SPANISH Class

Teacher~ Maria Maguire

 

OWL Methodology

The Sage School Spanish department implements the Organic World Language (OWL) curriculum as the basis for our Spanish classes. OWL is based on current research about language acquisition and aims to create a classroom atmosphere that mimics as closely as possible the environment in which children learn their first language. To this end, classes are conducted entirely in Spanish, with students using strategies of acting, drawing, and circumlocution (using the words they already know) in order to communicate in Spanish and expand vocabularies and skills. Students and teacher stand or sit in a circle and engage in active and kinesthetic conversation and verbal activities, in addition to daily writing practice and regular reading/listening exercises. The OWL method allows for a student-centered curriculum that is not based on a set of textbooks and workbooks, but is derived from students’ lives and interests. To learn more about OWL methodology, visit http://www.owlanguage.com/ .

 

 

Assessment

Assessment in Spanish class is based on the levels established by the American Council of the Teachers of Foreign Languages (ACTFL), with students expected to advance through the levels during their years at The Sage School.

For more details please visit http://actflproficiencyguidelines2012.org.

 

Success in Spanish class is directly correlated with effort and participation. We acknowledge that 6/7 students come to The Sage School with varying levels of skill and experience with Spanish. While some students are completely new to the language, others have spent years in dual immersion or other language classes, some speak Spanish at home with family members or friends or have lived in another Spanish speaking environment. Instead of separating students into different classes based on their current levels, the OWL program blends all levels together, creating a community of learning where students can help each other learn. Students should challenge themselves to speak and write to their fullest ability, regardless of their skill level.  Students will recognize progress and success in Spanish by comparing their work to their own past work, not to the work of their peers.   

 

Homework~TAREA

The idea behind homework in Spanish class is for students to take time to turn their brains on to Spanish outside of school. Through this, they will have opportunities to practice while at the same time widening their perspective on Spanish-speaking cultures around the world. Homework is based on relevant, interactive activities with family or open-ended writing prompts and should reflect the student’s highest knowledge and skill level at that time. Final products will be as diverse as the students who produce them!