Spanish

Listening and speaking continue to be the key elements of the Spanish curriculum for first andsecond graders. As their ear for the language develops, students become more in command of the vocabulary; they are able to follow simple instructions, answer basic questions, and state basic needs.

Our Spanish program in Primary Unit continues to use Total Physical Response (TPS), a language learning method based on the coordination of speech and action. In first grade, we introduce Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling (TPRS), which builds upon Total Physical Response to teach more abstract, undemonstratable language. This method combines commands with vocabulary and grammatical structures to create a story that provides a context for the material. First and scond graders are expected to retell the TPRS stories with a good degree of accuracy and use the vocabulary vocabulary from the stories in their daily speech.

In addition to using the TPRS storiess, the Primary Unit curriculum includes songs, games, films, and picture books. Technology is also an effective tool, allowing students to travel "virtually" to Spanish-speaking countries and to learn about their cultures.

Spanish classes are taught by specialists for who Spanish is their native language. Primary Unit students are grouped heterogeneously in Spanish classes of 10 to 15 students; classes meet twice a week.