This week, the Kindergarten classes had their first Spanish class! We had a lot of fun learning how to introduce ourselves, practicing numbers up to 10 and colors in Spanish.
First and second graders have been busy learning the vocabulary for classroom supplies, while third graders have been learning about the Spanish classroom.
Last month I posted an article about FLES programs, how they work and what the goals for these programs are. This article gives a great overview of the Spanish program at MUS.
FLES: Foreign Language in the Elementary School
FLES programs focus on the development of listening and speaking skills and on cultural awareness. Grammar is not ignored, but is learned indirectly rather than through direct instruction. FLES programs follow the natural sequence of language learning: understanding > speaking > reading > writing. The primary stress is on understanding and speaking. Instructional techniques appropriate for young children have been developed; physical activity and concrete experiences play an important role. Visuals, manipulatives, and realia are a crucial part of the FLES classroom, and the typical lesson plan includes songs, rhymes, games, play-acting with puppets, and other physical activities that appeal to the younger child.
FLES classes usually meet two to five times a week for 20 to 40 minutes at a time. In some schools, classes begin in kindergarten and continue through 6th grade, while in other schools they begin in 2nd, 3rd, or 4th grade. The level of proficiency attained by the students is usually directly related to the amount of time they spend using the foreign language. (From Ñandutí, Foreign Language Learning. By Janet Reed)
Interactive learning tools:
Here's a website I found where your students can practice basic Spanish vocabulary:
http://www.onlinefreespanish.com/
The second one is Duolingo which can be used both on a computer or a tablet, iPad, or any phone.
First and second graders have been busy learning the vocabulary for classroom supplies, while third graders have been learning about the Spanish classroom.
Last month I posted an article about FLES programs, how they work and what the goals for these programs are. This article gives a great overview of the Spanish program at MUS.
FLES: Foreign Language in the Elementary School
FLES programs focus on the development of listening and speaking skills and on cultural awareness. Grammar is not ignored, but is learned indirectly rather than through direct instruction. FLES programs follow the natural sequence of language learning: understanding > speaking > reading > writing. The primary stress is on understanding and speaking. Instructional techniques appropriate for young children have been developed; physical activity and concrete experiences play an important role. Visuals, manipulatives, and realia are a crucial part of the FLES classroom, and the typical lesson plan includes songs, rhymes, games, play-acting with puppets, and other physical activities that appeal to the younger child.
FLES classes usually meet two to five times a week for 20 to 40 minutes at a time. In some schools, classes begin in kindergarten and continue through 6th grade, while in other schools they begin in 2nd, 3rd, or 4th grade. The level of proficiency attained by the students is usually directly related to the amount of time they spend using the foreign language. (From Ñandutí, Foreign Language Learning. By Janet Reed)
Interactive learning tools:
Here's a website I found where your students can practice basic Spanish vocabulary:
http://www.onlinefreespanish.com/
The second one is Duolingo which can be used both on a computer or a tablet, iPad, or any phone.