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Upper School (Resident) |
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Spanish at the Lower School is taught as an enrichment class to students in grades Pre-K through 5. The primary goals of the program are to encourage students to try, to be risk takers in learning Spanish, and to open their minds to other countries where Spanish is the official language. Classes are taught by a native speaker, using español (Spanish) as much as possible. In cases where important cultural issues are discussed, inglés (English) is used. This also applies to classroom expectations and directions for complex projects. Spanish is taught in a safe and caring environment. Students learn basic vocabulary through various games, song, and books. T.P.R. (total physical response) is also used whereby students hear a short story, associate motions to vocabulary, act out the story, and then retell the story. This can transition to other classroom scenarios. Students also act as teachers to their peers. Done on a voluntary basis, students are able to use their knowledge of the language as they act as 'teacher', allowing their peers to listen to someone else speak Spanish. Students who are new to Darlington School realize they are able to learn easily with the help of their fellow students. Mistakes are often made in order to challenge the students and to allow them to show their own knowledge of Spanish. Use of cooperative groups allows students to 'shine' in different areas. The curriculum runs the gamut from learning words following the letter of the week in Pre-K, to creating and solving problems in a dialogue for a taped telenovela (soap opera) in fifth grade. Authentic foods, music, and artifacts are used wherever possible. Students often share their experiences of visits to Spanish speaking countries. Spanish beyond México involves looking at the over 21 countries where Spanish is the official language. Students are encouraged to use Spanish outside the classroom. When this occurs, they show a high level of confidence and students are able to experience firsthand the positive reactions created by doing this. Students work hard to speak as much Spanish as possible as they fill a jar with frijoles (beans) which, once it is filled, entitles the class to a fiesta (party). Proper pronunciation is a must. Self-correction and participation comes from within each student. The comfort level achieved by each student at the lower school allows for an extremely easy transition to Middle School Spanish, where it then becomes an academic subject. Viva el español.
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