Specials Newsletter

Newsletter del Primer Cuarto: 13 de agosto-10 de octubre

Sonrisas Spanish Curriculum Overview

The Sonrisas Spanish Curriculum (PreK–8) is a standards-aligned, research-based program that provides teachers with everything needed to teach language and culture effectively. Built around their Acquire, Develop, Learn® methodology, it fosters language acquisition through immersive, communicative experiences—combining storytelling, songs, art, movement, and structured practice (Sonrisas Spanish School).

Why this program was chosen:

Research-backed & standards-aligned: Aligned to the World-Readiness Standards for Language Learning, refined over 25 years of development (Sonrisas Spanish School).
Differentiated levels: Materials are organized into levels that scaffold from early communication to more advanced grammar and literacy—perfect for diverse learners (Sonrisas Spanish School, Spanish Playground).
Comprehensive & ready-to-use: Includes teacher manuals, student portfolios, posters, media, and lesson plans.
Learning through meaningful engagement: Lessons are organized around Circle Time, Story Time, and Art Time, making learning active and memorable (Sonrisas Spanish School)

Each level combines hands-on activities, movement, and real-world communication, making language learning come alive. This curriculum aligns beautifully with our school’s mission. The lessons are open-ended, creative, and student-centered, allowing children to explore language at their own pace and depth. They also connect naturally with the principles of Responsive Classroom, building community through greetings, songs, and shared routines.

Level I

This entry-level curriculum supports young learners in acquiring essential Spanish communication skills. Students begin with Circle Time, learning greetings, vocabulary, and simple commands through songs, gestures, and movement. In Story Time, they listen to thematic Spanish storybooks that reinforce structured language. During Art Time, they create related art projects while teachers converse with them in Spanish, building conversational fluency. Students also revisit lesson vocabulary through the Student Portfolio, where they complete independent practice and Home Reports that engage families (Sonrisas Spanish School).

Key Outcomes:

Use basic Spanish greetings and expressive vocabulary in interactive settings.
Listen and respond to simple narratives with comprehension.
Participate in art-based activities while practicing conversational Spanish.
Complete independent activities that reinforce speaking, listening, reading, and writing.

Favorite lessons include:

“El saludo” (Greetings Circle): Students greet each other in Spanish, practice eye contact, and learn to listen respectfully—perfectly reinforcing Responsive Classroom morning meetings.
“Colores y arte”: Learners explore colors through movement games, songs, and a collaborative mural, encouraging creative self-expression.
“Mi familia” (My Family): Using puppets and drawings, students introduce family members in Spanish, developing both vocabulary and empathy.

Level II

Designed for students with foundational Spanish skills, Level II introduces more advanced communication and cultural learning. Building on the Level I structure, students engage in more complex dialogues, expanded vocabulary, and culturally themed content. Reading and writing tasks gradually increase in difficulty, encouraging students to express ideas in written Spanish and further develop their proficiency.

Key Outcomes:

Communicate with classmates using more detailed vocabulary and phrases.
Engage in structured conversations and shared storytelling.
Implement written language skills through simple sentences and story responses.
Deepen cultural understanding through advanced themes and interactive lessons.

Favorite lessons include:

“La tienda” (The Market): Students role-play shopping for fruits and vegetables, using realia (play food and money). This brings math, culture, and language together.
“Los animales”: Through movement, songs, and art, students explore animals’ names and habitats, then create their own “zoo” posters in Spanish.
“Las estaciones” (Seasons): Learners compare weather and clothing in different seasons, using songs, games, and calendar routines.
“Los restaurantes”: Students design a restaurant, create menus in Spanish, and role-play ordering and serving food.
“Mi casa” (My House): Students learn the names of rooms and furniture in Spanish, then create simple floor plans of their own homes or design an imaginary house. They label each room in Spanish and practice saying sentences like “La cocina es grande” or “Mi dormitorio tiene una cama azul.” The unit culminates in a gallery walk where students share their house drawings and describe them to classmates.

Level III

Level III is aimed at upper elementary to middle school students, with a focus on advanced grammar, literacy, and cultural traditions. Level III diverges from the earlier levels by emphasizing grammar-based units, each linked to rich cultural content. Lessons typically include Calendar Time, TPR (Total Physical Response), spelling, reading comprehension, and creative writing—such as drafting multi-part stories. Students are supported with scaffolded grammar instruction integrated into meaningful cultural narratives. Portfolio pages include grammar lessons, reading tasks, communication strategies, partner work, and assessments.

Key Outcomes:

Understand and apply Spanish grammar structures within thematic contexts.
Build reading comprehension through age-appropriate cultural readings.
Develop narrative writing skills by composing multi-part stories.
Enhance oral communication skills via structured dialogue and peer interaction.

Favorite lessons include:

“La geografía”: Students learn Spanish-speaking countries through interactive map games, flags, and travel journals.
“Cuentos tradicionales” (Traditional Stories): Learners read and act out folktales like Los tres cerditos, practicing fluency and expression.
“Mi viaje ideal” (My Dream Trip): Students plan a trip to a Spanish-speaking country, researching culture, geography, and currency, then present their itinerary in Spanish.
“Las noticias” (The News): Students create a Spanish-language newscast with weather, sports, and cultural updates.
“Arte y artistas”: Learners study artists like Frida Kahlo or Picasso, then create and describe their own artwork in Spanish.