Aurora Frontier World Languages

Exploratory Class (Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking is expected at all levels, but the focus of this level is speaking and listening)

The purpose of an exploratory class is to expose students to languages so that they can make decisions on which language(s) they would like to study further. These classes vary in levels of language proficiency to be achieved, amount of cultural knowledge to be gained, and time required to reach the program goals. Classes are designed to provide a grade appropriate learning experience aiming for some degree of language proficiency.

Listening

 Follow clear, basic directions in group situations
 Listen to and derive meaning from a variety of spoken language sources and situations
 Understand a variety of spoken messages
 Recognize words, phrases, expressions, and grammatical structures
 Recognize patterns of sound in oral language
 Demonstrate comprehension through appropriate responses
 Identify main idea, details and sequence of events from a variety of sources

Speaking

 Speak in the target language for a variety of purposes with diverse audiences
 Apply pronunciation rules and intonation patterns
 Use vocabulary, grammatical forms, and structures of the target language to convey meaning
 Use gestures, single words, simple phrases and complete sentences during greetings and to communicate needs in social and academic settings
 Deliver short presentations on content area concepts which may include conversations and/or visual aids
 Use some humor

Reading

 Interpret written language on a variety of topics
 Recognize words, phrases, expressions, and grammatical structures
 Demonstrate knowledge of sound-symbol relationship in context
 Apply reading skills from their first language to comprehend various texts
 Identify main ideas, details and sequence of events from visually-supported texts
 Predict meaning of unknown words based on the context

Writing

 Write simple sentences and phrases using a model and attending to basic conventions to convey meaning
 Write about personal and group experiences using background knowledge and illustrations
 Format written work appropriately e.g., margins, dates, and indenting
 Spell frequently used words and sight words correctly in the context of writing

Cultural Competency

 Observe and identify everyday cultural practices
 Use culturally appropriate gestures, body language and oral expressions for common or familiar interactions
 Listen to or read materials in the language from the cultures being studied.

Exploratory World Languages Philosophy

The purpose of an exploratory language program is to expose young second language learners to a new language through lots of hands-on activities with the goal of opening their minds to the culture of the speakers of that language.

These students will not be fluent and will not acquire the grammar skills of a more comprehensive high school level course, and the vocabulary will be very basic.

Course Goals

The world language middle school exploratory course will:
• Introduce students to French and / or Spanish so they may make an informed choice for further
language study.
• Build readiness for language study, including strategies to use in learning them.
• Build an appreciation of history, geography, and culture.
• Introduce beginning level vocabulary in each language.
• Help students enjoy the experience of learning about another language and culture.

GUIDELINES FOR WORLD LANGUAGES EXPLORATORY

LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY: LISTENING LEARNING EXPECTATIONS:
Students comprehend memorized basic vocabulary.
Students comprehend simple questions/statements about familiar subjects.

STUDENTS WILL DEMONSTRATE LEARNING BY:
• understanding and responding to basic greetings and courtesy expressions;
• responding appropriately to commands directing classroom activities;
• demonstrating an understanding of words and sentences previously taught;

LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY: SPEAKING LEARNING EXPECTATIONS:
Students can ask questions or make statements with reasonable accuracy involving words and
short phrases.

STUDENTS WILL DEMONSTRATE THEIR LEARNING BY:
• using basic courtesy expressions; greetings and good-byes; making introductions;
• using the language to communicate in controlled situations;

Middle School World Language Exploratory Guide

LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY: READING LEARNING EXPECTATIONS:
Students have sufficient comprehension to recognize selected vocabulary.

STUDENTS WILL DEMONSTRATE THEIR LEARNING BY:
• recognizing the written symbols for selected sounds, words, and expressions;
• recognizing how some punctuation and diacritical marks affect meaning;
• reading aloud a familiar dialogue and attempting proper pronunciation, intonation and stress:

LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY: WRITING LEARNING EXPECTATIONS:
Students will be able to write simple fixed expressions and limited memorized material.
Students will be able to write simple memorized material even though misspellings and
inaccuracies may be frequent.

STUDENTS WILL DEMONSTRATE THEIR LEARNING BY:
• writing familiar material with correct spelling, punctuation, diacritical markings and
capitalization;
• using appropriate reference materials (i.e. dictionaries, glossaries, grammar handbooks, the internet);

LANGUAGE CONTEXT: GEOGRAPHY, HISTORY and CULTURE
COURSE EXPECTATIONS:
Students will develop a geographical knowledge base to aid in understanding world cultures.
Students will be introduced to the history of the cultures studied.
Middle School World Language Exploratory Guide
Students will gain an awareness of the differences and similarities of the cultures studied.

STUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO:
• demonstrate knowledge of the geography of the countries studied.
• demonstrate greeting procedures peculiar to the culture (methods of address, etc.);
• demonstrate elementary understanding of the traditions and important aspects of everyday
life