Grade 8 World Language
The middle school world language program develops general language skills, intellectual discipline, and the vocabulary, grammar, and basics that allow students to continue language studies at an advanced level in high school. We support the development of our students as citizens in the diverse community of Belmont Day and in the world. Exposure to broad cultural experiences nurtures curiosity and joy.
Students use textbooks and also learn through varied experiences including projects, interviews, videotaping, using auxiliary technology, presentations, research, pen pals, partner and small group work, and games. For French and Spanish, classes are taught almost exclusively in the target language. The curriculum generally prepares students to take French II, Spanish I, or Latin II in high school.
Eighth grade students will:
- learn to understand, speak, read, and write in French or Spanish on an expanding number of topics
- continue to expand grammar concepts
- become more independent in their language learning through the use of class notes, the text, and resources outside the classroom (dictionaries, online resources, internet research, etc.)
- develop good study habits, including effective vocabulary acquisition, note-taking, and using a language textbook
- increase awareness and appreciation of cultural practices in French or Spanish speaking countries
- become aware of cultural bias when reviewing materials and information
During the sixth through eighth grade program, topics of study may include:
- family
- food
- weather
- likes/dislikes
- geography
- descriptions
- hobbies and sports
- clothing
- travel
- cars
- poetry
- house
- towns
- weekend and vacation activities
During the sixth through eighth grade program, the development of grammar includes:
- sentence structure
- verb conjugation
- adverbs and adjectives
- pronouns (subject, object, reflexive)
- prepositions
- questions
- negation
- present, past, and future tense
