Specials Newsletter

Newsletter del Tercer Cuarto: 6 de enero-11 de marzo

Este semestre en ESpañol

We had a lot of fun this semester with the new Sonrisas Spanish Curriculum (PreK–8). 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.

The younger grades have been learning more and more songs, enjoying using their "Superhero Language Brains" to figure out stories read in Spanish, and have been building their vocabulary in a variety of areas including learning how to identify body parts, clothing, family, use greetings, discuss what they like and dislike, and discuss location.

For the 5th graders and up, it's been awesome watching them continue to work together to craft ever more creative stories with fewer and fewer supports from the curriculum. They've been learning about cultural differences and unique aspects of Spanish speaking countries (like the coquí, chupacabras, and el coco, and siesta). They've also been building up their grammar skills, adding -ar, -er, -ir verbs as well as ser and estar to their repetoires giving them the tools they need to communicate in full sentences and skip English all together. Their confidence is growing along with their abilities and that means we've got some exciting language leaps ahead of us.

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 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.