Spanish Language Instruction
for 6th, 7th, and 8th Grades

Dear Parent,

During the Town Hall meeting last spring, school parents expressed an interest in having Spanish language classes for their children. We anticipate that the classes will be held one day per week after school, or possibly during the last period of the school day, whenever school is in normal session. Please see the attached letter from Ms. Melinda Johnson who would teach the course.

We are currently developing the basis for such a program and need to ascertain parent interest. If you would like your student to participate in a Spanish language program, please fill out the survey and return to the School Office by May 28.

Please be mindful that the high school test preparation program from The Reading Tree is offered after school in the fall and could pose a conflict with the Spanish program should the once per week Spanish sessions overlap the test preparation classes. We are exploring holding the Spanish sessions either after school or during the last period of the school day. Please check the appropriate lines on the survey form.

Thank you for your help.

Sincerely,

Rita Stasi
Principal

St. Joseph After-School Spanish Program

Starting Fall of 2008

Dear St. Joseph Parents:

My name is Melinda Johnson; I am a certified elementary school teacher and native Spanish speaker residing in Downers Grove. As a response to the need expressed to me by your school principal, Mrs. Rita Stasi, next fall I will be offering after-school Spanish classes for 6th, 7th, & 8th graders.

My Philosophy:

I believe the best way for students to learn a second language is the same way they learned their first language: by listening to the target language for a period of time, first while the language becomes comprehensible, then allowing for spontaneous speech to naturally occur once the language has been internalized. This method of language acquisition is called the Natural Approach. I also believe learning a new language should take place in a stress-free learning environment where students are active participants in the learning process.

The Program:

Spanish classes will be held once a week after school for 50 minutes.
Class size will be approximately 10-12 students.
Spanish will be taught using Realidades textbooks by Prentice Hall.
I will also be incorporating a technique called Total Physical Response (TPR) as a supplement to help students internalize the vocabulary and phrases covered in the textbook.
(TPR is a kinesthetic strategy that involves acting out commands. These actions and movements help students comprehend the new language.)
Classes will begin September, 2008 and continue throughout the school year ending in May, 2009.

Scheduling Classes:

If you are interested in enrolling your child in Spanish class this fall, return the survey form to the school office by May 28th. Priority will be given to 8th graders first, and then 7th and 6th graders will follow as the classes fill up.

Cost of Spanish class will be $60.00 a month
Materials: $50.00 for Realidades textbook

Sincerely,

Melinda Johnson

Why I Like St. Joe's:

Spanish Language Instruction for 6th, 7th, and 8th Grades

St. Joseph After-School Spanish Program

Spanish Language Instruction
for 6th, 7th, and 8th Grades