Foreign Languages/French, Spanish & Latin
Foreign Language Curriculum and Standards
Language and communication are at the heart of the human experience. Foreign language acquisition consists of building strong communication skills and cultural awareness. The American Council on Teaching Foreign Language (ACTFL) has identified the following standards as the foundation for a foreign language curriculum. A sequential, articulated program incorporating the 5 C’s, Communication, Cultures, Connections, Comparisons, and Communities, provides students with a progressive development of essential skills and concepts. These national standards exemplify a vision of excellence in our comprehensive Pre-K through grade 8 foreign language program at Saint Philomena School.
The FLEX program engages our Pre-K through grade 5 learners meeting one period per week presenting a half year study of French and a half year study of Spanish. The goal of the program is to offer an exploratory experience, providing a foundation while establishing an environment of comfort and confidence. Students master limited, specific goals of speaking, understanding, and reading both in French and Spanish.
The FLEX program is designed to offer sequential instruction primarily in the target language, for grade 6-8 students. Meeting three periods weekly, sixth grade students pursue a half year study of French and also a half year study of Spanish. At the conclusion of grade 6, students select a French or Spanish two year course of study. Seventh and eighth grade students meet four periods weekly utilizing technology and authentic materials to enhance the development of communication and comprehension skills. The FLES program continues to incorporate an interdisciplinary view, achieving the expectations of proficiency in speaking, reading, writing, and comprehension. Activity based creative projects offer enrichment opportunities for all students at every level.
The goal of the Saint Philomena foreign language department is to provide quality foreign language instruction to all students at an early age in an interdisciplinary environment. In addition, the programs outlined challenge students to become linguistically and culturally prepared to interact successfully as responsible, global citizens.
Communication Communicate in Languages Other than English Standard 1.1: Students engage in conversations, provide and obtain information, express feelings and emotions, and exchange opinions. Standard 1.2: Students understand and interpret written and spoken language on a variety of topics. Standard 1.3: Students present information, concepts, and ideas to an audience of listeners or readers on a variety of topics.
Cultures Gain Knowledge and Understanding of Other Cultures Standard 2.1: Students demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between the practices and perspectives of the culture studied. Standard 2.2: Students demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between the products and perspectives of the culture studied.
Connections Connect with Other Disciplines and Acquire Information Standard 3.1: Students reinforce and further their knowledge of other disciplines through the foreign language. Standard 3.2: Students acquire information and recognize the distinct viewpoints that are only available through the foreign language and its culture.
Comparisons Develop Insight into the Nature of Language and Culture Standard 4.1: Students demonstrate understanding of the nature of language through comparisons of the cultures studied and their own. Standard 4.2: Students demonstrate understanding of the concept of culture through comparisons of the cultures studied and their own.
Communities Participate in Multilingual Communities at Home and Around the World Standard 5.1: Students use the language both within and beyond the school setting. Standard 5.2: Students show evidence of becoming life-long learners by using the language for personal enjoyment and enrichment.
Next subject: Art
