Homeschool
Language classes are traditionally divided into Level 1, Level 2, and so forth, based on how many years the student has been studying the language. Colleges often require students to have taken two years of a foreign language, and states sometimes require students, including homeschooled students, to have two years of foreign language in order to graduate. This standard division was really the only practical solution for many years, but with technology, we can now do things that were not practical before. Since not all students progress at the same rate, there is not necessarily a compelling reason to organize them by the number of years they have been in the class. It's always been done that way, so most people have never really questioned it.
In this combined class, we will have an intensive focus on a certain area of study. That focus will change from year to year on a four-year rotation, so that at the end of four years, a student will not only have learned to communicate effectively in Spanish, but will also have gained meaningful knowledge of other subject areas, as well. The four-year rotation will be as follows:
-
Spanish with embedded Health (2020-21) (see sample lesson here)
-
Spanish with embedded Economics (2021-22)
-
Spanish with embedded Geography (2022-23)
-
Spanish with embedded Current Events (2023-24)
By studying other subject areas through Spanish, students will get authentic, meaningful exposure to the language. To understand the concept of one class with different ability levels, think about people in a swimming pool - everyone is in the same pool, everyone is swimming and enjoying the water, but some people are in the shallow end, some are up to their waist or shoulders, and some are jumping into the deep end. Each person enjoys the same pool, but each can enjoy the experience to the degree that he is comfortable.
A sample lesson is provided here to help you understand how students can be exposed to the same materials, but use them according to their own ability level. In each module, various materials will be provided for the students to practice with and use in their work. These materials will help each student to practice and improve his or her listening and reading abilities, and the associated assignments will help to improve speaking and writing skills.