Spanish at SPMS

1. Spanish at SPMS Course offerings and important information

2. Profesora Blanca • Ms. Sarah White • From NC • Taught high school Spanish 1-5, IB, Native Speakers for 6 years • Masters in Spanish Literature, Language, and Culture from UNC Charlotte • National Board Certified • Studied abroad in Spain, Mexico, and Costa Rica • Traveled to Uruguay and Argentina • Email: sarah.white@stjohns.k12.fl.us

3. Why Spanish? • Learning a language at an earlier age makes language acquisition easier • Increases awareness of English grammar by making comparisons • Exposure to another language and culture • Global awareness • Preparation for high school with second language requirement • Helps future IB and AP students

4. Beginning Spanish • Grades 6-8 • Introduction Course to Spanish • Four Units: Introduction to Spanish, My Friends and I, My Schedule, and Life at School • Students will be expected to study vocabulary, notes, and verbs daily • There will be homework on occasion • Basic Skills will include: • Greetings and Introductions • Asking and stating basic information about people • Telling the date, time, and discussing schedules • Expressing likes and dislikes • Describing people • Talking about favorite activities • Discussing school activities • Describing classes and location • Expressing feelings

5. Intermediate Spanish • Grades 7-8 • Four Units: Let’s Eat, My Family and I, My Community, and Home Life • Students will be expected to study vocabulary, notes, and verbs daily • There will be homework on occasion • Basic Skills: • Describing food (asking and ordering in a restaurant) • Describing family and daily routine • Describing your house • Making comparisons • Giving dates (holidays, birthdays, etc.) • Describing places and events(getting around town)

6. Spanish 1 High School Credit • Grade 8 • Requirements: Level 5 FCAT Reading and Beginning Spanish • Expansion of topics covered in Beginning and Intermediate Spanish • Go into more depth requiring students to increase ability in reading, writing, speaking, listening, and cultural awareness • Fast paced • Expectation of studying daily the vocabulary, verbs, and notes • There will be homework • Students should be self-motivated

7. Advantages to taking Spanish in Middle School • Most competitive universities want students to take 3 or more consecutive years of a language in high school. Three or more years are required for IB diploma at Nease or APID program at Bartram and Creekside. • MS Beginning Spanish & MS Intermediate Spanish = Spanish 1 for HS credit. • After students have completed MS Beg. Spanish & MS Inter. Spanish, they can take the district final exam. If an 80% or higher is earned, students can take Spanish 2 in high school. • Our recommendation is to take Spanish 1 in high school to develop a very strong foundation. The middle school courses will make Spanish 1 easier, hopefully, allowing students to earn an A for their high school transcript.