Mandarin and Spanish Languages for Grades K-5

Our language teachers will use the balanced literacy approach (reading and writing workshop model) to teach reading and writing:  using guided and independent practice, small group instruction, one-on-one conferencing, etc.  Along with the balanced literacy approach, our language teachers will also use the Proficiency Approach to language acquisition, which is used in the teaching of world languages throughout the United States (and complements the balanced literacy approach). 

Teachers will use the  Proficiency Approach to assist children in developing their ability to perform in the partner language in all four skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing.  The goal is to promote the children’s functional abilities in the partner language rather than what the children learn about the language.  Therefore, it allows each teacher to select the most suitable materials or teaching methods to maximize his or her children's ability to acquire the language.  In order for the Proficiency Approach to be implemented successfully, a lesson should be conducted solely in the partner language (Mandarin or Spanish), so that children develop real motivation to comprehend.  The language teacher will employ various techniques (i.e., slower pace, simpler language, visuals, gestures, facial expressions, voice inflections, movement, etc.) to make the input comprehensible to all children. 

Once children have basic levels of comprehension and vocabulary, the language teacher enhances their understanding by adding new vocabulary as well building off of the content the English teacher previously taught.  It is important to note that the Proficiency Approach is aligned with the workshop model framework.