St. Mary’s students enter the world of foreign language at the Prekindergarten level. PreK and Kindergarten students have class once a week, second through fourth-grade students meet twice a week, and fifth graders have three Spanish classes weekly. With each consecutive year, their Spanish language skills increase cumulatively in a dynamic, interactive, and meaningful way. At all levels, careful attention is given to practicing all five skills identified by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages as essential to learning a foreign language: speaking, listening, reading, writing, and cultural awareness.

Our core curriculum, Teach Them Spanish, provides a coherent framework of vocabulary and grammatical structures from pre-K through fifth grade. Videos, music, projects, guest presentations, and books by prominent authors expand upon these core skills, enhancing each child's ability to comprehend and communicate in Spanish.

Our youngest students sing and dance to music by Neraida Smith and José Luis Orozco. Story collections by award-winning author Alma Flor Ada and other notable picture books enhance the language experience of all elementary learners, providing new sources of vocabulary and thought-provoking concepts. Schlessinger Media videos on Hispanic heritage and culture are often presented to learners of all ages to bring geography, history, and prominent historical figures to life. Projects assigned to upper-level students awaken their curiosity and reinforce their reading, research, and keyboarding skills.

Coordinated and taught by Dr. Beckie Bigler, a former university professor and St. Mary’s parent, the Spanish language program at SMES places particular emphasis on respect and enthusiasm for the process of learning a foreign language. Understanding of the importance of these elements contributes greatly to the success of our graduates in middle school and high-school language study.

SPANISH

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