Spanish

First through Fourth Grades

The Spanish curriculum is based on a “theme” approach with opportunities to increase one’s Spanish vocabulary and to read, write, listen to, and speak Spanish. For instance the first theme is “los numeros” (the numbers).  The Hispanic culture is woven into each theme by utilizing children’s literature, reference materials and periodicals. Each class begins with the Sign of the Cross and a prayer (in Spanish) in which we ask God to bless each of our classes. Each class ends by wishing a “Feliz Cumpleanos” (Happy Birthday) to any students who have had recent birthdays. The "themes” will be communicated through information sent to you via your child’s homeroom teacher.

Each student receives two grades per class:  one grade is for the activity sheet which he/she will complete during the class, and the other is a participation grade. These grades will be entered into the Powerschool the weekend following the class. Each student, individually, will have a pronunciation test toward the end of each grading period.

Fifth and Sixth Grades

Curriculum 5th: ¡Buen Viaje! Level 1

• Learn how to ask/answer questions
• Beginning level grammar: present tense, sentence structure, parts of speech
• Vocabulary: very basic, adjectives, class, school, party 

Curriculum 6th: ¡Así se dice! Level 1 (New 2015)

• Build on asking/answering questions 
• Work with a wider range of present tense verbs as well as some irregular verbs
• Vocabulary: food, family, house and sports

What to expect

• Regular homework: once per week 
• Vocabulary practice: students are expected to study vocabulary two to three times per week for 10-15 minutes each session. 
• Tests: 1 or 2 tests per quarter
• Quizzes: 3-4 per chapter

Grades

• Based on points, not on percentages

Seventh and Eighth Grades

Curriculum for 7th: ¡Así se dice! Level 1

• Learn how to ask/answer questions
• Beginning-level grammar: present tense, sentence structure, parts of speech
• Vocabulary: designed for travelers; food, classroom, family, house, adjectives

Curriculum for 8th: ¡Así se dice! Level 2

• Continue to build upon asking/answering questions 
• Work with verb tenses: preterite vs. imperfect, future, conditional, perfect tenses, subjunctive

What to expect

• Regular homework: twice per week
• Vocabulary practice: students are expected to study vocabulary two to three times per week for 10-15 minutes each session.
• Tests: once per month
• Projects: one project per chapter alternating between skits/presentations.  

Grades

• Based on points, not on percentages