Exploratory+Foreign+Language+Philosophy

=__Exploratory World Languages Philosophy__ =

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**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.**

====** Students comprehend memorized basic vocabulary. Students comprehend simple questions/statements about familiar subjects. ** ====

• responding appropriately to commands directing classroom activities; • demonstrating an understanding of words and sentences previously taught; **
 * • understanding and responding to basic greetings and courtesy expressions;

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

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

** Students have sufficient comprehension to recognize selected vocabulary. **

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

Students will be able to write simple memorized material even though misspellings and inaccuracies may be frequent.**
 * Students will be able to write simple fixed expressions and limited memorized material.

• using appropriate reference materials (i.e. dictionaries, glossaries, grammar handbooks, the internet);**
 * ​• writing familiar material with correct spelling, punctuation, diacritical markings and capitalization;

Students will be introduced to the history of the cultures studied. Students will gain an awareness of the differences and similarities of the cultures studied.**
 * Students will develop a geographical knowledge base to aid in understanding world cultures.

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