Passport to Learning in Junior High Spanish

The SAA-SDS Junior High curriculum offers a dynamic Spanish language program. Through a conversational, immersive approach, teachers Kristin Jayroe (7th) and Alek Marchand (8th) help students build confidence in their communication skills and gain an appreciation for the cultures and traditions of the Spanish-speaking world.

“The first goal of our JH language program is to get students excited about learning a new language. When students enjoy Spanish and feel comfortable using it, they are more willing to take risks, speak out loud, and keep learning,” shared Mr. Marchand.

Students read, write, and speak in Spanish class every day through TPRS lessons (Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling), PQA strategies (Personalized Questions and Answers), and novels. They also use the language for practical purposes, such as project presentations.

In addition to these foundational lessons, students take part in many cultural projects in both 7th and 8th grade that allow them to explore beyond language, to use their creativity, and express their individuality.

Our 8th grade classes recently closed out Hispanic Heritage Month with a performance celebrating culture, language, and traditions through song and dance. The students chose the songs-two merengue and two salsa. Mr. Marchand explained “Both styles are high-energy Caribbean genres that lend themselves to group choreography, and they introduced students to well-known artists from across the Spanish-speaking Caribbean.” Students worked on understanding the lyrics and learning them by heart, before presenting to parents and students.

Our 7th grade classes will soon create mini-ofrendas for Día de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead). This annual project gives students an opportunity to gather and personalize items celebrating loved ones that have passed away. Through the ofrendas, students are able to explore a deeply rooted, time-honored Mexican tradition firsthand.

In addition to classroom activities, Junior High students have an opportunity to join the Spanish Club, which meets after school. This year 20 students have chosen to participate. This weekend they will have an opportunity to attend the Día de Los Muertos Parade & Festival at the Brooks Museum together.

At their next meeting on October 26, students will divide into three groups to make different salsas-and there will be judges to select the best one! The Spanish Club is also planning a children’s song concert, where they will perform for our ECC students, giving them a chance to use their Spanish with a young audience.

In the spring, our 8th graders will also take part in their annual Hispanic Fair, where student groups represent a country through a presentation, a trifold board, traditional dress, and food.

Mr. Marchand concluded, “Our long-term goal is for students to leave the Junior High program with a strong foundation in vocabulary, verb conjugation, reading, and speaking, ready to continue their foreign language studies in high school. We also hope they want to continue language studies because they had a positive experience in 7th and 8th grades.”