Course Descriptions
At South Middle School, we offer beginner classes in Chinese, French, Latin and Spanish. Although many students begin World Language study in sixth grade, it is not a requirement. Therefore, children who have other academic intervention needs may delay the study of a language until the eighth grade, when they will begin Spanish. Since any successful language study requires commitment, language selection should be based on personal preference. Students should expect to continue the study of their chosen language throughout their middle and high school yeras. Students who select Chinese, French or Spanish will be in conversational classes. An emphasis is placed on the the three modes of communication - interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational. It is expected that students will learn to listen, read, write, and speak in the language. For those who select Latin, the emphasis is on grammar, syntax, word origin, translation and exploration of the Greco-Roman world. Whatever the choice, learning another language is an exciting journey!
All of our 6th grade classes are taught at the introductory level. For this reason, if children are heritage learners and are proficient in all four modalities of language (listening, reading, writing and speaking), it is strongly recommended they challenge themselves through the study of another language.
Regardless of language selection, the teachers in the World Language Department are committed to providing students with the skills necessary to be successful in an increasingly global society and look forward to the opportunity to be part of your child’s language journey! If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact the department.