Spanish
Spanish at Meridian introduces students to both the language and the culture of Spanish-speaking regions. Students learn pronunciation and intonation patterns, basic grammatical structures, and vocabulary on a variety of topics while developing elementary listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills.
Goals
- to provide an introduction to the Spanish language
- to develop an enthusiastic interest in the study of languages
- to create appreciation for Spanish-speaking cultures and regions
Highlights
- connection with Meridian’s sister school in Barranquilla, Colombia
- dances, songs, and stories from Spanish-speaking countries
- school wide celebration of El Dia de los Muertos/Day of the Dead
Spanish instruction is based on two methodologies, Total Physical Response and the Natural Approach, which help students to learn Spanish through natural acquisition. The philosophy behind these methods is that children learn a second language as they learned their first: by hearing, repeating, imitating, acting it out, and using it in everyday situations. Students learn the language by having fun, manipulating real objects, following directions, working on arts and crafts, singing, and playing games. As students progress through the grades, there is greater emphasis on reading and writing in Spanish.
As part of Meridian’s cultural program, students learn about customs and traditions, regional geography, music, and art from Spanish-speaking countries. Highlights include dancing, folk music, traditional food, Hispanic Heritage Month events, and in fifth grade, having breakfast at a Hispanic restaurant. Students also communicate through letters and video conference with their friends in our sister school in Colombia, South America.
Students in kindergarten through third grade have Spanish twice a week for half an hour. Fourth and fifth grades have one hour-long Spanish class per week. The “Viva el Español” curriculum informs content and goals across the grades.