Week 4 – Year 5, 6 and 7

‘A multitude of research shows that learning a new language offers many rewards.’

Dr Michiko Weinmann and Dr Ruth Arber,
Deakin University

 

This week with the students we have been discussing the benefits of learning a second language. Students have been engaging in an inquiry looking at the positives of learning a second language and presenting their finds to the class.

Here are some of the information they presented:

There are many benefits to learning another language and being multilingual. The reality is that the majority of people worldwide speak and study several languages and it’s just a part of life. The data suggests there are more first language speakers of Chinese and Spanish than of English.

We are already globally connected in so many ways, linguistically, culturally and spatially through popular culture – think international films, manga comics, Latin dancing, travel, social media, and cuisine – to assume that someone only speaks one language or only has one culture is not representative of the globalised world we live in.

What are the benefits of learning a new language? 

When your brain has to switch between speech, writing and structure, you become a better multi-tasker and improve your memory and attention span. You also become a better traveller – locals love it when you make the effort to have a conversation in their language.

Languages help you advance your career by making you stand out and giving you global mobility – opportunities open up for employment and an international career around the world. Employers today are looking for well-rounded employees who are global citizens and have an understanding of other cultures. Being able to speak another language certainly ticks those boxes.

When we learn languages it’s more than just words, we learn about people, cultures and history – and see the world through other people’s eyes. It’s never too late to start learning a language!

Languages are powerful and in demand, and can take you around the world volunteering and travelling. Let’s not forget the main benefit – learning a language is a lot of fun!

Expand your horizons and study a language today!

Hola, Bienvenidos 2018

 

Señora Opazo and Señora Nuñez welcome you back to Holy Family Catholic School, 2018, for another exciting year of Español – Spanish.

We are looking forward to seeing you all this year. Please do not hesitate to visit our rooms to view the amazing learning going on!

 

 

As you know Spanish is widely spoken throughout the global community.

España Spain

In Spanish, students have been looking at Spain’s geography and culture. We discussed the most famous cities in Spain. Learning about other countries and cultures can be exciting! Students contributed lots of prior information to the discussion. This inquiry allowed for students to have a cultural awareness and appreciation of Spain.

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Classroom Instructions

During Term 2, students have been encouraged to incorporate many of the classroom requests that are used regularly in the room into Spanish.

For example: ¿Puedo ir al baño por favor? Can I go to the bathroom please?

¿Puedo ir a tomar agua por favor? Can I please have a drink?

¿Como se dice …….en español? How do you say …… in Spanish?

These key phrases allow for students to be immersed in the Spanish language.

Students have played oral language games with partners or with the class, as they revise or learn for the first time these phrases.

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Feliz Dia de las Madres (Mother’s Day)

Mother’s Day is a day that is celebrated around the world. Each country has a unique date for their holiday and sometimes a unique meaning. For example, in Mexico it is celebrated on May 10th. In Spain, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the first Sunday of May.

In most countries, the common theme is to celebrate the contributions mothers make to the family and to the world.

In Spain, Mother’s Day is a day that children truly look forward to. They enjoy showing their mothers how much they mean to them by making crafts such as cards, writing poems and celebrating Mother’s Day with their mum and family.

Students had an opportunity to examine the way Mother’s Day is celebrated in Spain. They were introduced to the traditions and significance that “El Dia de las Madres” plays in Spanish culture.

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Term 1 Week 3 and Week 4 – Los Saludos (Greetings)

The Year 6/7’s reviewed their conversational skills and built on prior knowledge to create dialogues. Students presented their conversations in whatever medium they wanted e.g. a comic strip/ script / iMovie. It was left to their own preference how they wanted to present the information and what Spanish language they wanted to include. Many students explored new language structures to compliment their presentations. Students were very creative in their presentations ranging from comic strips to a Mine craft video.

 

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Jordan and Tahlia present their “Me gusta y no me gusta comer” song!

In Spanish the students have been learning about La Comida (The Food). In their own time Jordan and Tahlia created a song about their likes and dislikes regarding food. Well done girls for being so creative!

What is something that you have learnt in Spanish that you would like to share? I would like to share your learning, come and see me or post in the comments below.