Spanish I Course Information

In Spanish I we follow the state and national standards for foreign language learning closely.  These include:

1.   Communication:   Communicate in languages other than English.

2.   Cultures:   Gain Knowledge and Understanding of Other Cultures

3.   Connections:   Connect with Other Disciplines and Acquire Information

4.   Comparisons:   Develop Insight into the Nature of Language and Culture

5.   Communities:   Participate in Multi-lingual Communities here and Around the World I b

 

Our curriculum and textbook, Realidades  cover all the standards very well.  The emphasis is on learning to speak, listen, read and write about subjects in which students are interested.  There is also an emphasis on practicality; what topics and language would actually be used by students in a foreign language setting?  These characteristics increase learners' enthusiasm for acquiring another language.  We use videos, CDs, partner communication activities, special projects, reading and writing assignments and oral participation extensively.  It is a varied and active classroom environment.

One of the most important tasks in Spanish I is to prepare the students for their end-of-the year District Final exam and for entry into Spanish II.  We also try to encourage students to continue their study of Spanish throughout high school and beyond.  This is the perfect opportunity to start to become fluent in a language, and your student will have lifelong gratitude, use and appreciation of this ability.   It has also been proven that students who continue with foreign language acquisition score consistently higher on important standardized test in English.

I believe that our Spanish program at Stapley is second to none and am proud to be a part of it.