Academics » Spanish

Spanish

Our Vision
 

At Stephen A. Halsey, our Spanish program is dedicated to creating a dynamic learning environment where students not only develop proficiency in Spanish but also gain a deep appreciation for the diverse cultures of the Spanish-speaking world. We are committed to equipping students with the skills they need to communicate effectively, understand global perspectives, and succeed in the New York State Checkpoint A exam. Through a focus on speaking, listening, reading, and writing, we prepare our students to use Spanish confidently in both academic and real-world situations.

Curriculum Overview

 

Our Spanish program utilizes the Reporteros 1a and 1b curriculum, which is thoughtfully designed to provide students with a solid foundation in the Spanish language. Over the course of 7th and 8th grade, students will:

  • Expand their vocabulary and develop essential grammar skills.

  • Engage in meaningful conversations using both basic and intermediate structures.

  • Read and interpret various texts in Spanish, building comprehension and fluency.

  • Write cohesive paragraphs and compositions, enhancing their written communication.

 

7th Grade (Reporteros 1A): 1aIn 7th grade, students will begin their journey into Spanish journalism with Reporteros 1A. They will learn how to write simple articles, conduct basic interviews, and describe people and events in Spanish. Through fun activities and projects, students will practice speaking, writing, and listening skills while exploring topics like school life and personal interests.

 

 

 

8th Grade (Reporteros 1B): 1bIn 8th grade, students will build on their skills with Reporteros 1B, diving deeper into writing longer articles and reporting on past events. They will learn to conduct in-depth interviews, use both past and present tenses in their writing, and express opinions in Spanish. Students will also collaborate to create a class newspaper and share their stories with the class, gaining valuable experience in journalism and communication.

  📊 Spanish Class Grades 7-8 Grading Policy
  • Assessments: 60% of the final grade

    • Tests/Projects: 40%

    • Quizzes: 20%

  • Classwork: 30% of the final grade

    • Daily Assignments/Workbook, Exit Slips

  • Homework: 10% of the final grade

👨‍👩‍👧 How Parents Can Help

  • Encourage Daily Practice
    Help set up a routine — 10–15 minutes a day makes a big difference.

  • Ask Questions in English
    Even if you don’t speak Spanish, ask your child to “teach” you a new word or phrase each day.

  • Check Google Classroom
    Stay updated on assignments, grades, and upcoming assessments.

  • Provide Practice Opportunities
    Encourage your child to label items in Spanish around the house, or describe pictures in Spanish.

NYS LEARNING STANDARDS FOR WORLD LANGUAGES

  • 1. Interpretive Communication. Learners understand, interpret, and analyze what is heard, read, received, or viewed on a variety of topics, using a range of diverse texts, including authentic resources.
  • 2. Interpersonal Communication. Learners interact and negotiate meaning in spontaneous, spoken, visual, or written communication to exchange information and express feelings, preferences, and opinions.
  • 3. Presentational Communication. Learners present information and ideas on a variety of topics adapted to various audiences of listeners, readers or viewers to describe, inform, narrate, explain, or persuade.
  • 4. Relating Cultural Practices and Products to Perspectives. Learners use the target language to identify, describe, and explain the practices and products of the cultures studied as well as the cultural perspectives they suggest.
  • 5. Cultural Comparisons. Learners use the target language to compare the products and practices of the cultures studied and their own.