WORLD LANGUAGE :
Note : All students at Alzar School take Spanish class . Prior Spanish study is not required . All classes other than AP Spanish Language and Culture are taught at the Honors level .
Beyond regular classroom study , students spend six to seven weeks in Chile where they study and apply their language skills in an immersive process . In all sections , students have the opportunity to apply the language in a meaningful context : conversing with Chilean exchange students and Spanish speaking peers throughout the semester , engaging in authentic assessments in Idaho , interacting with Chilean youth paddlers and exploring local culture through the Spanish Conversational Challenges . Spanish at Alzar School is standards-based and designed to meet sending school curricular needs , while also emphasizing acquisition and communication through experiential learning .
Spanish I Honors :
Fall : In Spanish I , students learn the foundational skills of communication and circumlocution , as well as introductory vocabulary and grammar skills . This course covers vocabulary themes such as : dorm life / bedroom , environment , food , camping , kayaking , weather , time , letter writing , introductions , personality , and describing adjectives . Key grammar concepts include article subject agreement , ser / estar , hay , tener , querer , gustar , and regular AR / ER / IR verbs and an introduction to present progressive . During the students ’ travel to Chile , students complete a “ conversational challenge ” project that focuses student energy on seeking out the many opportunities to speak with native Spanish speakers and improve their abilities .
Spring : Spring semester of Spanish I is structured for both first time Spanish students and those continuing their studies . This semester includes recycling of foundational concepts ( see fall description ) as well as greater exposure to present progressive , irregular verbs , stem-changing verbs , reflexive verbs , and the informal or near future tense . The class is taught in the target language with the expectation that students use the target language to communicate . During the students ’ travel to Chile , students complete a “ conversational challenge ” project that focuses student energy on seeking out the many opportunities to speak with native Spanish speakers and improve their abilities .
21