1st Grade World Language

In Kindergarten and 1st grade, students take one semester of Spanish and one semester of Mandarin. 

Spanish: Students are introduced to the sounds, structure, and vocabulary of Spanish within the context of themes such as family, numbers, colors, daily life, and customs in the United States and Spanish-speaking cultures. Music, videos, games, and repetition are incorporated regularly into the curriculum to enhance student learning. In 1st grade, more vocabulary is added to the curriculum, as well as introductory writing activities.

Mandarin: Our Kindergarten and 1st grade students work on acquiring essential vocabulary, including colors, numbers, and words about oneself and one's family. Students are introduced to Pinyin, which is a system of learning to read Chinese characters and words. Holidays, food, and farm animals are also incorporated into their vocabulary. Students start practicing their stroke, drawing upon hand-eye coordination skills. First graders also begin to learn about tone, using dance and body movement to enhance their understanding of tone and stroke.