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Spanish Language

The mission of the Spanish Language Program at Greenspring Montessori School is to provide exposure and opportunity for students to build Spanish comprehension and communication. Each student is encouraged to nurture a love for the language and culture that will motivate them to continue learning and exploring Spanish for years to come.

Why language instruction is important to our school

The study of another language leads to improved communication skills, cultural understandings, enhanced critical thinking skills, and interdisciplinary perspectives. Maria Montessori’s term “sowing the seeds of interest” could be used to describe the overall goal of the second language program (especially in the earlier years). This means creating enjoyment, awareness, and an eagerness to learn more. It also means that different children will achieve different levels of communicative competence, given individual needs, personality, and learning processes.

We expect that early exposure to other languages will create a facility for understanding and speaking and greater ease in later language study. It also creates an early consciousness of cultures – an awareness of the richness of our many ways of being human.

In a Montessori setting, a second language may be viewed as one more learning experience within the prepared environment – offered in ways that will attract children’s natural interest and engage their response.

Methodology

Concepts and vocabulary are presented and reiterated throughout each class so that students can develop conversational Spanish skills. Interactive activities and games give each student opportunities to express themselves in Spanish. By making Spanish fun, we help students become comfortable using their learned language skills and able to respond with full sentences. Through the skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing, students are able to broaden their awareness, familiarity, and comfort with the Spanish language. 

This program is designed for all children including English language learners, students with learning differences, and advanced learners.

Each Spanish class covers a range of topics including grammar, vocabulary, conversational skills, pronunciation, reading, and writing. The curriculum integrates key elements by themes, such as numbers, colors, animals, school, and home, using these themes to introduce new concepts and vocabulary, actions, and verb phrases. These topics are reviewed in each class through games, songs, and activities to reinforce language connections. Once the basics are learned, it is possible to move on to more complex ideas.

Implementation

The goal of the Spanish program is to be integrated into the Montessori curriculum at every level, from children 18 months old to grade 8. Children receive Spanish lessons in their own classroom environments and around campus based on the lessons.

Learn more

For more information on our programs, schedule a time to visit the school and learn more.