Spanish Curriculum

FOREIGN LANGUAGE

The Foreign Language program focuses on communication. The development of listening, speaking, reading and writing skills is based upon useful situations in practical settings. Active class participation and completion of assignments contribute to success in Lake George's language program. Components of the textbook series include audiotapes, videocassettes and computer CD ROM software.

Students must pass the Second Language Proficiency Exam
in French or Spanish at the end of the 8th grade.
This is a new graduation requirement.

The Junior High foreign language program emphasizes communication. However, the areas of listening, reading, and writing will also be incorporated.

Speaking will be emphasized through individual and small group practice and presentation. Conversation will be realistic and practical through activities such as a group recreation of a restaurant scene or presentation of a weather forecast. A speaking test will accompany Chapter Tests (usually given each quarter).

Reading will be presented through real-life items such as a tourist brochure, restaurant menu, recipes, maps, newspapers and other realia.

Students will be introduced to writing by making lists, making surveys, and answering questions in complete sentences. Projects are occasionally assigned to reinforce unit vocabulary. Example: design a floor plan for a house, create a travel poster, make a menu for a restaurant.

Culture such as daily life and holiday celebrations of many different Hispanic countries is introduced through videos, readings, and guest speakers.

At the end of each Chapter, there will be a test assessing the skills of students in the areas of speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Quizzes will be given on an average of one per week. Homework will be given and checked daily.

Spanish I is a continuation of Spanish study using the second half of Juntos I. Units based culturally in Texas, Puerto Rico, Spain, Latin Communities of the US, and South America allow students to study practical vocabulary and grammer related to celebrations, vacationing, student life, means of communication, and exchange programs. The emphasis is on oral communication in real-life situations. Videos introduce Hispanic culture. The computer CD ROM program assists in grammar and vocabulary practice in four skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. Homework 4-5 nights per week. Average of 1-2 quizzes per week. Midterm exam in January and final exam in June.

Spanish II is a continuation of Spanish I study using Juntos II. Units based culturally in Mexico, Costa Rica, United States and the Dominican Republic allow further study and use of practical vocabulary and grammar related to traveling, news, technology and entertainment. Again the emphasis is on oral communication in real-life situations.Hispanic culture is reflected through video segments, photographs, art, literature, and articles from newspapers and magazines. The CD ROM program assists in developing the skills of communication. Homework is assigned daily. One quiz or test per week. Mid-term exam in January and Final Exam in June.

Higher level work in speaking, writing, listening and reading. Cooperative learning allows for group work to learn/practice vocabulary and grammar. Homework every night. One vocabulary quiz and one test per week. Grades based on individual and group performance. The midterm exam in January is based on Regents format.

Continued work in listening, speaking, reading and writing where the primary language spoken is Spanish. Class participation is key to success. Review and reinforcement of grammar is included. Topics of study include literature, music, art, travel, food, films and customs. Use of technology, where appropriate.

A.P. Spanish (not offered school year of 2000-2001) One credit
Recommended: Spanish IV

Spanish V will follow the syllabus of A.P. Spanish. The course will consist of intensive language study. The emphasis will be on grammar with the A.P. Exam taken at the end of the course.

Copied from the
Lake George Junior High School Program of Studies 2000-2001, page 11

Copied from the
Lake George Senior High School Program of Studies 2000-2001, pages 39-40