STANDARD COURSE OF STUDY

SECOND LANGUAGES :: 1999 :: ELEMENTARY GRADES K-2 (BEGINNING SEQUENCE)

ELEMENTARY GRADES K-2 (BEGINNING SEQUENCE)

Goal	In the K-2 Foreign Language at the Elementary School (FLES) program, the primary goal is the development of listening and speaking and cultural awareness through concrete experiences. However, one must not forget that language acquisition begins with listening. For this reason, "Successful language learning activities emphasize comprehension rather than speaking at the beginning stages" (Curtain and Pesola, 1988).
Content	Learners in Grades K-2 begin with content topics close to the self, the home, and the school. Topics can include family, friends, home, house, etc. The topics are selected from the K-2 school curriculum and are introduced in a meaningful communicative context involving concrete activities aimed at developing language and reinforcing content from other disciplines. Age appropriate literature, arts, music, and games are also an integral part of the K-2 second language program .
Communication	Most of the practice in the early grades is in a social setting. Children are involved in interpersonal communication by participating in simple face-to-face interactions with classmates, teachers, family, and visitors. They engage in interpretive communication by following directions and commands, and by demonstrating their understanding of simple questions, everyday words, and statements relating to their immediate environment. They learn songs, recite poems, and give oral commands as they participate in presentational communication targeted to other students, parents, community members, other classes, and other teachers.
Reading and Writing	At this level, reading and writing are not introduced. Instead, emphasis is placed on the oral language development necessary for students to become good readers and writers later on. Students are introduced to story telling and story reading using big books and other predictable stories. In addition, they are surrounded by environmental print.
Grammar	Grammar is not ignored but is learned indirectly. Because grammar represents concepts which are too abstract for young children it is acquired more effectively when it is from context and when attention is given to function rather than terminology.
Instructional Techniques	Successful language learning activities are geared to the children’s interest level and motor skills. Because primary age children have a short attention span and tire quickly, instructional techniques are varied and are age appropriate. They involve large muscle physical activities such as Total Physical Response (TPR), concrete experiences and language experience approach (LEA), dramatic and role play, along with the use of visuals, manipulatives, realia, songs, games, and rhymes. When available, realia, songs, games, and rhymes of the target culture(s) are incorporated as a way to gain some insight into other cultures.
Immersion Programs	In Immersion programs, the regular school curriculum is taught through the second language. In a full immersion program the curriculum is taught in the target language for the entire day, whereas in a partial immersion program only a part of the curriculum is delivered in the target language. The goals and objectives which follow will have to be adapted for immersion programs. Because students use the language for longer and more frequent periods of time, they will develop higher levels of proficiency than their counterparts in a FLES program. In addition, the objectives of immersion also include those of the Standard Course of Study in all content areas at the appropriate grade level.

Grade Level Competencies

Grade K | Grade 1 | Grade 2

Kindergarten

The Kindergarten program described in this document begins a sequence of instruction leading to the development of communicative proficiency in one language other than English. It lays the foundation for further language study in upcoming grades.

The emphasis at this grade level is on:

Oral language development with a focus on listening and speaking skills

Awareness of other cultures

Comparison of language and culture to the students’ own language and culture

Connections to the kindergarten curriculum

Awareness that the target language is used outside the classroom

Reading and writing are not addressed. Instead varied and concrete experiences engage students in oral language development within a social setting involving face to face interaction with the teacher. Students communicate through basic words and short memorized phrases within a given context.

Frequency and quality of instruction will impact on the students’ ability to meet the stated objectives. Modifications may need to be made for programs meeting minimal periods of time.

Grade Level: Kindergarten Strands: Listening, Speaking
Competency Goal 1	INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION - The learner will engage in conversation and exchange information and opinions orally and in writing in the target language.
	1.01 Interact using greetings, farewells, and expressions of courtesy. 1.02 Use basic words and short memorized phrases during oral interactions. 1.03 Ask and answer simple questions orally. 1.04 Share likes and dislikes, feelings and emotions orally. 1.05 Exchange personal information orally with the teacher.
Competency Goal 2	INTERPRETIVE COMMUNICATION - The learner will understand and interpret written and spoken language on a variety of topics in the target language.
	2.01 Demonstrate understanding of every day spoken words and phrases when accompanied by visual clues and/or props. 2.02 Demonstrate understanding of statements about the immediate environment and needs. 2.03 Follow oral directions and commands. 2.04 Demonstrate understanding of spoken key words in a variety of materials (e.g., songs, short narratives, simple poems, rhymes, cartoons). 2.05 Interpret phrases presented with accompanying gestures, intonations, and other visual or auditory cues.
Competency Goal 3	PRESENTATIONAL COMMUNICATION -The learner will present information, concepts, and ideas to an audience of listeners or readers on a variety of topics in the target language.
	3.01 Name people, places, and things using simple words and phrases. 3.02 Recite simple poetry and sing songs. 3.03 Give oral commands.
Competency Goal 4	CULTURES - The learner will gain knowledge and demonstrate understanding of the relationship among practices, products, and perspectives, of cultures other than his/her own.
	4.01 Recognize and use learned everyday greetings, gestures, and behaviors of the target cultures. 4.02 Learn age-appropriate songs, rhymes, dances, and games of children in the target cultures. 4.03 Participate in activities related to major holidays, festivals, and special dates celebrated by children of the target cultures. 4.04 Demonstrate understanding of children’s stories, poetry, and folktales of the target cultures. 4.05 Explore practices and perspectives of contemporary life in the target cultures through print, non-print, and/or electronic materials and cultural artifacts.
Competency Goal 5	COMPARISONS - The learner will develop insight into the nature of language and culture by comparing his/her own language(s) and culture(s) to others.
	5.01 Demonstrate an awareness that behaviors such as gestures and greetings may differ among cultures. 5.02 Identify similarities and differences of tangible products (e.g., toys, sports equipment, food) of the target cultures and his/her own. 5.03 Identify similarities and differences of intangible products (e.g., songs, rhymes, folktales) of the target cultures and his/her own.
Competency Goal 6	CONNECTIONS - The learner will acquire, reinforce, and further his/her knowledge of other disciplines through the foreign language.
	6.01 Demonstrate understanding and apply information and skills that are common to foreign language instruction and the kindergarten class. 6.02 Recognize and apply learning strategies and processes from other disciplines. 6.03 Develop learning strategies in the target language which can be used in other disciplines.
Competency Goal 7	COMMUNITIES - The learner will use language and/or demonstrate cultural knowledge and understanding within and beyond the school setting for personal, educational, and professional growth and enrichment.
	7.01 Perform and/or participate in a school or community celebration. 7.02 Share knowledge of the target language and cultures with others. 7.03 Greet people of other cultures in the target language using culturally appropriate behaviors. 7.04 Visit places in person or via technology which provide opportunities to use the target language and/or experience the target cultures. 7.05 View and listen to various forms of media that utilize the target language and reflect the target cultures.

Grade 1

The Grade 1 program described in this document is sequential and leads to the development of communicative proficiency in one language other than English. It lays the foundation for further language study in upcoming grades and/or it extends and strengthens skills and concepts introduced during the previous year of study.

The stated objectives can be applied for both beginning and continuing programs. Frequency and quality of instruction will impact on the students’ ability to meet the stated objectives. Modifications may need to be made for programs meeting minimal periods of time.

The emphasis at this grade level is on:

Oral language development with a focus on listening and speaking skills
Awareness of other cultures
Comparison of language and culture to the students’ own language and culture
Connections to the first grade curriculum
Awareness that the target language is used outside the classroom

Reading and writing are not addressed. Instead varied and concrete experiences engage students in oral language development within a social setting involving face to face interaction with the teacher and with one another. Students communicate through basic words and short memorized phrases within a context.

Grade Level: 1 Strands: Listening, Speaking
Competency Goal 1	INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION - The learner will engage in conversation and exchange information and opinions orally and in writing in the target language.
	1.01 Interact using greetings, farewells, and expressions of courtesy. 1.02 Use basic words and short memorized phrases during oral interactions. 1.03 Ask and answer simple questions orally. 1.04 Share likes and dislikes, feelings and emotions orally. 1.05 Exchange personal information with the teacher.
Competency Goal 2	INTERPRETIVE COMMUNICATION - The learner will understand and interpret written and spoken language on a variety of topics in the target language.
	2.01 Demonstrate understanding of every day spoken words and phrases when accompanied by visual clues and/or props. 2.02 Demonstrate understanding of statements about the immediate environment and needs. 2.03 Follow oral directions and commands. 2.04 Demonstrate understanding of spoken key words in a variety of materials (e.g., songs, short narratives, simple poems, rhymes, cartoons). 2.05 Interpret phrases presented with accompanying gestures, intonations, and other visual or auditory cues.
Competency Goal 3	PRESENTATIONAL COMMUNICATION -The learner will present information, concepts, and ideas to an audience of listeners or readers on a variety of topics in the target language.
	3.01 Name and describe orally people, places, and things using simple words and phrases. 3.02 Recite simple poetry and sing songs. 3.03 Give oral commands.
Competency Goal 4	CULTURES - The learner will gain knowledge and demonstrate understanding of the relationship among practices, products, and perspectives, of cultures other than his/her own.
	4.01 Recognize and use learned everyday greetings, gestures, and behaviors of the target cultures. 4.02 Learn age-appropriate songs, rhymes, dances, and games of children in the target cultures. 4.03 Participate in activities related to major holidays, festivals, and special dates celebrated by children of the target cultures. 4.04 Demonstrate understanding of children’s stories, poetry, and folktales of the target cultures. 4.05 Explore practices and perspectives of contemporary life in the target cultures through print, non-print, and/or electronic materials and cultural artifacts.
Competency Goal 5	COMPARISONS - The learner will develop insight into the nature of language and culture by comparing his/her own language(s) and culture(s) to others.
	5.01 Demonstrate an awareness that behaviors such as gestures and greetings may differ among cultures. 5.02 Identify similarities and differences of tangible products (e.g., toys, sports equipment, food) of the target cultures and his/her own. 5.03 Identify similarities and differences of intangible products (e.g., songs, rhymes, folktales) of the target cultures and his/her own.
Competency Goal 6	CONNECTIONS - The learner will acquire, reinforce, and further his/her knowledge of other disciplines through the foreign language.
	6.01 Demonstrate understanding and apply information and skills that are common to foreign language instruction and the first grade class. 6.02 Recognize and apply learning strategies and processes from other disciplines. 6.03 Develop learning strategies in the target language which can be used in other disciplines.
Competency Goal 7	COMMUNITIES - The learner will use language and/or demonstrate cultural knowledge and understanding within and beyond the school setting for personal, educational, and professional growth and enrichment.
	7.01 Perform and/or participate in a school or community celebration. 7.02 Share knowledge of the target language and cultures with others. 7.03 Greet people of other cultures in the target language using culturally appropriate behaviors. 7.04 Visit places in person or via technology which provide opportunities to use the target language and/or experience the target cultures. 7.05 View and listen to various forms of media that utilize the target language and reflect the target cultures.

Grade 2

The Grade 2 program described in this document is sequential and leads to the development of communicative proficiency in one language other than English. It lays the foundation for further language study in upcoming grades and/or it strengthens and extends concepts and skills introduced during the previous year(s) of study.

The emphasis at this grade level is on:

Oral language development with a focus on listening and speaking skills
Awareness of other cultures
Comparison of language and culture to the students’ own language and culture
Connections to the second grade curriculum
Awareness that the target language is used outside the classroom

Reading and writing are not addressed. Instead varied and concrete experiences engage students in oral language development within a social setting involving face-to-face interaction with the teacher and their peers. Students communicate through basic words and short memorized phrases within a given context.

Grade Level: 2 Strands: Listening, Speaking
Competency Goal 1	INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION - The learner will engage in conversation and exchange information and opinions orally and in writing in the target language.
	1.01 Interact using greetings, farewells, and expressions of courtesy. 1.02 Use basic words and short memorized phrases during oral interactions. 1.03 Ask and answer simple questions orally. 1.04 Share likes and dislikes, feelings and emotions orally with each other. 1.05 Exchange personal information with the teacher.
Competency Goal 2	INTERPRETIVE COMMUNICATION - The learner will understand and interpret written and spoken language on a variety of topics in the target language.
	2.01 Demonstrate understanding of every day spoken and written words and phrases when accompanied by visual clues and/or props. 2.02 Demonstrate understanding of statements about immediate environment and needs. 2.03 Follow oral directions and commands. 2.04 Demonstrate understanding of spoken key words and phrases in a variety of materials (e.g., songs, short narratives, simple poems, rhymes, cartoons) and make inferences based on the information presented. 2.05 Interpret phrases presented with accompanying gestures, intonations, and other visual or auditory cues.
Competency Goal 3	PRESENTATIONAL COMMUNICATION -The learner will present information, concepts, and ideas to an audience of listeners or readers on a variety of topics in the target language.
	3.01 Name and describe orally people, places, and things using everyday words and phrases. 3.02 Recite simple poetry and sing songs. 3.03 Retell a simple story orally with visual cues and prompting. 3.04 Give clues and commands orally.
Competency Goal 4	CULTURES - The learner will gain knowledge and demonstrate understanding of the relationship among practices, products, and perspectives, of cultures other than his/her own.
	4.01 Recognize and use learned everyday greetings, gestures, and behaviors of the target cultures. 4.02 Learn age-appropriate songs, rhymes, dances, and games of children in the target cultures. 4.03 Participate in activities related to major holidays, festivals, and special dates celebrated by children of the target cultures. 4.04 Demonstrate understanding of children’s stories, poetry, and folktales of the target cultures. 4.05 Explore practices and perspectives of contemporary life in the target cultures through print, non-print, and/or electronic materials and cultural artifacts.
Competency Goal 5	COMPARISONS - The learner will develop insight into the nature of language and culture by comparing his/her own language(s) and culture(s) to others.
	5.01 Demonstrate an awareness that behaviors such as gestures and greetings may differ among cultures. 5.02 Identify similarities and differences of tangible products (e.g., toys, sports equipment, food) of the target cultures and his/her own. 5.03 Identify similarities and differences of intangible products (e.g., songs, rhymes, folktales) of the target cultures and his/her own.
Competency Goal 6	CONNECTIONS - The learner will acquire, reinforce, and further his/her knowledge of other disciplines through the foreign language.
	6.01 Demonstrate understanding and apply information and skills that are common to foreign language instruction and the second grade class. 6.02 Share information when prompted about topics from other disciplines, in the target language. 6.03 Recognize and apply learning strategies and processes from other disciplines. 6.04 Develop learning strategies in the target language which can be used in other disciplines.
Competency Goal 7	COMMUNITIES - The learner will use language and/or demonstrate cultural knowledge and understanding within and beyond the school setting for personal, educational, and professional growth and enrichment.h
	7.01 Perform and/or participate in a school or community celebration. 7.02 Share knowledge of the target language and cultures with others. 7.03 Greet people of other cultures in the target language using culturally appropriate behaviors. 7.04 Visit places in person or via technology which provide opportunities to use the target language and/or experience the target cultures. 7.05 View and listen to various forms of media that utilize the target language and reflect the target cultures.

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