World Languages Curriculum

Overview

Students at Prospect Sierra begin world languages study in fourth grade, eventually selecting French or Spanish. Recognizing that language is social, classes meet in small groups and cooperative activities are an integral part of the curriculum. In learning a second language, students draw on their knowledge of the world around them and on skills developed in the regular language arts program.

In each grade, students learn in a safe environment in which, as often as possible, only the target language is spoken. Students learn about the cultures of many different French- and Spanish-speaking countries through art, history, geography, music, cinema, celebration of holidays, Internet access, and special projects. The cultural experience inherent in our world languages program supports the school's commitment to developing positive attitudes towards cultural diversity.

Elementary School

All students in the fourth grade participate in a language exploratory program. Students take one semester of French and one semester of Spanish. The goals are to spark an interest in languages, to learn basic vocabulary and common phrases, to develop careful listening skills, and to cultivate a curiosity about related cultures. At the end of the year, students select either French or Spanish for their Middle School language studies.

Middle School

Fifth Grade
In fifth grade, students choose to study French or Spanish. World languages classes meet three times per week. Both French and Spanish programs place emphasis on oral communication with an introduction to reading and writing. Students learn through a wide variety of communication-based activities. Methods such as Total Physical Response, oral games, and songs support the understanding that language is social in nature. Students begin to focus on five objectives within the world languages curriculum: Communication, Culture, Connection, Comparison, and Community.

Sixth Grade
In sixth grade, world languages classes continue to meet three times per week. Students increase their communication skills through listening, speaking, reading, and writing. A textbook is used as the foundation and facilitates the introduction to and the understanding of grammatical forms. Classes engage in reading exercises, grammar-based lessons, and communication activities in groups or pairs. Students study vocabulary, complete written exercises, and explore the cultures and geography of their target language. Homework is an important component of the program.

Seventh Grade

Eighth Grade
In eighth grade, world languages classes continue to meet four times per week. The course covers a wide range of material where students review and expand their practical vocabulary and further explore the grammatical rules.
Class is conducted primarily in their chosen language. Students continue to develop the ability to express themselves orally in the context of the classroom. Students write short stories, dialogues, journal entries, poems and other works on appropriate themes. Those who successfully complete the Middle School curriculum are usually prepared for an intermediate level course in high school.

New technology adds richness to World Language classes: Link to article here

–World Languages updated fall 2006