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Rebeca Viquez » Spanish Expectations

Spanish Expectations

What will my child be learning in Spanish class this year?

This year, Decatur is excited to implement the Skyline Spanish World Language Program for our K-8 Spanish courses. This program utilizes modern materials aligned with national teaching standards, addressing the diverse needs of all students effectively.

Our Spanish curriculum follows the ACTFL World-Readiness Standards and focuses on the following key areas:

  1. Communication:
    • Interpersonal Communication: Students will practice speaking and writing in Spanish to share ideas, feelings, and opinions.
    • Interpretive Communication: Students will develop skills to understand and analyze Spanish-language materials they hear, read, and view.
    • Presentational Communication: Students will learn to present information clearly in Spanish, using various tools and adapting their message for different audiences.
  2. Cultures:
    • Relating Cultural Practices to Perspectives: Students will explore how cultural practices reflect and shape people's perspectives.
    • Relating Cultural Artifacts to Perspectives: Students will examine cultural artifacts, such as art and traditions, and understand how these reflect cultural values and beliefs.
  3. Connections:
    • Making Connections: Students will link Spanish with other subjects and use the language to gain information and new perspectives.
    • Acquiring Information and Diverse Perspectives: Students will access and evaluate information from Spanish-speaking cultures to broaden their understanding.
  4. Comparisons:
    • Language Comparisons: Students will compare Spanish with their own language to gain insights into how languages function.
    • Cultural Comparisons: Students will compare Spanish-speaking cultures with their own to deepen their understanding of different cultural perspectives.

Our goal is to provide a comprehensive and engaging Spanish education that helps students communicate effectively, understand cultural contexts, and connect their language learning with broader academic and cultural experiences.

What to Expect:

  • Flexible Learning: Each lesson is designed to be adaptable, offering various ways to learn and providing extra activities and support for students who need it.
  • Universal Support: We use strategies such as mini-lessons, practice activities, engaging group work, and clear teacher guidance to help all students succeed.
 

Expectations:

In our Spanish classes, we uphold high standards to ensure a productive and enriching learning experience. Here’s what we expect from our students:

  1. Encouragement and Presence: We encourage students to embrace challenges with a positive attitude. Active participation and support for one another contribute to a collaborative and respectful learning environment.
  2. Active Learning: Students should engage fully in the learning process, using all their senses—hearing, seeing, speaking, and physical involvement—to participate meaningfully in class activities and discussions.
  3. Embracing Mistakes: Mistakes are viewed as essential to the learning process. They offer valuable opportunities for growth and improvement, helping students deepen their understanding and enhance their language skills.
  4. Daily Practice: Starting in third grade, students are encouraged to set aside a small amount of time each day to review class material and practice Spanish. Regular practice is crucial for reinforcing learning and identifying areas that need attention.