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 Academic Program > Curriculum Guide > Spanish & French Languages
The Middle School Spanish and French language curriculum is both an exploratory and preparatory program. It is designed to increase students' interest and awareness of languages and cultures other than their own. In addition, the program places new and returning Spanish students at the appropriate placement level based on their current language abilities. French and Spanish at all levels are taught through cooperative games and interactive participation, as well as weekly visits to the computer lab to use language-learning software. In the sixth grade, students may choose either French or Spanish, initiating their three-year study of a language. Sixth, seventh and eighth grade students in French and Spanish gradually continue to develop their speaking and comprehension skills of the target language. They also work on a gradual and sequential study of grammar and reading comprehension. Students who have successfully completed the requirements of the Middle School language program may advance to French II or Spanish II in the Upper School. For a third consecutive year, the French and Spanish Program will participate in a community service program with a Guatemalan School, "Mi Refugio," which was founded, and is run by a Sandy Spring Friends School graduate. New students view a video, and all students can voluntarily bring in school supplies and other items for children who live in the Guatemala City dump. Seventh and eighth graders have the option to travel to a French or Spanish speaking country in the month of June. These optional trips have the objective to provide an authentic immersion experience in the target language. Furthermore, it offers the opportunity to understand, appreciate and respect the culture and traditions of the country visited. There is an additional fee for these overseas experiences.
Spanish LanguageSixth GradeSixth grade, level 1A, is offered to new students who have never taken Spanish. Students start from basic Spanish skills such as alphabet sounds, numbers, days of the week, and months, and moves through the sequence of the first four chapters of the textbook. Sixth grade language classes, level 1B, are taught primarily in the target language. Students actively participate with physical responses to teacher-led directions and develop aural and oral skills. Classes use skits, games, dialogues, puzzles, and food preparation and tasting. Computer activities include using software programs to increase computer and Spanish skills. Both sections are exposed throughout the year to cultural experiences such as researching cultural aspects of a country, learning recipes, meeting (if possible) someone from the country being studied, attending cultural events twice a year, and eating at an authentic Latin American restaurant. Text: Seventh GradeSpanish 1A is a course offered to new and returning seventh grade students who need to expand their level of comfort in the seventh grade Spanish program. This course starts from an extensive review of what was covered in sixth grade and will continue to precede through the chapters assigned by the teacher for the rest of the year. Spanish 1B begins with an accelerated review of the beginning chapters of the textbook that were covered in sixth grade, and then moves rapidly into 1B for the remainder of the year. Classes are conducted primarily in the target language and students have daily lessons in which they develop strategies in hearing, speaking, reading and listening. They learn to use phrases that help them to express themselves in everyday situations such as greetings, emotions, likes and dislikes, etc. Both sections are also exposed throughout the year to cultural projects including research on a Latin American country, trips to live cultural events, authentic dishes, and handicrafts. Students who successfully complete the seventh grade course are eligible to continue with Spanish 1C. Text: Eighth GradeThe Spanish course progresses from level 1A in sixth, to 1B in seventh grade and to 1C in eighth grade. Vocabulary and grammar skills are further emphasized, while at the same time basic skills, such as listening, speaking, reading, and writing are reinforced. Students have activities using computer technology that allow for individual differences in skills. Students are also involved in other activities such as researching cultural traditions, preparing food, or attending live cultural events from Latin American countries. Students who successfully complete the requirements of the eighth grade program may, upon the recommendation of the teacher, proceed to French II or Spanish II in ninth grade. Text: French LanguageSixth GradeIn Sixth Grade, level 1A, students begin their formal study of French. In this course, the students' active participation is expected to demonstrate their growing comprehension of spoken French as the class is taught primarily in French. The student use of the textbook is supplemented with creative projects and authentic French materials. Students increase their cultural knowledge of the francophone world and develop their language skills through activities such as skits, interviews, interactive games, group work, the celebration of some French holidays, and the use of the computer software and the Internet. Students visit the computer lab once a week to use the language programs, to do research on the internet, and to visit sites appropriate to their age for learning French. Students also partake in field trips to cultural events, embassies, and/or restaurants that serve authentic French food. At the end of the year, students create a family album in French, which highlights all the grammar, and vocabulary that they will have learned by that point. Text: Seventh GradeIn seventh grade, level 1B, students begin the year with an accelerated review of material from the sixth grade year. Every day in class, students work to further develop their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in French. Most class directions are given in French as are most examples of how to use new material. Students work independently and as members of groups. In-class activities include preparing and performing skits for given real-life situations, playing games, taking notes in French, and using movement, pictures, and props to learn vocabulary and grammar. Students spend one class each week in the computer lab where they use the language learning software or explore the web to find language learning sites appropriate to their age. Students will complete projects on French food, clothing, and travel. To further their cultural awareness, students may take in a French film, listen to French music, prepare and eat French food, or go on a field trip to more closely experience the culture. Seventh and eighth grade students of French are eligible to participate in the trip to France during spring break. Text: Eighth GradeIn eighth grade, level 1C, students continue where they left off in seventh grade. Students review most of the basics of grammar and vocabulary that they have studied up to this point. The goal of this course is to complete the foundation work they have been doing in French and to provide them with a memorable final year of their Middle School career. Students will be expected to continue to develop their language skills by actively participating in classroom activities and conversations in French. The various activities include skits, oral interviews, spontaneous conversations, a French film, written descriptions, and projects on French sports, cultural activities, and health. More attention is given to accuracy in writing in this course. Students have class in the computer lab once a week to take advantage of the language learning software and of the many sources for research and for language learning and practice that exist on the Internet. Cultural topics and cultural awareness is broached through field trips to events, embassies, museums, or restaurants featuring authentic French food. Students also celebrate French holidays and learn more about French customs. Eighth grade students are eligible to participate in the trip to France during spring break. Successful completion of eighth grade French and permission of the teacher mean that a student may enter directly into French II in the ninth grade. Text:
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