Language acquisition begins in kindergarten with fundamental vocabulary. At this stage, students learn how to say the date, numbers, colors, and they begin to learn the Spanish alphabet. They will hear different types of music and learn dances from Spanish-speaking countries.
In first and second grades, students begin to build their vocabularies using both written and spoken words. They continue their work with the Spanish alphabet and phonics to help them improve their speaking skills. Students will also virtually “meet” people from Spanish-speaking countries and will participate in dances from those countries.
By third and fourth grades, students are given the tools they need to construct sentences in Spanish. Third and fourth graders also begin to research countries and regions where Spanish is spoken. Through their studies, students will get to know what daily life is like in another part of the globe.
In fifth grade, students piece the elements of language and culture together. They learn to apply the vocabulary they learn to reading and writing. At this level, students also take a more in-depth look at the people and cultures found in Spanish-speaking countries.