Grade Five

Proficiency Target: Novice

In fifth grade, students receive Spanish instruction three times a week for 25 minutes with lessons centered on the essential questions: “Who am I? Who are the people of the Americas?” The cultural context for fifth grade instruction is the Spanish-speaking regions of Central and South America, with a focus on Peru. Students learn the Spanish language and Hispanic culture through direct instruction, stories, poems, songs, games, and activities. Students who meet expectations in fifth grade can communicate and exchange information about familiar topics using phrases and simple sentences, sometimes supported by memorized language. The topics covered in fifth grade include the geography of the Americas, descriptions of personality and physical appearance, typical food eaten in the Americas, the arpillera, and more. Students can often understand words, phrases, and simple sentences related to everyday life and topics studied in class. They can also understand the main idea of short and simple texts, conversations or presentations when the topic is familiar. Students can also introduce themselves, say hello and goodbye, express how they are feeling, express what they like and don't like, and respond to and ask simple questions.

A Spanish Spelling Bee is held annually in April. Children will select a world language in the Spring to commit to, for studying throughout grades 6-8. Information for parents and students as well as presentations on this decision, will be provided in the Spring.

Units of Study include:

  • Which countries around the world speak Spanish?

  • What is my daily routine?

  • What are foods that I eat and what foods are typically eaten in Central & South America?

  • How do I describe myself? How can I describe others? (personality & physical characteristics)

  • What is the culture of Peru? (landmarks & geography are also included).

  • How is the rainforest important in the lives of the people of South America? How is it important to me?

  • What is an arpillera? Describe a given arpillera orally and in writing.