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Spanish

In kindergarten through fourth grade, we offer an introduction to Spanish, using structured classes that include games, songs, crafts, stories, tapes, movies, bilingual books and short stories. Students learn the alphabet and some Latin customs. Our students begin using verbs, adjectives, pronouns and definite and indefinite articles that enable them to express themselves orally. They learn quickly and associate all of this with phrases and simple written short sentences, entering Spanish I with enthusiasm and a good background for advanced middle school classes.

 

 

When students enter sixth grade at Oakridge, they start the Paso A Paso 1 high-school Spanish 1 book, and by the time they graduate from eighth grade, they have completed a full year of high school Spanish I.

Usually, at the end of eighth grade, students move into the Paso A Paso 2 (high school Spanish II) book. There is an honors program available to all sixth through eighth grade students. 

 

Middle school girl sitting at her desk in a classroom

Honors Program

Spanish Honors is the elective portion of Spanish class for 6th - 8th grades. Honor students will further their knowledge

 

of Spanish reading and reading comprehension in addition listening comprehension. Those participating in the Honors program will

 

be exposed to a higher-level of listening, reading, and writing exercises as well as advanced grammatical structures. Please remember

 

that to be successful in the Honors program, the student must focus not only on the grades they would like to earn, but also on other

 

factors such as attitude and willingness to participate and invest the extra time. Being able to work independently and having a high level

 

of self-discipline are essential for the success of this program. Honors Program books include many of the popular high school Spanish

 

required readings, such as the Blaine Ray Series and books like Don Quixote de La Mancha. 

 

"Exposing your child to a second language at an early age can actually change the way your child's brain is structured by forming connections that otherwise would not be formed.  These connections seem to be not only necessary for learning language, but are beneficial in many other academic areas: study after study shows that students who have studied a second language do better in other seemingly unrelated areas such as mathematics and logic."

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