General
Course Description
The 7th and 8th grade World Language courses at GMS in succession are equivalent to a level one World Language course at GHS. Students in German and Spanish courses develop basic listening, speaking, reading and writing skills through the study of thematic vocabulary and grammatical fundamentals. Interaction with authentic and level-appropriate resources offer students insight to diverse cultures. The development of comprehensible listening skills in the target language is a primary focus in the early stages of the course. The production of written and spoken language is encouraged once students have acquired the language necessary for these skills. Students will use their language proficiency and intercultural competence to communicate with their teacher, peers, and extended community about real- life situations.
Key Course Learning Experiences
*Students will hear, interpret and retell short narratives in the target language.
*Students will communicate with a partner in the target language.
*Students will use several technological platforms, including Quizlet, EdPuzzle, Sr. Wooly, Gimkit, Duolingo and Sr. Wooly, to build their language proficiency.
*Students will give formal and informal performances in the target language.
Essential Learning Goals
*Students will communicate in Spanish or German.
*Students will use interpretive communication (reading, listening, viewing) to comprehend and interpret detailed information in authentic and informational texts.
They will derive meaning from messages and texts using interpretive listening, reading and viewing strategies.
*Students will use interpersonal communication (speaking, viewing, listening, reading, writing) to interact with others using culturally appropriate language. They will negotiate meaning using requests, clarifications and conversation starters. They will express preferences, feelings, emotions, and opinions about familiar and unfamiliar topics.
*Students will use presentational communication (speaking, writing) to convey meaning, present information, concepts, viewpoints on familiar and some unfamiliar topics.
*Students will use interculturality to gain and use knowledge of other cultures. They will learn about cultures through the target language and share information and personal reactions with others.
Major Assessment Evidence
*Students will use the ACTFL( American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages) “Can-Do” statements to self-assess growth. ACTFL standards indicate that most students reach a Novice-Mid level after 135-150 hours of instruction.
*Students will read at least one novel in the target language. They will complete a compilation of interpretive assessments based on the novel.
*Students will learn about places in the community. They will be assessed on their ability to communicate interpersonally in a store, restaurant and/or school.
*Students will independently investigate a country where the target language is spoken and plan a travel itinerary, packing list, and general information guide. Students will be assessed on their oral and written presentational skills.