At Beecher Road School all children study Spanish from kindergarten through grade six using a proficiency-based model. In the 21st century, we are preparing our children to participate in the global community. The world language classroom is designed to make language come alive through the use of technology and enhanced curriculum.

The use of technology is infused throughout the world language curriculum.  The iPad and Smart Board are utilized on a daily basis to enhance language instruction.  These forms of technology make language learning even more fun and exciting for the students.

Various language assessments have been developed throughout the school year for students to raise the standards of language learning and establish a benchmark throughout the BOWA district.  Upon successful completion of grade six, children will be able to demonstrate performance in the following linguistic and cultural areas:

• Communicate effectively in Spanish.

• Gain knowledge and understanding of other cultures.

• Make connections with other areas of study and acquire information.

• Understand the nature of language and cultures through comparisons.

• Participate in multilingual communities within a variety of contexts.

Our current world language curriculum is being enhanced each year in order to accommodate all of our students’ needs and to improve overall language instruction across the grade levels. In the coming year, students at Beecher Road School will continue to enhance and refine their speaking, listening, writing, and reading skills in Spanish.  Our students are well on their way to becoming proficient language learners!

 

About the teacher(s)

¡Hola! My name is Stephanie Goldberg.  I have been teaching Spanish here at Beecher Road School for 25 years! Before teaching at BRS, I taught in a fifth grade bilingual classroom in Hartford, CT. I first started studying Spanish in junior high school and continued my study of the language throughout my college career. I attended the University of Delaware where I studied Elementary and Bilingual Education as well as Spanish. While I was a student at the University of Delaware, I had the opportunity to study abroad at the Colegio de España in Salamanca, Spain. This was a life changing experience! My love for the Spanish language and culture grew stronger and stronger over the years. After completing my undergraduate studies, I  earned a Master’s degree in Reading and Language Arts.  When I am not teaching, you will find me spending quality time with my husband and my twin boys. I also enjoy traveling, exercising, and baking. As your child’s Spanish teacher, I hope to make learning Spanish meaningful, interesting, and fun! 

 

¡Hola!  My name is Emily Carney and I teach Spanish at Beecher in grades K-6.  This is my 15th year teaching and my 8th year at BRS, and I am so happy to be a part of this wonderful community.  I am originally from Massachusetts, and attended Quinnipiac University, where I studied Spanish and elementary education.  During that time, I had the opportunity to study abroad in Sevilla, Spain- a beautiful city where I hope to return someday!  After graduating with my Master of Arts in Teaching degree, I was thrilled to begin my career teaching Spanish at the elementary level.  I am so fortunate to be able to combine my passion for the Spanish language and culture, with my love for teaching children.  In my free time, I love being outdoors, cooking, traveling, and spending time with my family and friends.  

 

Curriculum

Kindergarten, first,  second, and third grade students receive Spanish instruction twice every six days.  Each class is a half hour long and packed with interactive SmartBoard activities, games, songs and authentic literature.  Below is a brief breakdown of themes and skills taught at each elementary grade level.  

Kindergarten

In kindergarten, students learn basic greetings, farewells and courtesy phrases through puppets, song and basic conversation.  Shapes, colors, numbers 1-10, family, weather, seasons and the days of the week are also taught at the Kindergarten level.

First Grade

In first grade, students will expand their knowledge of greetings, calendar, weather, shapes, numbers, and family through more complicated lessons and small projects.  Additional themes, such as animals, fruits and vegetables are introduced with adjectives to encourage simple sentence formation.

Second Grade

In second grade, students will continue to expand upon their knowledge of greetings, calendar, weather, seasons, colors, and numbers, and classroom objects.  In addition, the Second grade curriculum also consists of a unit centered upon Mexico.  Instruction focuses on Mexican heritage and culture, building map skills, and learning geographical vocabulary.

Third Grade

In third grade, students in grade three will learn how to introduce themselves and greet others in Spanish.  Other themes to be covered include the Spanish alphabet, the calendar, colors, food, numbers, and much more!  Throughout the year students will have the opportunity to participate in many language learning activities using the SmartBoard.  Third graders will also explore the language through many songs, games, and hands-on activities.

Fourth Grade

Fourth grade Spanish class meets three times out of a six day rotating schedule for thirty minute sessions. This year we will be focusing on interpersonal and presentational communication skills. We will begin the year by reviewing how to introduce ourselves and how to greet others. As the year progresses, students in fourth grade will learn about locations in the school and classroom items, places in the city, animals, family, and much more! Students will have the opportunity to complete various projects in order to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the Spanish language.

Fifth Grade

Fifth grade Spanish class meets three  times every six day cycle for thirty minute sessions. This year we will be focusing on interpersonal and presentational communication skills. We will begin the year by reviewing greetings, numbers, time, weather expressions, and basic interpersonal questions. Students will be learning Spanish through an instructional unit centered upon a visit from an exchange student. Themes to be included in this unit of study are family, the house, likes/dislikes, food, school, and much more! Various types of technology will be utilized by fifth grade students when completing Spanish projects throughout the school year.

Sixth Grade                                                       

Students in sixth grade have Spanish class four times out of a six day rotating schedule for thirty minute sessions. This year we will be focusing on interpersonal and presentational communication skills. Students will be learning Spanish through instructional units beginning with taking a trip to a Spanish speaking country followed by a unit centered upon nutrition and health. Sixth graders will have the opportunity to enhance their language skills through various reading, writing, speaking, and listening activities throughout the school year.