Middle School Languages

The sixth grade Language Wheel offers students an engaging introduction to Mandarin Chinese and Spanish over the course of four quarters. Each quarter provides a foundational exploration of key vocabulary, basic concepts, and cultural insights, designed to spark curiosity and broaden students' understanding of different languages and cultures. At the end of the Language Wheel, students will choose their preferred World Language to study for the remainder of their Middle School experience.

The seventh and eighth grade Mandarin Chinese courses together form a comprehensive two-year program, emphasizing the four key language acquisition skills: writing, speaking, listening, and reading.

In seventh grade, students are introduced to basic communication skills through themes such as family, friends, leisure activities, home, and school. They begin building their ability to ask and answer questions, describe preferences, give short presentations, and engage in basic reading exercises. Cultural insights are integrated into lessons through Chinese films, music, and videos, helping students connect language learning with real-life cultural contexts. This foundational year sets the stage for deeper language acquisition in the following year.

In eighth grade, students expand on their existing skills, focusing on more complex grammar structures and dialogues. Students are expected to communicate and respond in the target language. Students practice more sophisticated conversational skills through activities like improvisation-based skits and discussions. Projects such as a Chinese tea ceremony, Chinese calligraphy, and ethnic group studies provide hands-on cultural experiences.

In seventh grade Spanish, students build a foundation in the Spanish language by learning vocabulary through thematic units and engaging in a variety of activities that promote real-life communication skills. The course emphasizes authentic cultural experiences, helping students compare Spanish language and culture with their own. Students will develop basic proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing while using technology to explore current trends in the Hispanic world. By the end of seventh grade, students will have gained the essential skills to communicate in Spanish in everyday situations.

In eighth grade, students advance to an intermediate level of proficiency. They continue to build on their vocabulary and grammar knowledge through thematic units and hands-on activities, with a focus on practical, meaningful communication. The course incorporates technology to allow students to research, present individual and collaborative projects, and practice their language skills in real-world contexts. By the end of this year, students will have developed greater fluency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing, setting a strong foundation for high school-level Spanish studies.