World Languages, week of Sept. 2

September 5, 2024

This week in our classes!

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

In Spanish we have been working on establishing class norms and getting to know each other. We are introducing the Spanish alphabet and cognates. We will begin work on greetings, farewells, nationalities and information questions.

Spanish I (Mr. Donaldson, Ms. Cuffee)

In Week 2 (September 3-6), students in Spanish I focused on reviewing material from Beginning Spanish. They completed a review packet graded in the Practice & Application (PA) category. The packet, which was started the previous week, was due on Friday. For homework, students were required to sign up for SpanishDict.com, where they will receive weekly assignments.

For Week 3 (September 9-13), we will kick off Unit 1, covering household vocabulary, prepositions of location, and giving directions around the city. The first SpanishDict.com homework assignments for Unit 1 will be given on Monday and are due by 3:15 PM on Friday.

Spanish II (Ms. Wooten, Ms. Henderson)

In these first two weeks of school, we have been focused on getting to know each other, refreshing our Spanish 1 skills, and working together to establish our class norms. This foundational time has allowed us to create a positive and collaborative learning environment, setting the stage for a successful year ahead!

As we move forward, we are excited to begin our first unit on Immigration and Human Rights. This unit will engage students in meaningful discussions and activities that connect language learning with important global issues. Please make sure to check Canvas regularly for resources and supplemental materials that will support your child's learning throughout this unit.

Thank you to all the parents who have contributed to our classroom spaces via Amazon! Your donations are greatly appreciated!

Spanish Humanities, grade 6 (Ms. Balestra)

Last week we spent time getting to know each other while trying our best to use only Spanish in the classroom. Students also completed a reading comprehension assessment and a short writing sample. This week students are working on a poem to describe themselves. Our unit focus is Identity and Growing up Around the World. Once we finish writing and presenting our poems, students will be looking at their own childhood and how it is similar or different to childhood in other parts of our country and our world.

Spanish Humanities, grade 7 (Ms. Henderson)

7th grade Spanish Humanities class has just begun a new unit focused on the concept of identity through the lens of the "Hero's Journey." Throughout this unit we will explore how the remarkable experiences and challenges faced by some of Latin America's most influential figures have shaped their identities. Additionally, we will delve into how our own personal experiences contribute to who we are today and who we aspire to become.

We’re looking forward to a fantastic year of exploration and growth. To make the most of this learning experience, it’s essential for students to arrive on time, actively participate in class, and approach their studies with an open mind. Thank you for your support in helping us create a positive and collaborative learning environment!

Spanish Humanities, grade 8 (Ms. Wooten)

Ha sido un gran placer conocer a todos los estudiantes de la clase de humanidades 2 (8vo grado) durante las primeras semanas de escuela. Hicimos un examen diagnóstico para evaluar el nivel de lectura/ escritura/ gramática/ vocabulario de los estudiantes, y también participamos en una variedad de actividades para conocernos mejor y crear comunidad en clase. Pregúntale a su estudiante si escuchó una canción nueva en la lotería de música o de la canción de semana que escuchamos al entrar al salón todos los días. La próxima semana vamos a empezar la nueva unidad en la cual exploraremos la conexión entre identidad y lenguaje.

It has been such a joy getting to know everyone in 8th grade Spanish humanities over the first 2 weeks. We completed a diagnostic test to evaluate current levels of reading, writing, grammar, and vocabulary and participated in a variety of games and activities to get to know one another. Ask your student if they heard any news songs in music bingo or our song of the week. Next week we will officially begin our first unit, exploring the connection between identity and language.

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

It has been an exciting week in Introduction to French! After getting to know each other in the first week of the school year, last week we started building our French base. We now know how to say the French alphabet, greet each other and ask and say our name…all in French. Next week we’ll be learning to say how we’re doing. Middle schoolers can be slow to share what they’re learning at school but encourage your student to teach you some French. All homework assignments are posted on Canvas daily!

French I (Ms. Balestra, Mr. Osei)

Our first week of school we spent time getting to know each other and began some review of vocabulary and grammar that was covered last year. This week we have focused on subject pronouns, the verbs ETRE and AVOIR, and adjectives. Next week we will introduce new vocabulary focusing on where we live. We will work with verbs that are relevant to the vocabulary.

French II (Dr. Mbayu)

Bienvenue!

Faisons connaissance. While discussing rules and expectations, we are reviewing key concepts from level 1. This week we reviewed cardinal and ordinal numbers...la première dame, le premier ministre etc. We also revisited our french accents.

We will continue with the rappel next week.

Chinese (Mr. Zhi, Ms. Liang)

Grade 6 Chinese class this week focused on learning high-frequency words through their etymology. We will have two summative assessments – one presentation and one writing test next week.

Grade 7 Chinese classes will be working on mastering vocabulary related to daily schedules and key grammar concepts with focus on expressing their routines. We will have two summative assessments.

Grade 8 Chinese class will be exploring vocabulary related to daily school life, focusing on language application in listening, speaking, reading, and writing—to ensure a well-rounded understanding in class.