Middle School Language Acquisition Courses

Aims of Language Acquisition in the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme

An overarching aim of teaching and learning languages is to enable students to become critical and competent communicators. These aims suggest how the student may be changed by the learning experience.

The aims of the teaching and learning of MYP Language Acquisition are to:

Gain proficiency in an additional language while supporting maintenance of their mother tongue and cultural heritage
Develop a respect for, and understanding of, diverse linguistic and cultural heritages
Develop the student’s communication skills necessary for further language learning, and for study, work and leisure in a range of authentic contexts and for a variety of audiences and purposes
Enable the student to develop multi-literacy skills through the use of a range of learning tools, such as multimedia, in the various modes of communication
Enable the student to develop an appreciation of a variety of literary and non-literary texts and to develop critical and creative techniques for comprehension and construction of meaning
Enable the student to recognize and use language as a vehicle of thought, reflection, self-expression and learning in other subjects, and as a tool for enhancing literacy
Enable the student to understand the nature of language and the process of language learning, which involves the integration of linguistic, cultural and social components
Offer insight into the cultural characteristics of the communities where the language is spoken
Encourage an awareness and understanding of the perspectives of people from one’s own and other cultures, leading to involvement and action in one’s own and other communities
Foster curiosity, inquiry and a lifelong interest in, and enjoyment of, language learning.

Students may elect to study French, German, Latin, Mandarin, or Spanish. It is important to understand that the seventh and eighth grade Language Acquisition courses at Shaker Heights Middle School are equivalent to the first level of high school study. Students who complete the second semester of eighth grade with a ‘C’ average and pass the eighth grade final exam will receive one (1) unit of high school credit and will be equipped to continue with the next level of study in ninth grade. Due to the nature of the Novice Spanish curriculum, students enrolled in these courses will not receive high school credit, but may continue their studies at the high school. Students who are identified as significantly below grade level in reading will be enrolled in a Reading intervention class instead of a Language Acquisition course.

Language Acquisition learning is sequential. Foundation skills, which build toward mastery of vocabulary and grammar, are the basis for learning.

Courses

French 6

During this course, students will be introduced to the French language and the cultures of the French-speaking world. Listening, speaking, reading, writing and culture are the necessary components of language learning. These skills will be practiced through a variety of age-appropriate activities that focus on using French as a means of real-life communication. The vocabulary and grammatical structures introduced in the sixth grade will be covered in more depth in the seventh grade.

French I (Grade 7 & 8)

Students will be introduced to the French language and the cultures of the French-speaking world. Listening, speaking, reading, writing, and culture are the necessary components of language learning. These skills will be practiced through a variety of age-appropriate activities that focus on using French as a means of real-life communication. The vocabulary and grammatical structures introduced in the seventh grade will help prepare students for their continued study of French.

French II (Grade 8)

Students continue to develop their language proficiency. Greater emphasis is placed on oral and written communication. The vocabulary and grammatical skills emphasized provide the opportunity for students to speak and write about themselves and the world around them. Students learn about cultural topics such as the French fashion industry and the contributions of France to global culinary culture, as well as pursuing a year-long portfolio project about a French-speaking place of their choosing.

German 6

During this course, students will be introduced to the German language and the cultures of the German-speaking world. Listening, speaking, reading, writing, and culture are the necessary components of language learning. These skills will be practiced through a variety of age-appropriate activities that focus on using German as a means of real-life communication. The vocabulary and grammatical structures introduced in the sixth grade will be covered in more depth in the seventh grade.

German I (Grade 7 & 8)

This highly contextualized course is designed to get students to use their language. Multiple modes of communication (reading, writing, listening and speaking) will be developed in culturally rich units that leverage current trends in video, music and print resources. Vocabulary and grammar will be taught through global themes such as identities and relationships, personal and cultural expression, and globalization. Students will be highly encouraged to use their language in class and to explore German culture in our community. The foundation created in German I will prepare students for continued study in German II and beyond.

German II (Grade 8)

This course continues to build upon students’ foundational skills in German. Students will interpret and respond to a variety of authentic sources. More independent and reflective written tasks will allow students to make connections to what they interpret. Vocabulary and grammar will continue to be taught through global themes such as aesthetics, communications and media, and globalization.

Latin 6

During this course, students will be introduced to the Latin language, culture and mythology of the ancient Romans. Listening, speaking, reading and writing skills will be practiced through a variety of age-appropriate activities that focus on reading and writing Latin as well as building connections between Latin and English vocabulary and Latin in common use in English. In addition to language exploration we will also explore Roman and Greek mythology and culture. The vocabulary, grammatical structures, mythology and cultural concepts introduced in the sixth grade will be covered in more depth in the seventh grade.

Latin I (Grade 7 & 8)

Latin encompasses a three-pronged approach to the study of the language. First, students will work on prefixes and word roots to increase their English vocabulary. Next, students will study basic Latin vocabulary and grammar to prepare for further study at the eighth grade level. Finally, students will have many opportunities to learn about Roman mythology, culture, and civilization. The curriculum strands are developed through a wide variety of activities, games, dialogues, and projects, which engage Middle School students in active learning.

Latin II (Grade 8)

The continuation of Latin at the Middle School provides students with an opportunity to increase their Latin and English vocabularies and transfer their basic language skills to English or to the study of another language. Students continue to work on increasingly complex Latin grammar and vocabulary, translation, word derivation, and reading skills. Students will also study, in greater depth, the mythology and history of the Romans and Greeks so that they will be able to understand classical civilizations as well as their influence on our government, philosophy, literature, and arts.

Mandarin Chinese 6

During this course, students will be introduced to the Mandarin Chinese language and the cultures of the Chinese-speaking world. Listening, speaking, reading, writing, and culture are the necessary components of language learning. These skills will be practiced through a variety of age-appropriate activities that focus on using Chinese as a means of real-life communication. The vocabulary and grammatical structures introduced in the sixth grade will be covered in more depth in the seventh grade.

Mandarin I (Grade 7 & 8)

Students in Mandarin I will expand their exposure to Chinese culture with greater emphasis on the development of reading, writing and oral communication skills. These skills will be practiced through a variety of age-appropriate activities using phonetic "pinyin" and "simplified" Chinese characters. The initial stage of Chinese language learning emphasizes imitation and repetition, which students will practice in the context of class activities and projects.

Mandarin II (Grade 8)

Students in Mandarin II will continue to develop their language proficiency in reading, written and oral communication skills. Vocabulary and grammatical skills introduced in the seventh grade will be enhanced enabling students to describe themselves and the world around them. Cultural themes will include examining festive family-centric holidays like Chinese New Year's, and exploring world-class cities like Beijing and Shanghai.

Spanish 6

During this course, students will be introduced to the Spanish language and the cultures of the Spanish-speaking world. Listening, speaking, reading, writing, and culture are the necessary components of language learning. These skills will be practiced through a variety of age-appropriate activities that focus on using Spanish as a means of real-life communication. The vocabulary and grammatical structures introduced in the sixth grade will be covered in more depth in the seventh grade.

Spanish I (Grade 7 & 8)

Students in Spanish I will continue to study the Spanish language and the Spanish-speaking world at a rigorous pace. Listening, speaking, reading, writing, and culture are the necessary components of language learning. These skills will be practiced through a variety of age-appropriate activities that focus on using Spanish as a means of real-life communication. The vocabulary and grammatical structures introduced will help prepare students for their continued study of Spanish.