World Languages
“Learning another language is not just learning different words for the same things,
but learning another way to think about things.”
but learning another way to think about things.”
- American journalist, Flora Lewis
At All Saints, we believe in a proficiency-based language experience that cultivates a diverse, equitable, and inclusive mindset from a young age.
Primary program objectives:
- Engage Preschool - Grade 8 students within the framework of an immersion classroom
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Guide students in establishing a balance between the mechanics of a language and acquiring the confidence to communicate
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Provide students with the linguistic key to unlock doors to diverse communities and experience life through various lenses
The second language acquisition methodologies at All Saints aim to provide a safe, welcoming environment where students can take risks, and above all have fun. Such a setting maximizes opportunities to gain confidence using the language in unrehearsed contexts and spontaneous real-world situations.
After successful completion of eighth grade world language, the All Saints graduate places into a high school level II language course or beyond. Not only are they prepared for their next journey, but they will also have gained the confidence to explore the world at large.
After successful completion of eighth grade world language, the All Saints graduate places into a high school level II language course or beyond. Not only are they prepared for their next journey, but they will also have gained the confidence to explore the world at large.
EARLY YEars - Preschool, Pre-K, Kindergarten
Early Spanish instruction at All Saints begins in preschool with a focus on language and culture exposure, aiding children in developing emergent interpretive communication skills.
Playful interaction between teacher and students lets children naturally absorb concepts of a new language and become comfortable with communicating. Students explore the Spanish language through fun-filled activities such as singing songs, telling stories, and playing games. The children discover introductory conversation skills and vocabulary related to topics such as daily routines, colors, animals, and more.
This initial exposure allows for students to seamlessly transition into first grade Spanish.
Playful interaction between teacher and students lets children naturally absorb concepts of a new language and become comfortable with communicating. Students explore the Spanish language through fun-filled activities such as singing songs, telling stories, and playing games. The children discover introductory conversation skills and vocabulary related to topics such as daily routines, colors, animals, and more.
This initial exposure allows for students to seamlessly transition into first grade Spanish.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - Grades 1 - 5
The focus in lower grade Spanish is placed on developing oral communication and conversation skills. Songs, stories, games, poems, and props are used to encourage children to participate actively in speaking the language. T.P.R. (Total Physical Response) Storytelling, a method that permits immediate comprehension of the input as students listen to and mimic the phrases in the target language, is used. Students enact dialogues and readings, focus on conversational skills and expand their knowledge of Spanish-speaking countries through poetry, songs, and readings.
In first grade Spanish a broad variety of vocabulary is introduced through songs and games. Students learn about animals, days of the week, months, weather, seasons, and more.
Second grade Spanish reinforces concepts covered in first grade while placing a greater emphasis on conversational and writing skills. Colors, shapes, and family are among the various vocabulary groups introduced.
In third grade Spanish, students delve into the world of feelings, clothing, family, fruits, and vegetables. The third graders also explore various folktales and stories from Spanish-speaking countries around the world.
In fourth grade Spanish, students review and expand the language skills developed early in the program through third grade. The total physical response storytelling (TPRS) method is used more extensively.
Fifth grade Spanish students review and expand the language skills developed in prior years. There is a continued emphasis placed on speaking, reading, and writing. Total physical response storytelling (TPRS) continues to be used. Verb conjugations in the present tense of both regular and irregular verbs are introduced.
Middle School - Grades 6 - 8
The All Saints middle school world language program is the equivalent of a high school language level I course. Classes meet four days per week for 45 minutes, thus allowing ample time for individual attention and multiple opportunities for students to participate. This consequently fosters a greater sense of self-confidence in the students’ approach to the language.
In sixth grade, students expand their conversational skills and vocabulary. Stories, games, skits, and poems add life to their newly acquired grammar skills. Verb conjugation of the present and near future tenses is mastered.
Seventh grade students review basic grammatical structures and vocabulary developed in sixth grade. Students work with a variety of verb tenses to further their foundation of grammar. Both auditory comprehension and speech are stressed. Films, music, and multimedia presentations further their interest and understanding of the language.
In sixth grade, students expand their conversational skills and vocabulary. Stories, games, skits, and poems add life to their newly acquired grammar skills. Verb conjugation of the present and near future tenses is mastered.
Seventh grade students review basic grammatical structures and vocabulary developed in sixth grade. Students work with a variety of verb tenses to further their foundation of grammar. Both auditory comprehension and speech are stressed. Films, music, and multimedia presentations further their interest and understanding of the language.
In eighth grade, the opportunities to develop proficiency are maximized. Weekly writing assignments and conversation practice based on authentic situations aid students in progressing in the language. Eighth graders are challenged to increase their abilities in both oral and written proficiency throughout the year. They achieve a greater mastery of a variety of vocabulary, verb tenses, and grammatical structures. After successful completion of eighth grade world language, the majority of graduates place into second year high school Spanish.
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Campus Tour
Enjoy this tour of our campus and meet some of our teachers and students, proudly hosted by our Spanish students.
National Spanish Exam
Each year, All Saints middle school Spanish students participate in the annual National Spanish Exam.And once again, our middle school Spanish students did a fabulous job on their National Spanish Exams!
In total, they earned 34 medals:
In total, they earned 34 medals:
6 Bronze 🥉, 14 Silver 🥈, 10 Gold 🥇
and 4 earned not only a Gold but scored a Perfect Score!
and 4 earned not only a Gold but scored a Perfect Score!
Additionally, our 6th grader, Fatima, chose the Level 4 exam and self-declared as bilingual electing to be graded more rigorously.
Fatima challenged herself and completed her exam with honors!
Fatima challenged herself and completed her exam with honors!
Congratulations! ¡Felicidades! ¡Enhorabuena a todos los concursantes!
All Saints Day School
All Saints Day School, in Carmel, CA, is the only independent, private school on the Monterey Peninsula that focuses solely on educating students in Preschool through Grade 8, and has been doing so, with a reputation for excellence, since 1961.
NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY
All Saints Day School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, or sex in the administration of its educational and employment policies, admissions policies, financial aid programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY
All Saints Day School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, or sex in the administration of its educational and employment policies, admissions policies, financial aid programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.