World Languages

Students will strengthen their reading comprehension and connection-making skills through their textbook, Minimus. In addition to primary sources from the ancient Roman auxiliary fort at Vindolanda, Minimus includes inspired comics featuring the fictional family of the camp's centurion. The class will also explore ancient Roman myths and history in tandem with the social studies curriculum. The focal point of that material will be the fifth grade theme -- compassion -- during the first few centuries of the Common Era.

The primary objective of this course is to strengthen students' English-language skills through Latin while inspiring enthusiasm for world-language study. For many students, the study of Latin is their first experience with a language other than English.

A secondary goal for this course is to offer students a sense of what it would be like to study French and Spanish in greater depth. In the second half of the year, students take mini-courses in those languages. Exposure to all three enables students to make a well-informed decision when choosing the language they will pursue in 7th and 8th grades.

Class materials draw from a variety of media including print, CDs, and films. Course activities include collaborative work, cultural projects, and online activities.

French and Spanish students focus on mastering four essential language skills: reading, writing, speaking, and understanding.

Students learn the basics of grammar and vocabulary with emphasis on communication. Spanish classes delve into the cultures of Spain and Latin America, while French students learn about France and other French-speaking countries in Africa and around the world. Target-language proficiency is enhanced as students practice through communicative activities such as

• Conversing in paired dialogues
• Participating in role-playing activities
• Singing popular songs
• Making oral presentations
• Watching DVDs and authentic videos and engaging in interactive, technology-based scenarios

In 7th grade Latin, students focus on Latin grammar, syntax, and vocabulary with translation as the goal. Additional objectives are to reinforce understanding of English grammar and parts of speech and to enhance English vocabulary. Students explore Roman history, culture, and mythology as they appear in the readings they translate.