Explore Our Curriculum

Languages

The vision of the World Languages Program is to offer a quality program that encourages richness and depth of communication, knowledge and understanding of other cultures, and openness to diverse ideas and perspectives. As reflected in the opening statement of the Standards for Foreign Language Learning in the 21st Century, “Language and communication are at the heart of the human experience.” In order to best prepare our students for the global environment in which they will live and work, our programs focus on the goals of communication, cultures, connections, comparisons, and communities. Starting with a foundational course in Latin in sixth grade, students then move to an extended sequence of language learning that builds skills from one level to another in Latin, Mandarin, or Spanish. We seek and provide opportunities for our students to use language beyond the confines of the classroom, to understand the connection between disciplines, and how languages and culture are inextricably intertwined.

All sixth grade students take Exploratory Latin. In seventh grade, students are able to choose either Latin, Mandarin, or Spanish. They will study their chosen language for two years and complete the equivalent of a high school level I course by the end of eighth grade.

  • IS Language

    IS Language is an independent study of a modern language not presently offered in the ODA Middle School.

  • Language Wheel 6

    The sixth-grade Language Wheel will take students on quarterly introductions to Latin, Mandarin Chinese, Spanish, and the Language of Wellness.  These quarterly introductions will seek to open the door to these respective languages for our students.  Students will learn basic terms, concepts, and culture.  After completing the sixth-grade Language Wheel, students will select their World Language to be studied for the remainder of their Middle School experience.

  • Latin 8

    This course aims to reinforce and build upon the foundations of the Latin language learned in Latin 7. Students will continue studying the morphology, vocabulary, and grammar of Latin. Close attention will be paid to the presence of Latin in the English language and to enriching students’ verbal mastery through the understanding of Latin roots. Students will also engage in independent, self-chosen projects to explore aspects of the Greco-Roman world which interest them, thus developing both a broader knowledge of the classical world and some of the skills needed for lifelong self-driven learning. Students will have the opportunity to attend Junior Classical League competitions and showcase their knowledge and skill alongside Latin students from schools all across Florida. This is the second half of a high school level I Latin course.

  • Mandarin 7

    Mandarin 7 is the first half of a high school level language class in Mandarin Chinese. The class focus is on the four disciplines of language acquisition: writing, speaking, listening, and reading. Resources used in the class include Learn Chinese with Me as a language textbook and Hello China, published by Higher Education Press, Beijing, to help students understand Chinese culture. This course will build students’ understanding of Chinese language and culture with themes and subjects that are relevant to their daily lives. Students will acquire basic communication skills; asking and answering questions, describing likes and dislikes, making short presentations in Chinese, and engaging in short reading activities. These skills will be employed in topics such as family, friends, leisure activities, home, and school. Chinese movies, songs, games, and videos will be integrated into the course for the purpose of bringing students insights into Chinese family and school life.

  • Mandarin 8

    Mandarin 8 is the second half of a high school level language class in Mandarin Chinese. The class focus is on the four disciplines of language acquisition: writing, speaking, listening, and reading. Throughout this year-long class, students further their knowledge of Mandarin by reading more complex dialogues with complex grammar structures while developing their character-writing at the same time. We will focus on building students’ command of oral communicative structures in more sophisticated contexts. We conduct this class predominantly in the target language and expect students to respond and ask questions in Mandarin. As students become increasingly familiar with the spoken language, they perform improvisation-based skits and conversations in class to make the language come alive. Students also work on projects such as a tea ceremony, Chinese calligraphy, and Chinese ethnic group studies. The textbook used in the course is Integrated Chinese, Level 1  Part 1 published by Cheng & Tsui Company. We also continue to use Hello China, published by Higher Education Press Beijing, to help students understand Chinese culture.

  • Spanish 7

    This course helps students develop foundation skills in Spanish. Students learn vocabulary in thematic units and participate in a variety of classroom activities that enable them to use their new vocabulary and grammar structures.The program focuses on authentic culture and real-life communication skills using Spanish. Students will employ critical thinking skills as they compare the Spanish language and culture with their own community. Through the use of technology, students will enrich their knowledge of Spanish and have access to current trends in the Hispanic world.

  • Spanish 8

    This course focuses on furthering students’ skills in the Spanish language. Students learn vocabulary in thematic units and participate in a variety of classroom activities that enable them to use their new vocabulary and grammar structures. The goal of the course is to help students attain an intermediate level of proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Through the use of technology, students will research, present individual and collaborative projects, and use Spanish to communicate in meaningful ways.

  • Wheel 6

    The sixth-grade wheel will take students on quarterly introductions to Mandarin Chinese, Spanish, Learning Skills, and Life Skills.  

The Out-of-Door Academy

LOWER SCHOOL |  Historic Siesta Key Campus  |  Pre-K – Grade 5
444 Reid Street, Sarasota, FL 34242  |  941-349-3223  |  Fax: 941-349-8133

LOWER SCHOOL |  Lower School Campus on Clark Road  |  Pre-K – Grade 1
11011 Clark Rd, Sarasota, FL 34241   |  941-349-3223

MIDDLE & UPPER SCHOOLS  |  Uihlein Campus in Lakewood Ranch  |  Grades 6 – 8 |  Grades 9 – 12
5950 Deer Drive, Sarasota, FL 34240  |  941-349-3223  |  Fax: 941-907-1251
The Out-of-Door Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, physical ability, religion, sex, age, gender, sexual orientation, or national origin.
The Out-of-Door Academy is an equal opportunity employer.

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