SPANISH I CURRICULUM

Revision submitted by Angela Wilson 6/15/98

FOREIGN LANGUAGE DEPARTMENT

I. Philosophy

Ø The ability to communicate in another language is an indispensable life skill for all students. As countries of the world become increasingly interdependent, we must actively promote proficiency in Foreign Language as well as cross-cultural understanding. As we move into the twenty-first century, we need educated citizens whose Foreign Language abilities and cultural sensitivities prepare them to work in such a pluralistic society and global economy. Our students must possess the ability to communicate in other languages and develop the understanding needed to operate within differing cultural contexts. This will significantly broaden their personal and professional opportunities.

Ø The foreign language program can serve as an important ingredient in developing a well-rounded individual. It can be the basis for the linguistic training which is so important for the citizens of tomorrow. Foreign Languages are a part of the American heritage. This makes the study of Foreign Languages even more important. The study of foreign language can open the door to a richer, more rewarding life through literature, art, music and travel. From it should come a deeper appreciation of the cultures of the world and also an appreciation of our own culture.

Ø The language program should serve as a means for enriching the curriculum of all interested students. The study of language should be a wonderful experience for the individual. The teacher must allow for differences in background and ability. A successful student should be encouraged to study the language in depth over an extended period of time. All materials and instructional techniques should be up-to-date in order to provide effective teaching methods.

Ø foreign Languages are an essential part of the students' overall education.

Ø The primary goal in the study of Foreign Language is communicative proficiency.

Ø Students should be able to read, write, speak and comprehend in the foreign language.

Ø The effective foreign language classroom is one in which the student is the main focus.

Ø The student should be aware of career possibilities which involve foreign languages. *

Ø Foreign languages connect with other academic disciplines. *

Ø Culture is an integral part of Foreign Language Study.

III. Proficiencies

Ø The student will demonstrate the ability to understand spoken Spanish in daily conversation by listening to and correctly responding to the teacher, tapes and other students and by writing Spanish dictation. *

Ø The student will demonstrate the ability to express himself/herself orally in simple Spanish, pronouncing well enough to be understood during class participation and by responding to tapes.

Ø The student will demonstrate the ability to read and write simple Spanish using contexts clues, cognates and similarities in the structural pattern between Spanish and English, including grammar, idioms and vocabulary by successfully completing written tests and quizzes.

Ø The student will demonstrate an increasing familiarity with the cultures of Spanish speaking people through discussion and reactions to film, filmstrips, tapes and magazines. *

Ø The student will demonstrate the ability to complete written assignments based on classroom presentation of grammar, idioms, vocabulary and cultural information.

Ø All materials will be used on the basis of the degree of proficiency attained by the students. The individual needs of all students will be given much consideration.

IV. Course of Study

Reading

Learning Outcomes - Students who show a proficiency at the beginning level in reading can:

Ø Recognize letters of printed and written Spanish.

Ø Recognize and recall factual information presented in simple reading passages.

Ø Recognize Spanish punctuation and accent marks.

Ø Recognize common nouns, adjectives, question words and simple verb forms.

Ø Be able to read standardized expressions, phrases, messages, such as: signs, schedules, menus, maps, etc.

Ø Be able to effectively use Spanish-English dictionaries to assist in comprehension.

Ø Activities and Indicators of Success - Students will use the following varied forms of material:

v Textbook - \Ven conmigo!

v Magazines

v Puzzles, games

v Newspaper articles

v Posters

v Letters

v Brochures

v Flash Cards

v Tapes

v Practice and Activity Book

Learning Outcomes:

Students demonstrating beginners proficiency in the written language can do the following:

Ø Identify and use parts of speech.

Ø Make nouns and adjectives plural.

Ø Use simple verb forms.

Ø Make nouns and adjectives agree in gender and number.

Ø Select answers to complete basic responses to questions.

Ø Use Spanish-English dictionary when necessary.

Ø Activities and Indicators of Success - Students will:

Ø Identify and use various forms of grammar.

Ø Write simple sentences.

Ø Write short paragraphs including the following: names, numbers, days of the week, months of the year, adjectives, verbs, etc.

Ø Write question sentences in various mediums.

Ø Make menus

Ø Make greeting cards

Ø Write letters - including nouns, adjectives, conjunctions.

Ø Make shopping lists.

Ø Include the following grammatical items correctly in writing and other activities:

v Articles (definite and indefinite)

v Subject Pronouns

v Ser vs. Estar

v Interrogatives

v Present Tense of regular and common irregular verbs

v Stem-changing verbs

v Reflexive verbs and pronouns

v Possessive and demonstrative adjectives

v Possession with the use of "de"

v Direct and Indirect object pronouns

v Relative pronoun "que"

v Present Progressive Tense

v Commands (Informal)

v Preterite Tense

v Grammatical Structures Contd.

v Comparisons

v Tener Idioms

v Infinitives

v Prepositional Pronouns "conmigo and contigo"

v Personal "a"

v Forms of "otro"

v Nouns - masculine, feminine, and plural

v Adjectives

v Affirmative and Negative words

v Gustar and Encantar

Listening

Learning Outcomes - Students showing a beginning proficiency in listening comprehension can:

Ø Listen to the tapes and follow simple instructions.

Ø Listen and understand questions and instructional directions of the teacher and follow instructions given. *

Ø Understand key words and phrases used in simple sentences.

Ø Understand requests for information.

Ø Activities and Indicators of Success - Students will:

v Understand basic Spanish phrases and vocabulary covering topics such as: nationality, the home, the school, transportation, store, restaurant, greetings/farewe11s,and daily needs.

v Listen to tapes and videos.

v Respond to controlled conversations.

Speaking

Learning Outcomes - Students demonstrating proficiency in speaking skills at the beginning level can:

Ø Speak simple sentences using limited vocabulary and verbs.

Ø Initiate or respond to controlled questions.

Ø Discuss the weather - dates etc.

Ø Identify items in pictures.

Ø Identify objects.

Ø Share a personal experience.

Ø Make simple verbal commands.

Ø Respond to requests for information.

Ø Pronounce sounds and words correctly and use correct intonation.

Ø Activities and Indicators of Success - Students will:

Ø Show facility in the use of greetings, introductions, farewells and posing and answering simple questions.

Ø Initiate controlled conversations on topics, such as: weather, dates, time, family, autobiographical information and physical description.

Ø Learn the basic pronunciation and intonation of the language by repeating what the teacher says and by repeating information on tapes.

Ø Role-play textbook or original conversations.

Culture

Learning Outcomes - Students will develop understanding of and sensitivity toward people of different cultures, and will be able to:

Ø Understand verbal and nonverbal cues expressed by the people of the Spanish culture.

Ø Discuss the differences and similarities between American and Hispanic cultures.

Ø Recognize the geographical location of the Spanish speaking countries of the world.

Ø Activities and Indicators of Success - Students will:

v View Films and filmstrips and react to them by discussion, taking notes, and asking questions.

v Listen to tapes and radio for music, news, amd other information.

v Read texts, magazines and newspaper articles.

V. Evaluation

Ø Tests - standardized/teacher prepared

Ø Quizzes - standardized/teacher prepared

Ø Dictation

Ø Listening/comprehension

Ø Oral examinations with emphasis on pronunciation and fluency.

Ø Directed conversations and compositions.

Ø Homework assignments

Ø Translations

VI. Materials

Ø Text - jVen conmigo!

Ø Workbooks - Practice and Activity Book jVen conmigo!

Ø Workbooks - Grammar and Vocabulary Book

Ø Magazines - Que'tal

Ø Dictionaries

Ø Supplemental readers