Spanish
The goal of Fayerweather’s Spanish program is to develop Spanish speaking skills
and an appreciation for learning another language and culture. Curriculum includes
games, role-plays, extensive auditory experiences and increasing opportunity to
speak and write the language. Older students turn toward a more structured study
of grammar, increasing fluency and vocabulary. All students have opportunities to
explore the cultures, geography and history of the Spanish-speaking world.
PreK through Second Grade
In the earliest years, children begin to build a basic vocabulary through repeated
routines, storybooks, choral recitation and songs. The Spanish teacher spends time
in the classroom each week and leads students through various routines, games and
songs. In the spring, second graders move to the Spanish classroom in preparation
for the transition to third grade.
Third through Fifth Grade
Beginning in third grade, students meet in half groups twice a week. Spanish is
taught by grade at these levels in order to maximize the effectiveness of each class
by building on the curriculum of the previous year. Third graders are moving from
short, mostly oral Spanish lessons to more structured classes where they begin to
read and write in Spanish, as well as to use their vocabulary in phrases, sentences
and simple conversations. Fourth graders build, review and combine their vocabulary,
reading, writing and oral skills. Fifth graders continue to build vocabulary and
grammar, construct conversations, create and perform skits and short plays, and
perform community service by corresponding with local Spanish speaking elders and
by creating and sharing lesson materials and books with the younger grades. At this
age level, students work in a single grade in preparation for middle school Spanish
I. Specifically, students learn and practice:
- Vocabulary/Expressions
- Grammar
- Oral Skills
- Writing Skills
- Cultural Explorations through:
- Singing
- Folktales
- Mexico, Central and South America
- Holidays
- Food
Sixth through Eighth Grade
The objective of the 6-7-8 Spanish Program is to develop proficiency in the speaking
and understanding of Spanish language through an integrated study of culture, history,
literature, visual and musical arts. Emphasis is placed on listening and speaking
and a strong literacy base is built in sixth and seventh grade. This becomes important
in the eighth grade when more complex grammar concepts are discussed. Students spend
class time listening and speaking, conversing in small groups and writing sentences
of increasing sophistication. Grammar points include more advanced use of nouns,
adjectives, pronouns, comparatives and superlatives, direct and indirect objects,
and the correct use of adjectives in gender and number. Classes also focus on listening
and building fluency through role-playing, recorded conversations and films.
In sixth through eighth grade, the text, ¡En Espanol!, is used as a background support
for learning. By the end of eighth grade, all students will have completed the equivalent
of Spanish I and should be eligible for Spanish I Honors or Spanish II in high school.