District 11 Educational Support Services
Multilingual Education



Middle School Introduction to Spanish: Overview
 Course Number: FLM.INTSP

Overview
There is more to learning a language that memorizing vocabulary and rules of grammar. Learning a language, helps us better understand the people, and culture of a foreign land. It also prepares us to be better informed citizens in a global economy. This course will introduce the language's sound, writing system, some basic vocabulary and a few grammatical structures. Information concerning the people and cultures associated with the language will also be covered.
Recommended: One or two quarters.
Prerequisite: None
Course Length: 1   Period Length: 1   Grade Level:  6-8   Credit per Semester: 0
For Teachers
Semester 1
Semester 2
No Prerequisite
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Enduring Understandings - important ideas that students should carry with them years beyond the instruction received this year.
  • Developing knowledge and skills in a second language also provides insight into the foundations of different cultures.
  • Learning a foreign language enables individuals to participate in multilingual communities.
  • Being able to communicate in a second language other than English equips graduates to participate in and contribute to the growth of a global economy.
  • Understanding different cultural perspectives, patterns of behavior, ways of life, worldviews, and contributions is essential in order to.

Essential Questions - most important “big picture” questions students should be able to answer after completing learning activities.

  • Communication - How will learning a language enhance my life?

  • Cultures - How can cultural awareness enhance my language learning and vice versa?

  • Communities - How does where I live shape who I am?

  • Comparisons - How do I determine the most effective language learning style for me?  

  • Connections - How might learning a language open “doors of opportunity”?
Standards
District 11 Foreign Language courses are aligned to the Colorado Model Content Standards for Foreign Language and include Standards, Benchmarks, and Indicators.
STANDARD - The information or skills that must be learned and demonstrated for expertise in a given discipline or content domain.  Also, refers to standards of practice, performance standards, etc.
BENCHMARK - More specific definitions that teachers can follow to assess and measure a student’s performance at various stages in his or her school career. 
INDICATORS - The actual learning behaviors teachers will look for in the classroom. 

Colorado Model Content Standards for Foreign Language

STANDARD 1: Students communicate in a foreign language while demonstrating literacy in all four essential skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
LISTENING: Students listen to and derive meaning from a variety of foreign language sources.
RATIONALE: Students listen to comprehend information spoken in a foreign language. In order to meet this standard, a student will:
• recognize common expressions;
• obtain meaning from diverse listening sources;
• demonstrate comprehension through appropriate responses; and
• engage in a variety of listening situations.

Grades 9-12 of a Foreign Language Program - As students at the advanced level extend their knowledge, what they know and are able to do includes:
• deriving meaning through context, intonation, and situations from listening sources including conversations, lectures, authentic videos, films, and recordings; and
• obtaining and processing information by selecting, categorizing, and analyzing from these sources. For students extending their foreign language education, what they know and are able to do may include
• processing information by organizing, synthesizing, and evaluating from all types of authentic listening sources;
• integrating listening skills by interacting and/or participating with members of the community in various professions who use the foreign language; and
• using listening skills to interact culturally with peers and/or others in the foreign language.
71.2 SPEAKING: Students speak in the foreign language for a variety of purposes and for diverse audiences.
RATIONALE The ability to speak other languages allows students to communicate with people from various cultures. In order to meet this standard, a student will:
• apply pronunciation rules and intonation patterns;
• use vocabulary, grammatical forms, and structures of the target language to convey meaning;
• apply knowledge of cultural practices to spoken language;
• express needs, tell stories, obtain and convey information, explain concepts and procedures, and persuade; and
• interact with speakers of the language in a variety of venues: personal, business, debate panels, dramatic presentations.

Grades 9-12 of a Foreign Language Program - As students at the advanced level extend their knowledge, what they know and are able to do includes:
• applying pronunciation and intonation patterns at a normal rate of speech;
• making predictions, analyzing, drawing conclusions, and expressing facts and opinions;
• defining points of view; and
• summarizing and paraphrasing.

For students extending their foreign language education, what they know and are able to do may include:
• communicating and talking about topics of current, public, and personal interest; and
• handling complicated tasks such as describing, narrating, and hypothesizing with increasing accuracy.
81.3 READING: Students read and derive meaning from a variety of materials written in a foreign language.
RATIONALE Reading in a foreign language gives students access to information, and expands their knowledge. This ability provides students with the opportunity to learn about cultures and the human experience. In order to meet this standard, students will:
• recognize words, phrases, idiomatic expressions, and grammatical structures;
• demonstrate comprehension of reading materials written for a variety of purposes;
• use and apply the information gained from reading; and
• respond to the cultural elements contained in reading materials of the language.

Grades 9-12 of a Foreign Language Program
As students at the advanced level further extend their knowledge, what they know and are able to do includes:
•analyzing and synthesizing reading materials;
•recognizing the author's point of view and purpose;
•expressing personal reactions to reading materials; and
•interpreting cultural elements found in reading materials.

For students extending their foreign language education, what they know and are able to do may include:
• using literary terminology accurately including setting, character, conflict, plot, resolution, and theme; and
• responding to and discussing a variety of authentic texts.
91.4 WRITING: Students write in a foreign language for a variety of purposes and for diverse audiences.
RATIONALE Writing allows students to express themselves, to communicate with others, and to document ideas in a foreign language. In order to meet this standard, students will:
• write for purposes such as relating personal experiences, obtaining and conveying information, explaining ideas and opinions, and persuading;
• write for audiences such as peers, teachers, community members, and people from other countries;
• plan, draft, revise, proofread, and edit written communications;•use correct grammar, sentence structure, vocabulary, spelling, punctuation, and capitalization to convey meaning; and
• use legible handwriting and/or word processing.

Grades 9-12 of a Foreign Language Program - As students at the advanced level further extend their knowledge, what they know and are able to do includes:
• analyzing and drawing conclusions;
• incorporating information from foreign language resource materials in their writing;
• selecting and expressing ideas and opinions on topics from various content areas; and
• using specialized vocabulary and more advanced grammatical structures.

For students extending their foreign language education, what they know and are able to do may include:
• writing business letters and/or advertisements;
• using writing skills to analyze, persuade and hypothesize with increasing accuracy; and
• writing creative poetry and short stories.
STANDARD 2: Students acquire and use knowledge of cultures while developing foreign language skills.
RATIONALE Language learners are culture learners as well. Students need to develop an understanding of the cultures in which the language is spoken and the ability to function in an appropriate manner. In order to meet this standard, students will:
• demonstrate knowledge of aspects of foreign cultures such as daily life, education, history, geography, government, economics, and the arts;
• apply knowledge of cultural practices when communicating in a foreign language; and
• use the foreign language to access cultural information available only in that language.

Grades 9-12 of a Foreign Language Program - As students at the advanced level further extend their knowledge, what they know and are able to do includes:
• analyzing aspects of the cultures being studied, such as social and political institutions and laws;
• functioning in a culturally appropriate manner, through speaking and writing, in complex social and/or work situations; and
• researching a topic of interest using sources from the cultures being studied.

Sample Units
District 11 Diamond Units/Lessons Overview - includes information about the purpose, goals and structure of these sample instructional units:

1-2 Semester Functions - Recognize sound and letter correspondence, Express Likes/Dislikes, Recognizing social register, Recognize and follow basic classroom commands, Recognize and use cognates, Give simple descriptions (ser, llevar), Respond to the 10 “Survival Questions,” Talk about yourself (eg. family, age, etc.), Write about self and family

1-2 Semester Structure and Grammar - Cognates, Gender, Conjugations: subject/verb agreement (present tense, including vosotros), Subject pronouns, Prepositions, Articles:  definite and indefinite, Singular and plural nouns, Noun/adjective agreement, Intro “ser” and “estar,” “Gusta” + infinitive

1-2 Semester Content Vocabulary - Numbers 1-3, Colors, Clothing, Calendar—days, weeks, months, Adjectives, Alphabet, Introductory geography—lands, people/nationalities, Courtesies—titles, greetings, well-being, farewells, Basic occupations, Family members, Conjunctions (and, or, but, because)

1-2 Semester Culture - Social register cues/verbal and nonverbal, Basic geography, Family structure, Cultural etiquette

Word Lists

  • Word List 1 - Lista de Palabras 1  Salutations, Introductions, Other Important Words, Numbers, Calendar, Being Verbs
  • Word List 2 - Lista de Palabras 2  People, Places, Activities, Adjectives, Nationalities, Being Verbs
  • Word List 3 - Lista de Palabras 3  Mental Adjectives, Physical Adjectives, Things for the School, Expressions, Courses
  • Word List 4 - Lista de Palabras 4  Expressions, Possessives, Verb Conjugation
  • Word List 5 - Lista de Palabras 5  Objects in the Classroom, Places in the School, Verbs
  • Word List 6 - Lista de Palabras 6  Clothing, Time, Colors, Seasons, Verbs, Asking Questions
  • Word List 7 - Lista de Palabras 7  Verbs, Places, Infinitives, Food, Locations

Resources
The following English Language Learner resources were developed by David Malone as part of the ESL Bridges to Success curriculum and are available for distribution within District 11.

  • Classroom Labels - include Spanish and English cards that can be taped to items and locations in the classroom.

  • Labels for Home - includes Spanish and English cards that can be taped to items and locations around the house.

  • Similar Words - Palabras Similares - includes 1000 varied reading level words that are similar in spelling and pronunciation in both English and Spanish.

  • Vocabulary Cards - Tarjetas del Vocabulario - 1500 most commonly used words in English with Spanish translations. Words are clustered by category and fold to the size of a business card.

  • Vocabulary Goal Sheet - Allows English learners to chart their growth in vocabulary over a 14 month period.

  • Vocabulary Development Instructions - strategies to learn the 1000 most commonly used English words. Instructions include 5 minute fillers, games and strategies that can be used to reinforce vocabulary development.

  • Writing Tasks - includes a progression of writing tasks from constructing simple sentences to writing narratives. Each task builds on vocabulary learned from the Vocabulary Cards.

  • Journal Cards - provide writing prompts, pictures and vocabulary from the Vocabulary Cards for students to use as an aid in writing.

  • Picture Puzzles - when printed from to back, these vocabulary games allow students to work alone or in pairs or small groups to discuss targeted vocabulary words in a social setting while playing a game.

  • Instructional Websites and Games for Students - 26 sites (A-Z) that allow students to interact in a game format with English and Spanish vocabulary and rules of usage.

  • ESL First Aid Kit - Basics every classroom teacher needs in order to create a healthy learning environment

  • Websites Strategies - 26 sites (A-Z) websites by topic that support teachers in teaching English Language Learners.

  • Classroom Tips - includes research-based strategies for listening, speaking, reading, writing, and ELL Advocacy from experienced ELL teachers.

  • ELL Professional Development Course for Teachers - These training modules on Language Acquisition prepare K-12 content area teachers teachers to effectively teach English Language Learners.

  • BeanGo Cards Small and BeanGo Cards Large - students can review Spanish and English vocabulary words or mat families, or other basic content by completing their own bingo cards. Dried beans can be used as playing pieces.

  • Ways to Use Vocabulary Cards - includes 5 minute fillers and other strategies to help students learn vocabulary words. The decks of cards listed below by category are in Microsoft Word format so teachers can create word lists of 13 words for any content area. 

Vocabulary Lessons 1-60 (Vocabulario Lecciones 1-60) - includes audio lessons in English and Spanish available in mp3 format.   

CD Disc One: Deseo Aprender inglés (I desire to learn English) Lessons 1-27

To download all tracks on Disc One, click here for a .zip file.

CD Disc Two: Deseo Aprender inglés (I desire to learn English) Lessons 28-60

To download all tracks on Disc Two, click here for a .zip file.

1. Welcome! Bienvenidos 1. Opposites Game Lecciones 28, 29, 30, 31
2. Vocabulario Lecciones 1, 2, 3 2. Vocabulario Lecciones 32, 33, 34, 35
3. Historia: Getting To Know You 3. Historia: Choosing a Bank
4.Vocabulario Lecciones 5, 6, 7, 8 4. Vocabulario Lecciones 36, 37, 38, 39, 40
5.  Vocabulario Lecciones 9, 10, 11, 12 5. Historia: The New Student
6. Historia: Packing For A Trip 6. Vocabulario Lecciones 42, 43, 44, 45, 46
7. Vocabulario Lecciones 13, 14, 15, 16 7. Historia: Doctor’s Appointment
8. Historia: Touring The City 8.  Vocabulario Lecciones 47, 48
9. Vocabulario Lecciones 17, 18, 19, 20 9. Historia: Entertainment 
10. Historia: Moving Day 10. Vocabulario Lecciones  49, 50
11. Vocabulario Lecciones 21, 22, 23 11. Historia: Sports
12. Historia: Preparing Dinner 12. Vocabulario Leccion 55
13. Vocabulario Lecciones 24, 25, 26, 27 13.  Historia: Car Inspection
14. Historia: Everybody Works 14. Historia: Building Maintenance Vocabulario 56, 57, 58
  15. Vocabulario Leccion 59
  16. Historia: Choosing a Career

Decks of Vocabulary Cards - includes playing cards and suggestions for card games with each of Vocabulary Card Lessons 1-60.

1. Common Phrases Cards
Common Phrases Audio		 16. Which One? 31. Words Telling Where 46. Hospital
2. Ask Questions 17. House Things 32. Money Words 47. Entertainment
3. Being Verbs 18. Bedroom and
Bathroom		 33. How Many?
How Much?		 48. Emotions
4. Pronouns and
Possessives		 19. Kitchen Things 34. Numbers 1 - 13 49. Gym
5. Time and Seasons 20. Utility Room 35. Numbers 14 - 100 50. Athletes
6. Months of the Year 21. Refrigerated Food 36. School Things 51. Geography
7. Days and Holidays 22. Words Telling How 37. Classroom Things 52. Weather
8. Words that
Tell When		 23. Pantry Foods 38. Backpack Things 53. Plant Parts
9. Colors 24. People in
the Family		 39. Teacher's Jobs 54. Animals
10. Men's Clothes 25. Careers 40. Students' Jobs 55. Car Parts
11. Women's Clothes 26. Job Words 41. Math Words 56. Garage Things
12. Baby's Things 27. Opposite Verbs I 42. Body Parts 57. Toolbox
13. City 28. Opposite Verbs II 43. Human Face 58. Home Repair
14. Describing People
and Things		 29. Opposite Verbs III 44. Things That Hurt 59. Home Jobs
15. What Kind of Place? 30. Opposite Words 45. Things That Heal 60. Department Stores

Computer Review Games - includes vocabulary review games that can be played alone or in pairs.

Assessment
 

Parents

Benefits of Knowing a Second Language
Colorado children need second language fluency in order to be competitive in the 21st century.  Students of foreign language score statistically higher on standardized tests conducted in English.  Students who average 4 or more years of foreign language study scored higher on the verbal section of the SAT than those who had studied 4 or more years on any other subject area. (1992 report consistent with College Board profiles of previous years.)  Students of foreign languages have access to great number of career possibilities and develop a deeper understanding of their own language and other cultures.  Children who receive second language instruction are more creative and better at solving complex problems.  Coloradans fluent in other languages enhance U.S. economic competitiveness abroad, improve global communication, and maintain national, political and security interest.

District 11 Offers Spanish Classes for Parents
Our Community Education Department offers various level classes in Spanish, German, French, Italian, Mandarin Chinese, and Japanese. See the class schedule and registration information.

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