ACADEMICS >
Spanish (K-5)
Goal
The elementary school Spanish program at PUCS will expose students to the Spanish language and to the rich and varied cultures of Spanish-speaking countries around the world.
Overview
Kindergarten and 1st grade classes will include: Spanish vocabulary and cultural exposure through the use of songs, games, role-plays, projects, teacher-led read-aloud activities and Spanish immersion activities.
2nd and 3rd grade classes will include: Spanish vocabulary and cultural exposure with a focus on basic Spanish reading / writing / pronunciation skills and basic Spanish listening skills. Students will explore the above through the use of songs, games, role-plays, projects, short writing activities, and Spanish immersion activities.
4th and 5th grade classes will include: Spanish vocabulary and cultural exposure with a focus on basic Spanish reading / writing / pronunciation skills, and basic Spanish listening skills. Students will also be introduced to some basic rules of Spanish grammar. Students will explore the above through the use of music, games, skits, role-plays, projects, short reading and writing activities, and Spanish immersion activities.
Grading
Since the elementary school Spanish program at PUCS is an exposure-focused program we do not use traditional grading. Progress is primarily assessed through student interaction in various classroom activities. In addition, students in 2nd through 5th grades complete a short written assessment at the end of each unit.
Spanish at Home
Spanish homework is rarely given in the elementary school grades. If your child has Spanish homework assigned it will always be based directly on the work done in class that day and should only take a few minutes to accomplish.
Families may wish to go over Unit vocabulary lists (grades 2-5 only) at home, especially in preparation for a unit assessment. (Students will have these lists in their in-class “notebooks” which may go home any evening, but must be brought back to PUCS for class use the following day.)
The public library can be a great source for language exposure. Check out the Spanish language section in the Children’s area where you may try out a “read-along” book in Spanish or a CD of some Spanish children’s music!
Get involved in the Latin American community. Pittsburgh has a very active and very welcoming Latin American community with many free/low cost concerts and events all year round. Feel free to join in on the fun; you will be welcomed!
Parent Communication
I welcome any questions you may have! You may contact me via email at: rachel.matos@pucs.org or leave a voicemail message at 412 244-1779, extension 116.