Last Updated: January 2023

Communication is a critical skill. In today’s global society, the ability to communicate in multiple languages is invaluable. It increases cross-cultural understanding, improves several cognitive functions and opens doors in students’ future academic, professional and personal lives. - Maine Department of Education

World Language Classes at Mount Desert Island are interactive and engaging. We believe that all students can learn a new language. Come join us in French and Spanish classes to have an enriching and rewarding experience while learning something new!

Information about prerequisites:

Students who have had prior language experience or exposure may be placed in an appropriate course based upon the recommendation of a language teacher or the Learning Area Leader.

Semester-long Classes

FRENCH I (CP)

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

1 credit

French I is a Novice Mid/High level language course in which students will begin to develop their reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills in the French language through a variety of methods. Students will engage in the language through numerous activities using high frequency language and focused structures. Through informational and fictional texts, authentic videos, songs, and presentations students will acquire new vocabulary, grammar concepts, and cultural concepts while gaining confidence in each mode of communication.

FRENCH II (CP)

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

1 credit

Prerequisites: Students who successfully met standards of French I

French II is a Novice High course in which students will continue to develop their reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills in the French language through a variety of methods. Students will engage in the language through numerous activities using high frequency language and focused structures. Through informational and fictional texts, authentic videos, songs, and presentations students will acquire new vocabulary, grammar concepts, and cultural concepts while gaining confidence in each mode of communication.

FRENCH III (CP)

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

1 credit

Prerequisites: Students who successfully met standards of French II

French III is a Novice High/Intermediate Low level language course in which students will further advance their reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills in the French language through a variety of methods. Students will engage in the language through numerous activities using high frequency language and focused structures. Through informational and fictional texts, authentic videos, songs, and presentations students will acquire new vocabulary, grammar concepts, and cultural concepts while gaining confidence in each mode of communication.

FRENCH IV (CP)

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

1 credit

Prerequisites: Students who successfully met standards of French III

French IV is an Intermediate Mid level language course in which students will continue to deepen their communication skills. Students will increase their fluency and skill level by reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills in the French language through a variety of methods. Students will engage in the language through numerous activities using high frequency language and focused structures. Through informational and fictional texts, authentic videos, songs, and presentations students will acquire new vocabulary, grammar concepts, and cultural concepts while gaining confidence in each mode of communication.

GUATEMALA STUDIES AND SERVICE PROGRAM

Grades 10, 11, 12

1 credit

Prerequisites: Successful Completion of Spanish 2 before the course begins

This class is required for those students accepted into the travel program. It is designed to strengthen second language skills and increase cultural knowledge in preparation for a two-week service trip to Guatemala. Through the mediums of literature, periodicals, research, film, music, and folk art, participants will explore the essential question: How can I understand the Guatemala of today by journeying through its past?

Students will engage in Spanish language activities to develop the necessary abilities and confidence to carry out service learning projects and have successful interpersonal exchanges with Guatemala host families and partners. Through readings, conversations, role plays and problem solving scenarios, students will explore the essential question: Am I able to successfully communicate information, ideas, and beliefs that express my personal identity as well as my culture?

SPANISH I (CP)

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

1 credit

Spanish I is a Novice Mid language course in which students will begin to develop their reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills in the Spanish language through a variety of methods. Students will engage in the language through numerous activities using high frequency language and focused structures. Through informational and fictional texts, authentic videos, songs, and presentations students will acquire new vocabulary, grammar concepts, and cultural concepts while gaining confidence in each mode of communication.

SPANISH II (CP)

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

1 credit

Prerequisites: Students who successfully met standards of Spanish I

Spanish II is a Novice High course in which students will continue to develop their reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills in the Spanish language through a variety of methods. Students will engage in the language through numerous activities using high frequency language and focused structures. Through informational and fictional texts, authentic videos, songs, and presentations students will acquire new vocabulary, grammar concepts, and cultural concepts while gaining confidence in each mode of communication.

SPANISH III (CP)

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

1 credit

Prerequisites: Students who successfully met standards of Spanish II

Spanish III is a Novice High/Intermediate Low level language course in which students will further advance their reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills in the Spanish language through a variety of the methods. Students will engage in the language through numerous activities using high frequency language and focused structures. Through informational and fictional texts, authentic videos, songs, and presentations students will acquire new vocabulary, grammar concepts, and cultural concepts while gaining confidence in each mode of communication.

SPANISH IV (CP)

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

1 credit

Prerequisites: Students who successfully met standards of Spanish III

Spanish IV is an Intermediate Mid level language course in which students will continue to deepen their communication skills. Students will increase their fluency and skill level by reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills in the Spanish language through a variety of methods. Students will engage in the language through numerous activities using high frequency language and focused structures. Through informational and fictional texts, authentic videos, songs, and presentations students will acquire new vocabulary, grammar concepts, and cultural concepts while gaining confidence in each mode of communication.

Quarter-long Classes

YOGA AND MINDFULNESS

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

0.5 credit

Over the course of nine weeks students will be introduced to the philosophy of yoga and will engage in the overarching practice of mindfulness. Students will learn the foundations of the physical practice of yoga, explore specific breathing methods, and discover the physical and mental benefits of these exercises. Daily practice and reflection are essential to and at the center of this course. This course also fulfills a 0.5 Physical Education credit.