The Spanish as a Second Language curriculum is taught from Pre-K3 through eighth grade to promote bilingualism and cultural diversity in a state with a large Hispanic population and Spanish widely spoken. At the heart of the program is integrating Catholic values, enriching students’ understanding of their faith and the Spanish language.
Key Objectives of the Spanish Curriculum:
- Development of Language Skills: Students will learn to communicate effectively in Spanish orally and in writing, preparing them for an increasingly globalized world.
- Promotion of Cultural Understanding: Students will learn about the history, traditions, and customs of Spanish-speaking countries, fostering respect and appreciation for other cultures.
- Professional Preparation: The curriculum equips students with a valuable skill for the job market, as Spanish is one of the most spoken languages in the United States and worldwide.
- Cognitive Strengthening: Learning Spanish enhances problem-solving, creativity, and memory skills.
- Community Connection: Students will develop a sense of community in a state where Spanish is a key language for social and cultural interaction.
- Catholic Values Integration: The Spanish program incorporates Catholic teachings and values, fostering spiritual growth alongside academic learning. Students will engage in prayers in Spanish and study Catholicism in the context of Spanish-speaking countries, learning how faith is expressed and celebrated across diverse cultures. Emphasis is placed on the importance of kindness, respect, compassion, and service—core values in both the Catholic faith and the multicultural communities of Spanish-speaking nations.
Curriculum Details:
- Two Levels of Spanish Curriculum: There are two levels within the Spanish curriculum: one for Native Spanish Speakers and one for Non-Native Spanish Speakers. Students undergo an extensive oral and written exam to determine the appropriate placement within the program to ensure they receive instruction at the right level of challenge and support.
- Basic Pre-Reading and Reading Skills: Students will build foundational literacy in Spanish, including vocabulary and comprehension.
- Understanding of Basic Grammatical Structures: Students will develop a basic knowledge of Spanish grammar.
- Improvement of Conversational Abilities: The focus will be on developing conversational Spanish and higher-level communication skills.
- Cultural Education: Students will learn about Spanish-speaking countries, cultures, and customs, encouraging them to participate actively in multicultural experiences.
- Creative Work: Students will develop and apply their language skills through diverse projects and presentations, including written materials, multimedia creations, and collaborative designs. These activities foster communication, critical thinking, and creativity, preparing students to share their ideas effectively in academic and real-world contexts.
- Commercial Projects: Students will design commercial advertisements, announcements, and other creative projects to apply their language skills in real-world scenarios.
Teaching Team:
The Spanish program is led by two full-time, dedicated teachers: one for Native Spanish Speakers and one for Non-Native Spanish Speakers. This allows for targeted instruction and ensures that all students are supported according to their level of proficiency in the language.
Engaging and Exciting Lessons:
- STREAM and PBL Projects: Lessons include hands-on, exciting activities such as STREAM (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) and Project-Based Learning (PBL) projects that integrate Spanish language skills with critical thinking and creativity.
- Technology Integration: Technology is incorporated daily, allowing students to interact with digital tools, create projects, and develop multimedia presentations to enhance their language learning experience.
- Interactive Presentations: Students will explore various cultural aspects of Spanish-speaking countries, including foods, clothing, and the cultural impact of Hispanic nations throughout the year. These interactive lessons bring language learning to life.
- Cross-Curricular Integration: Spanish is taught as a core subject and integrated into cross-curricular learning. It is incorporated into subjects like social studies, science, and mathematics, as well as in school masses, ensuring that students see the practical application of Spanish in multiple contexts.
Catholic Faith and Spanish Program:
Our Catholic faith plays a central role in the Spanish curriculum. Through studying religion in Spanish-speaking countries, students explore how Catholicism shapes Hispanic cultures’ lives, traditions, and celebrations. Prayers in Spanish are part of daily routines, and students are encouraged to reflect on Catholic values in their language and cultural studies. This approach fosters a deeper connection between language learning and living out our faith, helping students grow spiritually and intellectually.
Activities and Events:
- Participation in Hispanic Heritage Month to celebrate and learn more about Spanish-speaking cultures.
- Reading at least one full-length book in Spanish that is appropriate for their grade level to enhance literacy and comprehension skills.
- Digital Presentations using modern tools to create multimedia projects.
- Exhibits showcasing the customs and traditions of different Spanish-speaking countries.
- Participation in local competitions, such as language or cultural contests, to further engage with the language and its uses.
The Spanish curriculum focuses not just on language acquisition but also on using Spanish as a bridge to understanding and participating in a multicultural society, all while strengthening Catholic values and faith.