It is repetitive and students enjoy the characters.  Basic vocabulary such as greetings, colors, numbers, days of the week and family members are introduced. Students begin speaking in simple sentences.

Grade One
Students in grade one focus on developing basic skills in listening, speaking, and basic reading. They practice proper Spanish etiquette by using appropriate expressions for greetings, departures, and questions.  Students are able to recite the days of the week and months of the year as well as name colors, food items, places, animals, family, and clothing. Students practice vocabulary and begin speaking and forming simple sentences.

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 the classroom
smartboard and other platforms. Students practice vocabulary as well as reading, speaking, and forming basic sentences. We will also use a variety of animated videos to help learn vocabulary, expression and sentence structure.

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. Students continue to advance their vocabulary as well as reading, speaking, and forming sentences.

Grade Four
Students in Fourth Grade increase their vocabulary using a digital notebook that serves 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 while practicing speaking and forming sentences. Students also learn about geography and culture of Spanish speaking countries.

Grade Six 
This course includes elements of the language, pronunciation, and grammar, with exercises in reading, writing, and conversation. Students also focus on historical and contemporary aspects of Hispanic art, music, and culture through various research projects.

Grade Seven
Students in seventh grade are immersed in the Spanish language.  Projects include video tours of a home or classroom, introducing classmates to learn about age, favorite foods, and pastimes, and writing paragraph descriptions including vivid adjectives for describing family, classmates or to discuss related images/artwork.

Grade Eight 
In eighth grade, students are introduced to fundamental knowledge and the development of basic grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and communication skills.  Hispanic geography, art, culture and history are discussed and studied as research projects. As students continue to progress in their language development, they will have the option to keep their Duolingo account after graduation to be able to continue their Spanish language advancement.