French 3
Curriculum: Allez viens! (Holt, Rinehart, Winston)
Activities: In this course we focus on building upon our knowledge of grammar and phrases, and we reinforce our learning with workbook exercises as well as spoken dialogues and skits. We enjoy playing games and watching videos, which also add to the base of grammar and vocabulary we learn. Occasionally we organizing “food days,” when we bring in tasty French treats. C’est magnifique!
French 4 and 5
Curriculum: Bravo! (Heinle & Heinle)
Activities: During the level 4 year we study approximately the first half of the text, which concludes in French 5. The text has a balanced blend of grammar, vocabulary, useful phrases, cultural notes, and literature. We also take some time to study Le Petit Nicolas, a favorite book in France for more than forty years, and one that we enjoy for its charming depiction of childhood. Both levels meet with the teacher on an alternating-day schedule for approximately the last half of class, which gives us intensive teacher-led study, as well as independent study time. We also enjoy “food days,” when we can share some famous French culinary delights. Délicieux!
Spanish at SES
Spanish 3
Curriculum: Ven Conmigo (Holt, Rinehart, Winston)
Activities: We study the text, and reinforce lessons through workbook exercises, wordfinds, speaking in class, watching curriculum-focused videos, and playing games. We also enjoy having occasional “food days,” when we bring in culinary delights from the various Spanish-speaking cultures we study. ¡Delicioso!
Spanish 4
Curriculum: Pasajes (McGraw-Hill)
Activities: The curriculum series we use for our studies in this intermediate Spanish course uses a blend of grammar lessons that tie in with a literature focus, and we reinforce our lessons with written and spoken exercises, as well as topical videos and music that reinforces not only the grammar and vocabulary we learn, but also references cultural focuses. Every so often we have “food days,” when we can taste treats that are enjoyed in Spanish-speaking communities. ¡Qué rico!
College Challenge
Curriculum: Spanish 4 texts and assignments, as well as three compositions (and occasional videos) per trimester that build upon themes studied in class. The four college credits earned in this course are granted by Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall, MN, and the fee for 2003-04 is $250.
Spanish 5
Curriculum: Encuentros Maravillosos (Scott Foresman Addison Wesley)
Activities: Our study of intermediate advanced Spanish centers on works by world-famous Spanish-speaking authors and poets, such as Gabriel García Márquez, Pablo Neruda, and Isabel Allende. Within our literature study, we also review and learn grammar and vocabulary, as well as focusing on immersion in the spoken language. We, too, participate in “food days,” and look forward to the time when we can enjoy these tasty tidbits in their native settings.