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World Languages & Cultures Curriculum
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Why study another language? Learning a second language opens new doors of opportunities for students. Whether they simply want to travel more easily or possibly communicate more widely, students and those with whom they communicate will benefit from their knowledge and understanding. Research also indicates that learning a second language not only strengthens first language skills but also makes learning a third or even fourth language much faster. Grand Prairie ISD is committed to providing our learners the best possible language learning instruction, curriculum, and resources to promote fluency in their selected target language.
Spanish
Levels 1 and 2 introduce students to Spanish vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, dialogues, and sentence patterns. Audio-lingual materials aid in the development of communication skills. Through various classroom activities, students observe and experience Spanish culture. Skills and concepts in listening, speaking, reading, and writing are stressed; however, major emphasis is given to oral communication. In Level 3 Pre-AP, students undertake grammar and vocabulary studies, enhance aural comprehension as well as oral and written proficiency, and explore Hispanic culture, particularly in the areas of art, music, history, and geography. Classic and contemporary literature are studied. AP® Spanish Language and Culture is designed to prepare students for the AP® Spanish Language Exam. This class will include a through grammar review, daily oral discussions of various cultural readings, literature, or current topics, weekly compositions, and listening exercises. In addition, students will read selections from Spanish literature. The AP® Spanish Literature and Culture course is designed to provide students with a learning experience equivalent to that of an introductory college course in literature written in Spanish. The course introduces students to the formal study of a representative body of texts from Peninsular Spanish, Latin American, and U.S. Hispanic literature.
Year at a Glance
Spanish 1 1st 9 Wks YAG and Can Do Statements
Spanish 1 2nd 9 Wks YAG and Can Do Statements
Spanish 1 3rd 9 Wks YAG and Can Do Statements
Spanish 1 4th 9 Wks YAG and Can Do Statements
Spanish 2 1st 9 Wks YAG and Can Do Statements
Spanish 2 2nd 9 Wks YAG and Can Do Statements
Spanish 2 3rd 9 Wks YAG and Can Do Statements
Spanish 2 4th 9 Wks YAG and Can Do Statements
Spanish 3 Pre-AP 1st 9 Wks YAG and Can Do Statements
Spanish 3 Pre-AP 2nd 9 Wks YAG and Can Do Statements
Spanish 3 Pre-AP 3rd 9 Wks YAG and Can Do Statements
Spanish 3 Pre-AP 4th 9 Wks YAG and Can Do Statements
AP Spanish Literature
French
Levels 1 and 2 introduce students to French vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, dialogue, and sentence patterns. Audio-lingual materials aid in the development of communication skills. Through various classroom activities, students observe and experience French culture. Skills and concepts in listening, speaking, reading, and writing are stressed; however, major emphasis is given to oral communication. In Level 3, students expand their fluency in French while also studying literature and culture in more depth. AP French IV is designed to prepare students for the Advanced Placement Spanish Language Exam. This class includes a through grammar review, daily oral discussions of various cultural readings, literature, or current topics, weekly compositions, and listening exercises. In addition, students read selections from Spanish literature.
Year at a Glance French 1 YAG French 2 YAG French 3 YAG
Latin
Latin Level 1 introduces classical Latin. Emphasis is placed on vocabulary and derivatives, as well as grammar. The relationship between Latin and English is emphasized to help students improve their English grammar and vocabulary. A large amount of memorization is necessary to succeed. Students will also learn Roman history, culture, and mythology. Level 2 begins with a review of Latin I, followed by the introduction of more complex vocabulary and grammar. Grammar and culture are combined, placing an emphasis on Latin/Roman story structure as well as daily life. Latin 3 contains a review of grammar and vocabulary from Latin I and II. Students will translate several prose and poetry authors. Projects will be produced ensuring students’ understanding of Roman authors as well as presentation of Roman literary works.
Vietnamese
Vietnamese instruction begins in elementary grades for students at Travis World Language Academy. Native speakers instruction children on basic dialogue and expressions with key vocabulary such as numbers, colors, and days of the week. Vietnamese is currently studied during rotations and is enhanced by student access to Duolingo online.
American Sign Language
This course introduces communication skills in American Sign Language, including both receptive and expressive signing, and the use of interactive communication. Students will explore the history of sign language and the culture of the deaf community. Students will practice the goals of communication, culture, connections, comparisons, and communities at the novice level.