World Languages

Spanish Language and Culture (Mr. Fontalvo, Ms. Gonzalez)

Last week, students learned and practiced family vocabulary in Spanish. They explored how to describe relationships between family members and applied their knowledge by analyzing family trees from well-known shows and movies such as Coco and The Simpsons. Students enjoyed identifying and describing the different family connections while strengthening their speaking and reading skills.

Next week, we will continue building this foundation by analyzing additional family trees and practicing how to describe different family relationships in more detail. We look forward to seeing students grow in confidence as they continue using Spanish in meaningful and engaging ways.

Thank you for your continued support!

Spanish I (Mr. Donaldson, Ms. Cuffee)

After another reading comprehension assignment on chores in the present tense, we will shift attention to the preterite tense (which is used to describe completed actions in the past) and describe the future using the verb IR, students will receive four new SpanishDict.com homework assignments on the preterite: regular preterite AR verbs (3HW12.PrAR), regular preterite ER/IR verbs (3HW13.ErIr), and the preterite spelling changing verbs (3HW14.PrSp). Each day begins with a review of preterite endings and their usage. Students will read an article in the preterite tense and practice identifying preterite conjugations in context, culminating in a closer look at -car, -gar, and -zar spelling changes in the preterite.

Spanish II (Ms. Wooten, Ms. Henderson, Mr. Almanza)

This week in Spanish 2, students finished reading chapter 5 of Los Baker Van a Perú and continued practicing parts of the body vocabulary as well as our other target vocab (emotions, verbs that conjugate like gustar/ doler/ encantar/ importar). We also started preparing for our speaking summative, in which students will describe a 2 day trip to Lima Perú. This week, students wrote their first paragraph, in which they describe themselves, their preferences for travel, and why they might want to go to Perú. Then they began to learn about different places to visit in Perú by interpreting a variety of texts (and videos). Next week, students will continue to learn about places to visit in Lima (interpreting texts and videos- as well as doing their own research if they want), and will select at least 4 of these places to include in their itinerary. We will work on writing draft body paragraphs of the itinerary in class, and students will have to record the final SPOKEN itinerary by next Friday Feb 27.

Spanish Humanities, grade 6 (Ms. Balestra)

Last week students continued thinking about monsters and heroes and how they are portrayed in literature. We also discussed perspective and how a story can change based on the perspective of a certain character. Students rewrote the story of Little Red Riding Hood from the perspective of the wolf. Students showed their understanding of characteristics and themes on the Friday Formative.

Next week students will read "El Laberinto del Minotauro." We will also begin writing our own myth, giving an explanation for a natural phenomenon. The Friday Formative will focus on monsters and heroes in "El Laberinto del Minotauro."

Spanish Humanities, grade 7 (Ms. Henderson)

This week students continued developing their reading habit by participating in two independent reading sessions in class on Tuesday and Thursday. I want to take a moment to say how proud I am of them. Sitting down and reading for twenty uninterrupted minutes is not an easy task in our fast-paced, technology-filled world, and your students rose to the challenge beautifully.

On Friday, we will begin exploring the paradigms through which we see ourselves and others. Students will reflect on where these perspectives come from, how they shape our judgments, and what purpose they serve in our lives.

Español:

Esta semana los estudiantes continuaron desarrollando su hábito de lectura participando en dos sesiones de lectura independiente en clase el martes y el jueves. Quiero aprovechar este momento para expresar lo orgullosa que estoy de ellos. Sentarse y leer durante veinte minutos sin interrupciones no es una tarea fácil en el mundo acelerado y lleno de tecnología en el que vivimos, y sus estudiantes lo hicieron de manera excelente.

El viernes comenzaremos a explorar los paradigmas a través de los cuales nos vemos a nosotros mismos y a los demás. Los estudiantes reflexionarán sobre el origen de estas perspectivas, cómo influyen en nuestros juicios y qué propósito cumplen en nuestras vidas.

Spanish Humanities, grade 8 (Ms. Wooten)

This week students in Spanish humanities worked on their thematic essays. Last week, we selected a theme, analyzed a variety of model thesis statements and students wrote their own thesis. This week students mapped out their 3 body paragraphs and each day had a writing goal (one paragraph per day). Students had work time throughout the week to complete the essay, but if it is not complete they will need to work on it over the weekend and hand it in by Monday. Next week, I will go through the essays and provide feedback- allowed students to edit and hand in the essay one more time before receiving a final SUMMATIVE grade. Next week we will kick off our unit about biodversity and environmental justice in Latin America by analyzing the song "latinoamérica" by calle 13 - first understanding the lyrics, then the message, and then investigating some of the specific references in the song to more fully understand the message. Throughout the week, I will pull students to check in on essay edits as needed.

French Language & Culture (Ms. Bullock, Mr. Almanza)

This week students will be expanding on our "family, friends and self" unit by learning how to talk about family. They will also be creating a family tree. It's amazing how much students have learned!

What can we do at home?

Vocabulary is KEY to language learning. Students should be reviewing their vocabulary for at least 5 minutes every night. They are welcome to use this resource to support their learning. It is updated every time we learn something new! Students have been commenting about how much they've learned so far. It's great to see their confidence grow.

French I (Ms. Balestra, Mr. Osei)

This past week students continued to expand their vocabulary around the theme of sports and leisure activities. Students also worked with the past tense (le passe compose). Students took a Reading Comprehension Summative to show their mastery of new vocabulary.

Next week students will be working with reflexive verbs. Friday's Formative will be a Speaking Formative focusing on daily self-care activities.

A reminder that students in Mme Balestra's classes can find slide decks, homework assignments, vocabulary, and practice activities on our Home page of Canvas.

French II (Dr. Mbayu & Mr. Osei)

Students express opinions about movies, concerts, and shows using descriptive language.
🎯 Focus: explaining why they like or dislike something.
💡 Ask at home: Can you describe a movie you like—in French?

Chinese (Ms. Liang)

Grade 6 Chinese

Over the past few weeks, students have been learning how to express nationalities, languages spoken, and proficiency levels in Chinese. They have engaged in various activities to reinforce their understanding, including dialogues, interactive exercises, and written practice.

Last Friday, students completed a formative assessment to demonstrate their grasp of these concepts. They did a fantastic job applying their knowledge in both written and oral exercises. Their ability to describe where people are from and what languages they speak continues to improve, and we are so proud of their progress!

Looking ahead, we will be wrapping up this unit and transitioning into our review sessions. Students will prepare for two upcoming summative assessments, which will assess their ability to write and communicate effectively about nationalities and languages in Chinese. These assessments will help gauge their understanding and fluency as we move forward in our learning journey.

Grade 7 Chinese

Last week, our Grade 7 students continued working on the Shopping Unit (购物单元), diving deeper into essential vocabulary and grammar that help them confidently navigate shopping scenarios.

Key Vocabulary of last week:

满意 (mǎn yì) – Satisfied with something

Example: 我对这双鞋很满意。

(Wǒ duì zhè shuāng xié hěn mǎn yì.) – I am very satisfied with these shoes.

电脑 (diàn nǎo) – Computer

电梯 (diàn tī) – Elevator

价格 (jià gé) – Price

便宜 (pián yi) – Cheap, affordable

贵 (guì) – Expensive

Grammar Focus:

Expressing satisfaction using 对 (duì) + [object] + 满意 (mǎn yì).

Example:

我对这件衣服很满意。(Wǒ duì zhè jiàn yīfu hěn mǎn yì.) – I am very satisfied with this piece of clothing.

Asking for prices:

这个多少钱？(Zhège duōshǎo qián?) – How much is this?

太贵了！(Tài guì le!) – It’s too expensive!

Last Friday, students had a formative assessment to review their understanding of vocabulary and grammar learned so far in the shopping unit. Next week, students will take a summative assessment to demonstrate their mastery of shopping-related vocabulary, sentence structures, and cultural understanding.

G8 Chinese

G8 students explored the topic of international travel, learning key vocabulary and phrases to help them discuss trips, itineraries, and travel experiences. We did a typing practice on the topic of Chinese cultural celebrations to prepare for STAMP exam in April/May. Next week, they will complete a formative quiz on Friday to check their understanding.