Language Acquisition
Language learning allows us to link to the world around us in powerful ways. These are classes where students will learn to read, write, and speak about themselves and their hobbies. Students will learn to use basic language skills and everyday vocabulary to communicate using another language. Building a strong background in middle school will not only help them in high school but will help them become globally minded citizens which is a big part of our IB middle years program. At Mesa Middle School we fulfill the expectation of the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program by requiring that all students receive a minimum of fifty hours of instruction in a language other than Language A. Students can choose from French or Spanish. By its nature our Language Acquisition (World Language) courses lend themselves to the IB fundamental concepts of communication, holistic learning and intercultural awareness. Communication emphasizes the four language acquisition skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking. Our curriculum supports the holistic learning concept by enabling students to develop a range of language and other skills that are transferable across other subject groups. Language Acquisition instruction encourages an understanding of and appreciation for cultural diversity. Our program supports students in taking risks in communication, stepping out of their comfort zone and promotes open-mindedness toward other cultures. This is only one example of how the Language Acquisition classroom develops the IB learner profile in our students.
Courses offered
FRENCH
French 1A: (7th grade) French level 1A is the first semester of high school Level I French. Students develop basic vocabulary, speaking, reading and writing skills. Students will describe themselves and their daily lives. Grammar concepts are used so that students can communicate ideas in the present tense. Students continue to develop an understanding of and appreciation for cultural diversity through discussion of a variety of topics. French 1A prepares students to continue their study of French 1B their 8th grade year.
French 1B: (8th grade) French level 1B is the second semester of high school Level I French. Students develop basic vocabulary, speaking, reading and writing skills. Students expand their vocabulary as we examine the family, home and leisure activities including ordering in a restaurant. Grammar concepts become more sophisticated so that students can use the simple future tense. Students continue to develop an understanding of and appreciation for cultural diversity through discussion of a variety of topics. Students will leave French 1B prepared to take Spanish 2 in High School.
French 1: (advanced 7th graders) French level 1 is the combination of level 1A and level 1B within one year. This course is designed for students who intend on taking advanced French classes at the high school. This course is for students who are passionate, motivated, and dedicated to learning the language. In this course, students will be able to discuss topics like: greetings, friendships, family, home-life, school, free time activities, ordering food, going shopping, and much more. Students will focus on complex grammar concepts and vocabulary to develop their language skills at an accelerated rate.
*Prerequisite: Student must have received an A in both Reading and Language Arts in 6th grade
French II: (8th grade) French level 2 is the equivalent of high school Level 2 French. Students must have completed French 1 successfully to participate in this course. Students will develop their speaking, reading and writing skills at an accelerated rate. Students will expand their vocabulary as we examine topics such as household chores, vacations, travels, and places in the community. Grammar concepts become more sophisticated so that students can use the past tense, reflexive and many irregular verbs. Students continue to develop an understanding of and appreciation for cultural diversity through discussion of a variety of topics. Students who successfully pass this course are intended to be placed in French III at the High School.
* Prerequisite: Student must have successfully completed French 1 with an A or B
SPANISH
Spanish 1A: (7th grade) Spanish level 1A is the first semester of high school Level I Spanish. Students develop basic vocabulary, speaking, reading and writing skills. Students will describe themselves and their daily lives. Grammar concepts are used so that students can communicate ideas in the present tense. Students continue to develop an understanding of and appreciation for cultural diversity through discussion of a variety of topics. Spanish 1A prepares students to continue their study of Spanish 1B their 8th grade year.
Spanish 1B: (8th grade) Spanish level 1B is the second semester of high school Level I Spanish. Students develop basic vocabulary, speaking, reading and writing skills. Students expand their vocabulary as we examine the family, home and leisure activities including ordering in a restaurant. Grammar concepts become more sophisticated so that students can use the simple future tense.
Students continue to develop an understanding of and appreciation for cultural diversity through discussion of a variety of topics. Students will leave Spanish 1B prepared to take Spanish 2 in High School.
Spanish 1: (advanced 7th graders) Spanish level 1 is the equivalent of high school Level 1 Spanish. Teacher approval is required for this course. Students signing up for this course need previous exposure to Spanish, as this course will move at a pace equivalent to a high school course. Students develop basic vocabulary, speaking, reading and writing skills. Students continue to expand their vocabulary. Grammar concepts are developed and become more sophisticated. Students continue to develop an understanding of and appreciation for cultural diversity through discussion of a variety of topics.
Spanish II: (8th grade) Spanish level 2 is the equivalent of high school Level 2 Spanish. Students must have completed Spanish 1 successfully to participate in this course. Students develop basic vocabulary, speaking, reading and writing skills. Students expand their vocabulary as we examine household chores, daily preparations and places in the community. Grammar concepts become more sophisticated so that students can use the past tense, reflexive and many irregular verbs. Students continue to develop an understanding of and appreciation for cultural diversity through discussion of a variety of topics.