At Spicewood, the Spanish central idea for the year for all students is that 'People use language in many ways and for many purposes.'  Every year, each grade level focuses on one of the following specific ways language is utilized:

Another way Spanish supports the PYP is by connecting to the units of inquiry being explored in the homeroom classes.  We look to see where we can make authentic and valuable connections to enrich and extend the learning.  These connections are primarily related to the target language or the cultures of the Spanish-speaking world.  In addition, we strive to model and encourage the development of the learner attributes, skills, and concepts in our classrooms.   

Spanish and the PYP

IB Learner Profile Attributes in Spanish and English

"The frequency and ease of international travel, the cultural diversity that is commonplace in small and large communities, and the increasingly globalized marketplace have necessitated a closer examination of how best to prepare children for these realities.  The PYP seeks to enable children to function as international citizens which, in part, entails the ability to function capably and comfortably within and between cultures.  Developing the capacity to speak more than one language is an integral part of this preparation and, as a result, the provision of additional language instruction has been made a mandatory requirement of PYP schools."  (Primary Years Programme, Learning additional languages in the primary years: A review of the research, 2002.)