The Spanish Program at The Country School
	Find your grade's Spanish page here: Kindergarten Fifth Grade First Grade Sixth Grade Second Grade Seventh Grade Third Grade Eighth Grade Fourth Grade Rationale: In thinking about the long-term goals of the Country School Foreign Language Program, we have put the highest priority on students' ability to effectively communicate in the target language and student confidence in an immersion setting. With these goals in mind, we have designed a classroom structure that seeks to foster authentic communication in a safe and supportive environment. Our idea is quite different than the typical teacher-led learning model. Instead of walking into a foreign language classroom, we want students to walk into another world. This world is an immersion experience, without the intimidation or isolation that often accompanies it. This world is rich with opportunities to practice the language in both formal and informal settings, with teacher, peers, and through interactive technology. Our goals are greatly inhibited in the typical large-group, teacher-led instruction models. In that setting, student performance is constantly on display in front of all of their peers, interacting with the “expert” teacher. This environment tends to spike anxiety, as students take note of where they fall in the hierarchy of language ability. The other inhibiting factor is simply the amount of time each student spends communicating in the target language. In large-group instruction, a student may have 4-5 meaningful interactions with the teacher during a given class period, and may tune out large portions of the teacher's oral presentation. In a small-group setting, we are able to create a safe, non-threatening space for students of like abilities to practice their new language skills and build their often fragile confidence. Students are also able to have informal occasions to practice communicating with peers in centers without the teacher's direct input. This can also help bolster student confidence by not having the “expert” there to hear mistakes or make corrections. In a small-group immersion-style setting, students have ample opportunity to authentically interact in the target language. Instead of 4-5 interactions with the teacher, there is a constant stream of interaction as students move throughout the centers. Given the current research on foreign language anxiety, the success of small-group instruction, and the importance of authentic interaction with both peers and teachers, we believe that a small-group instruction approach with multiple centers in which students will have opportunities for real communication is the best we can offer students.

	How does it work?
	Immersion Model: All grade levels will experience a target language-only learning environment, increasing exposure and avoiding translation. Learning Centers: Students will rotate through four learning centers: teacher-led instruction center, reading and writing center, audiovisual center, and creative center. These centers will provide constant opportunities for communicating in the target language, while individualizing instruction. Advanced Technology: Computer centers will use interactive language software, recording technology for oral portfolios, movie making programs, and video conferencing apparatus for ePAL exchanges. Authentic Materials: Students will be exposed to more authentic materials, such as newspapers, music, literature, and exchanges with ePALS. Authentic materials help introduce culture, and give real-life examples to reinforce student learning. Home Reinforcement: Normalize feelings of frustration in the immersion environment. Certainly any of us who have tried to communicate in a foreign country understand these feelings. This doesn't mean the approach isn't working, or that a student is “lost,” it just means that he or she is having a normal reaction to a Spanish-only environment.   Even if you don't speak Spanish, you can still help your student study. You can test him/her with flashcards, have him/her teach you the vocabulary or grammar, or help him/her find resources to complete assignments. Objectives: Students will develop a level of comfort with an immersion environment. Students will have the ability to community in Spanish. Students will develop a love for the Spanish language and associated cultures. Click here for the "Ticket Master" program.