We are so excited to begin the Elementary Spanish Program! The Needham Public Schools is committed to early language learning. Students now receive Spanish instruction in grades one through five at the elementary level. Research shows that starting a language at a young age leads more quickly to proficiency in the language and more authentic pronunciation. It’s also fun!
Our focus in the beginning is on listening and speaking. In learning a language the listening skill is usually the most developed in the early stages. The ability to speak in a second language develops more slowly than the listening skill. Your child will be able to understand more than he/she is able to say. In first and second grades students will have one Spanish class a week for 40 minutes. In third, fourth and fifth grades students will have two 40-minute classes each week. The Spanish teacher will come to the students’ classrooms. In these lessons students will learn Spanish through songs, games, and other activities. Topics for all grades include: greetings, numbers, calendar, weather, shapes, classroom objects, places and activities in school. Third, fourth and fifth grades will also talk about family members and parts of the home. At each grade we will learn about Spanish-speaking countries and regions, their cultures and customs.
My colleagues and I welcome your comments and any experience with Spanish or Latin American culture that you might wish to share. Please be in touch with your child’s Spanish teacher to talk about that opportunity. We are looking forward to a wonderful Spanish adventure!
Sincerely,
Debbie Watters
Director of World Languages
Needham Public Schools
Our focus in the beginning is on listening and speaking. In learning a language the listening skill is usually the most developed in the early stages. The ability to speak in a second language develops more slowly than the listening skill. Your child will be able to understand more than he/she is able to say. In first and second grades students will have one Spanish class a week for 40 minutes. In third, fourth and fifth grades students will have two 40-minute classes each week. The Spanish teacher will come to the students’ classrooms. In these lessons students will learn Spanish through songs, games, and other activities. Topics for all grades include: greetings, numbers, calendar, weather, shapes, classroom objects, places and activities in school. Third, fourth and fifth grades will also talk about family members and parts of the home. At each grade we will learn about Spanish-speaking countries and regions, their cultures and customs.
My colleagues and I welcome your comments and any experience with Spanish or Latin American culture that you might wish to share. Please be in touch with your child’s Spanish teacher to talk about that opportunity. We are looking forward to a wonderful Spanish adventure!
Sincerely,
Debbie Watters
Director of World Languages
Needham Public Schools
