Spanish, Computer, Music
What are we doing? & Where are we?

Spanish, Music & Computer Grade Explanations: If you're interested, just e-mail me at trsanfor@hughes.net and I'll get them to you. Thanks, Mr. Tyson

Next test is scheduled for Tuesday, October 28, 2008.

     For Kindergarten through the Fifth Grade, I use the 'Rosetta Stone' program. This program is different from the traditional or conventional method of teaching a foreign language. The 'Rosetta Stone' program teaches Spanish most similar to the way we each learned our own native language. Our vocabulary increased as we heard the language spoken and began to associate what we heard with what we saw, including the words themselves. As our vocabulary increased, we began to be able to use words, then phrases, eventually even complete sentences. Sure, we can absorb more at a faster rate now then when we were infants and toddlers, but it still takes time, especially since we have only two 30-minute classes each week (one 30-minute class each week for Kindergarten). We are immersed constantly in our native tongue. This program does not neglect grammar. We are gradually introduced to the grammar as our vocabulary increases. It is true that most of the students have not yet directly been tested on the grammar, but we are covering it in class. We cover verb tenses, active and passive voices, masculine and feminine nouns, singular and plural, verb conjugations, subject/verb agreement, cases (subject or direct object), adjectives, adverbs, prepositions, pronouns, conjunctions, word order, etc. We do not work on pronunciation until Unit 9. Conversational Spanish does not begin until Unit 10 in this program.
     Traditional High School Foreign Language Programs usually have five 1-hour classes every week and sometimes even additional lab time. Considering that this is an elementary program and we only meet 20% of most language programs, I believe that the children are learning a lot. One way to find out is if you're in a Spanish-speaking country, your child should be able to translate some words they see, but still would have difficulty understanding someone speak. As an adult, I still find that to be the hardest thing to do.
     My hope is that Spanish is a positive experience for the children, so that when they pursue further study of a foreign language, the background that they've had will have been beneficial.
     PLEASE feel free to sit in a class. That might be the best way to find out what we're doing. It doesn't even have to be your child's class. Whatever you prefer would be fine. If you have any questions at all, please ask them at trsanfor@hughes.net.  
     The words are available online to download and play on your computer or burn to a CD. 
     Mrs. Welch's 4's have Spanish on Fridays (except Half-days) for 15 minutes. This class is reveiwing numbers and colors and starting some vocabulary from Rosetta Stone.
     Mrs. Dempsey's 4's have Spanish on Fridays (except Half-days) for 15 minutes. We mainly work on numbers and colors.
     Mrs. Brown's 3's have Spanish on Thursdays and Fridays (except Half-days) for 15 minutes. We mainly work on number and colors.

Where is each class? (as of October 1, 2008)

COMPUTER

(as of October 6, 2008)

Grades 1-5 use a program called, "Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing" to enhance their keyboarding skills. So far, 25 students have made it to the Intermediate Level.

MUSIC

(as of October 8, 2008)

The Fourth and Fifth Graders will perform the musical, "Suessical, Jr." on March 12 & 13, 2009 at 7pm. Tickets go on sale in January at 7:30 a.m. in the music room. All front row seats are $10. All other seats are $6 for adults and $3 for students and teachers.

The Second and Third Grades will perform a musical on Wednesday, May 27, 2008 at 9:15am.

Where is each class? (as of October 8, 2008) We're currently working on the music for Grandparents' Day on November 25 & the Christmas Concert on December 15 at 7pm.