World Languages

The Middle School language curriculum offers a variety of language and cultural experiences. Students begin their world language study in the fifth and sixth grades with a story-based program in Chinese, French, or Spanish. Seventh grade students may choose Chinese, French, Latin, or Spanish and continue the study of the same language as eighth grade students.

5th and 6th Grade Language

The fifth and sixth grade world language courses (Chinese, French, or Spanish) provide the opportunity to acquire a non-native language and develop global awareness and empathy. The language classes promote risk-taking in a nurturing environment and enhance problem- solving and performance in all skill areas. Through stories, songs, games, conversations, and cultural exploration, students acquire foundational listening, interpersonal speaking, and intercultural communication skills. World Language classes meet twice during each seven-day rotation.

7th and 8th Grade Language

Chinese

Seventh and eighth grade students take a beginning Chinese course which is equivalent to one year of high school Chinese. This course is a beginning course to introduce the Chinese language system and to establish a solid foundation of the Pinyin and characters. Tones of pronunciation are emphasized to ensure learners’ speaking skills and listening comprehension. Reading and writing characters are practiced extensively. Students acquire a basic vocabulary that allows them to communicate about family, personal interests, and daily life. Preliminary research and study on China, such as the land, the people, the environment, and the society, enrich students’ understanding and appreciation of Chinese cultures and values. French Seventh and eighth grade students take a beginning French course which is equivalent to one year of high school French. The goal of this French course is to enable students to communicate effectively on a variety of familiar topics (i.e., home, school, food) and to make simple but meaningful comparisons between their own cultures and a variety of Francophone cultures. To this end, French is used in the classroom as much as possible with opportunities to listen, read, and interact with speakers across the Francophone world. Emphasis is placed on proficiency and communication in a variety of everyday contexts. Throughout the course students are introduced to the diversity of the Francophone world, with emphasis on contemporary culture. An optional week-long immersion trip to Quebec in June is available to eighth grade students. Latin Seventh and eighth grade students take a beginning Latin course which is equivalent to one year of high school Latin. Small classes offer opportunities to practice oral and written skills and to have maximum interaction with the teachers. In addition to learning Latin grammar and vocabulary, students learn about the Latin roots of English vocabulary and are exposed to basic linguistic principles applicable to many languages. Students investigate topics on Roman history and culture and are introduced to classical influences on art, architecture, government, mythology, and literature. They present this knowledge through a variety of creative methods. Spanish Seventh and eighth grade students take a beginning Spanish course which is equivalent to one year of high school Spanish. The goal of this course is to enable the student to communicate with native speakers, and to this end, the class is conducted in Spanish. The class emphasizes the oral, aural, written, and spoken attributes of the language, cornerstones of language proficiency. While students improve linguistic proficiency, they also gain cultural appreciation through the study of Spanish-speaking countries. Activities include conversational Spanish, short readings, written compositions, cultural projects, and audio and online recordings. Eighth grade students have the opportunity to travel to Costa Rica for an optional weeklong immersion trip in June.