Middle School Modern Languages

The Modern Languages focuses on developing students’ ability to communicate in different languages. As students develop the competence to listen, speak, read and write in French, Spanish, Japanese and Chinese and interpret aspects of the culture in which the languages are embedded, they acquire the means to facilitate deeper interaction with the rest of the world.

The crucial elements of the modern language program are the communication in the target language and the cultural understanding. This should bring awareness, understanding of diversity of the world to the students. Students will acquire the skills, attitudes and knowledge that will contribute to a growing understanding of themselves and their environment. Students develop multiple literacies and independent and critical thinking in the context of foreign language learning and in keeping with the global perspective.

We use the communicative approach that supports functional proficiency. That approach engages students in the authentic culture in which encourages them to communicate with the confidence in the target language. Meaningful contexts give the students opportunities to use the language in writing, interview and other personalized activities that are theme-based, not grammar-driven. Beside the textbooks that we use, we also explore the many resources available through internet (news, chats, documentaries, interview, movies in the target language) The classroom is our main facility.

COURSES

Japanese I, II, & III
Mandarin I, II, & III
Spanish  I, II, & III

MS MODERN LANGUAGE DEPARTMENT

Fumiko Harada

Yuko Stenson

Gloria Paxtian

 Jenny Leung