In addition to the Symbolic Migration project 3rd graders are also learning about the Ancient Civilizations of the Maya, the Azteca and the Incas. Students learned about how the Mayan people used symbols for writing and students created name plates in Mayan symbols. The Aztecas will be discussed in conjunction with Day of the Dead. Bright new decorations are coming to the Spanish classroom in honor of this Memorial Day type of holiday. Then we will discuss the Incas and their way of keeping records with quipus.
4th graders have finished reviewing their important phrases about themselves and asking questions and are now moving onto learning about the Day of the Dead. They will create some festive art for the Day of the Dead and will begin learning more about Mexico.
5th graders are finishing up a letter to a pen pal at Harrowgate Elementary. Samples to be posted soon. Since they have received so many postcards from all over the United States they are creating their own postcard to send to a pen-pal that will represent Grange Hall and they are using their Spanish vocabulary to tell about themselves. They are also practicing a new skill, they are learning to use the picture dictionaries in class to look up words they don't already know.
Kindergarteners are still coming to Spanish twice a week for 20-25 minutes each time. This has helped them learn the routine for Spanish class and to pick up the vocabulary so much faster than only coming once a week. They are doing great with counting, and colors and many of the songs we sing. They know how to respond to ¿Cómo estás? pretty well and are just being introduced to Muzzy and the characters from that program. The kids love Muzzy and it is a great resource for reviewing what is taught in the Spanish classroom.
2nd graders have reviewed schedules and resource classes. They are now beginning to learn all of the different areas of the school and will soon be making labels for the school in groups of two. Look for these labels when you are at Grange Hall in the next few weeks. Second graders work very hard to represent the different rooms in the school in their artwork.
1st graders are working on numbers and colors review and are learning about the school supplies we use most in the Spanish classroom. Last week they enjoyed completing an activity using Baby Bear Counters and are thrilled each time I allow them to sing the color song while holding the color bean bags.
