First graders continue their journey towards increasing their knowledge of the Spanish language by learning to communicate in short phrases to describe what they see and to express their thoughts and feelings. Students continue to enjoy learning through interactive games, songs, movement, and stories. Class routines include using the feelings calendar, movement and workout activities, games with twenty-sided-dice, and songs played on the güiro and cajón. Children discuss classes and activities that are part of their school day. Then they explore what those activities look like at schools in Latin America and Spain. For example, students watch children in Perú learning how to play the cajón, which they recognize from their own prior lessons.

Second graders continue their journey towards learning the Spanish language with patience, love, and respect. Aligned with the second-grade study of New York City, students learn how to state where they live and describe components related to what makes a city in Spanish. They learn about the cardinal points on the map, directions, and landmarks. Second graders continue to build upon their oral comprehension as well as increase their vocabulary through reading activities, oral presentations, and listening activities. They learn reading strategies and become more confident in their speaking skills. Students are also able to communicate by asking and answering simple questions. They enjoy exploring and growing as language learners through songs, dances, reading, writing, and interactive games.

In their first year of Spanish study, Kindergarteners enjoy learning by using interactive games, songs, movements, puppets, and stories. They build vocabulary through the use of Total Physical Response and other interactive tools. The children develop their listening and comprehension skills while acquiring and producing language. They focus on several themes including an introduction to Latin American culture, colors, days of the week, months of the year, numbers, and shapes. 

They begin by working on the thematic unit, “All About Me,” which includes vocabulary about family, pets, feelings, and physical characteristics and complements the identity work done in the House curriculum. Students learn about the cultural celebration of El Día de los Muertos, a day honoring and remembering family members who are no longer with us. They dance to Spanish classics such as “Quimbara” by Celia Cruz, “Bamboleo” by the Gipsy Kings, and “La Bamba” by Ritchie Valens.