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World Languages

The study of world languages gives students a unique perspective of the world. They learn about the similarities and differences between cultures. The study of world languages at Platt addresses four traditional and vital skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. We teach these skills under the broad umbrella of communication and culture.

Spanish

The instructors are Sra. Barbara Wallace and Jessie Hill.

Students learn about many cultures and traditions in Spanish speaking places. They learn to use vocabulary pertaining to their everyday lives, and they learn the skills to acquire a second language.

The three-year sequence of Spanish in Platt is designed for middle school students who begin their study of language in the sixth or seventh grade. The curriculum is the same as the high school level. We use the same standards, books and materials as does the Spanish courses in high school. However, the middle school Spanish level 1 course moves at a slower pace, spreading the coverage of material over a two-year period for greater comprehension. We do the first half of the curriculum in Spanish 1A and the second half of the curriculum in Spanish 1B.

Spanish II students are competent in basic Spanish communication and are prepared to enter Spanish level III in high school. More importantly, our students are aware of the many dimensions that make up the web of Spanish-speaking culture and community.

French

The instructor is Aida Hubbard.

French 1B is a continuation of French 1A and will cover enough basics that by the end of the year students will be able to hold simple conversations that, among other things, will cover the "survival skills" of being a tourist. This will include: asking for directions, reading a menu and ordering food, asking for a hotel room and discussing the price, going shopping for clothes, talking about sizes and colors, asking somebody's opinion about something, talking about preferences, introducing yourself and your family, talking about sports, games and music, and counting to a thousand. The class will also cover some of the trickier details about French culture, and students will learn how to avoid some of the traps and pitfalls that seem to be lurking around every corner in French society.