1. Course offerings and important information
Spanish at SPMS
Course offerings and important information

2. Profesora Blanca Ms. Sarah White From NC
Taught high school Spanish 1-5, IB, Native Speakers for 6 years
Masters in Spanish Literature, Language, and Culture from UNC Charlotte
National Board Certified
Studied abroad in Spain, Mexico, and Costa Rica
Traveled to Uruguay and Argentina

3. Why Spanish?
Learning a language at an earlier age makes language acquisition easier
Increases awareness of English grammar by making comparisons
Exposure to another language and culture
Global awareness
Preparation for high school with second language requirement
Helps future IB and AP students

4. Beginning Spanish Grades 6-8 Introduction Course to Spanish
Four Units: Introduction to Spanish, My Friends and I, My Schedule, and Life at School
Students will be expected to study vocabulary, notes, and verbs daily
There will be homework on occasion
Basic Skills will include:
Greetings and Introductions
Asking and stating basic information about people
Telling the date, time, and discussing schedules
Expressing likes and dislikes
Describing people
Talking about favorite activities
Discussing school activities
Describing classes and location
Expressing feelings

5. Intermediate Spanish Grades 7-8
Four Units: Let’s Eat, My Family and I, My Community, and Home Life
Students will be expected to study vocabulary, notes, and verbs daily
There will be homework on occasion
Basic Skills:
Describing food (asking and ordering in a restaurant)
Describing family and daily routine
Describing your house
Making comparisons
Giving dates (holidays, birthdays, etc.)
Describing places and events (getting around town)

6. Spanish 1 High School Credit
Grade 8
Requirements: Level 5 FCAT Reading and Beginning Spanish
Expansion of topics covered in Beginning and Intermediate Spanish
Go into more depth requiring students to increase ability in reading, writing, speaking, listening, and cultural awareness
Fast paced
Expectation of studying daily the vocabulary, verbs, and notes
There will be homework
Students should be self-motivated

7. Advantages to taking Spanish in Middle School
Most competitive universities want students to take 3 or more consecutive years of a language in high school. Three or more years are required for IB diploma at Nease or APID program at Bartram and Creekside.
MS Beginning Spanish & MS Intermediate Spanish = Spanish 1 for HS credit.
After students have completed MS Beg. Spanish & MS Inter. Spanish, they can take the district final exam. If an 80% or higher is earned, students can take Spanish 2 in high school.
Our recommendation is to take Spanish 1 in high school to develop a very strong foundation. The middle school courses will make Spanish 1 easier, hopefully, allowing students to earn an A for their high school transcript.