Lee Elementary, Austin, Texas

Currently, all students at Lee will receive Spanish instruction once a week. Each Spanish class is 30 minutes long. In addition, 6th Graders at Lee receive German classes through a program run by the University of Texas. (Details can be found here.)Spanish classes are taught by Chrishawn Floyd. Ms. Floyd has more than a decade of experience teaching the Spanish language as well as music and the arts. She brings a creative and dynamic approach to language instruction at Lee.

That every student will be introduced to the Spanish language.That every student will be introduced to Spanish-speaking cultures.That every student will pursue the study of Spanish or another language outside of Lee.

Proficiency in the target language is not a realistic goal of a 30-minute program.

AISD provides no funding. The Spanish program is made possible through the PTA budget process, generous donations from Lee parents as well as from fundraising events like silent auctions, garage sales and dinners. Suggested donations are between $50 and $100. We are also asking for family and business sponsors of $250 or $500 for those wanting to help a little more. See here for how to become a sponsor.

The cost to pay a Spanish teacher to provide 30-minute classes, plus materials and trainings is approximately $13,000 per year.

Enhancement of cognitive skills. Multiple studies have shown that foreign language learning enhances cognitive development and basic skills performance in elementary school children.Development of a global attitude. During their elementary school years, children are open to ideas of global understanding. Study of a foreign language and culture can serve as an important vehicle by which to expand their intercultural views. In our increasingly global economy, a deep understanding of one’s own and other cultures can provide access to a greater number of career possibilities.Enhancement of communication skills. While children are developing the ability to communicate in a different language system, they learn to see language as a phenomenon in itself. Children become aware that language and its objects are independent of one another, and that there are many ways in which to refer to one object. The study of foreign languages has also been shown to have positive effects on memory and listening skills.Achievement of proficiency. Studies show that there is a direct correlation between the amount of time devoted to language study and the language proficiency that the students attain. Therefore, children who begin in elementary school have a better chance of developing a high level of foreign language proficiency than do students whose foreign language instruction begins in the post elementary school years.

The curriculum is organized around content areas. It is loosely based on a program called Risas y Sonrisas with some adaptation for the older grades. Most content areas are repeated at each grade level to allow for review and amplification of the vocabulary as well as to promote the sequential development of the four components of language learning. The curriculum for each month will be listed on the website as it is taught. The content areas that are introduced at each grade level are as follows:

Kindergarten: Greetings and IntroductionsNumbers 1-10ColorsFarm animalsFamily membersClothing

First grade: Numbers 1-30Classroom objectsWild animals

Second grade Numbers 1-100Seasons and weatherDays of the weekParts of the body

Third grade Numbers 1-1000Telling timeMonths of the yearFood

Fifth and Sixth grade Likes and dislikesOppositesGeography of Latin AmericaGender/number agreement