Spanish
The Spanish program at St. Louise School, taught by Mrs. Maria Velasco, B.A. is dedicated to equipping students with the foundational skills in the Spanish language while fostering a deep appreciation for Hispanic cultures. Through interactive lessons and immersive experiences, students build confidence in their language abilities and become more globally aware individuals.
Spanish Class Overview: At St. Louise, students in grades 5 through 8 participate in Spanish classes 2-3 times weekly. The program includes basic and advanced levels, with tailored learning experiences to accommodate various skill levels. Eighth graders have the opportunity to take advanced Spanish, which can lead to high school credit through the AVANT Stamp4 testing for schools that accept competency credits. Engaging activities like cultural celebrations and field experiences enhance the language learning process, making it both fun and educational.
Curriculum Overview:
- 6th Grade: Introduction to basic Spanish vocabulary and grammar, focusing on simple sentence structures, greetings, and common expressions.
- 7th Grade: Students use the Realidades A textbook, expanding their vocabulary and understanding of grammatical structures. Emphasis is placed on conversational skills, writing, and reading comprehension.
- 8th Grade: Advanced students use the digital text Autentico, delving deeper into complex sentence structures, verb conjugations, and advanced vocabulary. Cultural studies and interactive projects enrich their learning experience.
Philosophy & Mission: The mission of the Spanish program at St. Louise School is to cultivate linguistic skills and cultural competence. We believe that learning a second language opens doors to understanding and appreciating diverse cultures, fostering respect and empathy. Our program is designed to inspire lifelong language learning and to prepare students to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.
Essential Learnings:
- Develop a foundational understanding of Spanish grammar and vocabulary.
- Build conversational skills to communicate effectively in everyday situations.
- Gain insight into Hispanic cultures through celebrations, traditions, and historical contexts.
- Apply language skills in real-world settings, enhancing both written and oral proficiency.
- Achieve competency that may allow for earning high school Spanish credits.