3rd Grade World Language

Spanish: In 3rd grade, students start "putting it together." They increasingly recognize patterns of spoken language, comprehend more complex storylines, and follow varied instructions. Third graders respond to detailed questions while producing unique sound and letter combinations.  They improve reading and writing skills through extended practice, and are gradually able to describe their friends, their families, and their world. They start the year reviewing basic vocabulary and sentence structure. To introduce themselves in Spanish and make “new” friends, they enjoy using puppets and carrying on creative conversations. Students continue to learn about different countries and cultures, as they dive into studies of diverse nationalities and identities. Traditional songs, games, and stories support a vibrant selection of learning materials.

Mandarin: Third grade is when they start "putting it together." They learn sentence patterns and further writing skills and are gradually able to express basic facts about themselves and their family. Third graders start the year learning about numbers as they relate to birthdays, months, dates, and days of the week. They then focus on vocabulary around extended family and their relation to others in their family. Students are introduced to identifying radicals and combining them to make Chinese characters. They practice public speaking and the basics of sentence structure as they present about themselves in Mandarin, using language like “I am an elementary school student” and “I am eight years old.” Students also learn about five different countries—the United States, China, Japan, England, and France—as they dive into vocabulary about nationality and identity. They engage in partner work to enhance conversation skills, both asking and answering questions.