La Pandilla 1 (7 - 12 yrs)
Full -Immersion “Spanish as a Second Language” After-School Program
2 TERMS REQUIRED
1 HR. / WEEK
La Pandilla 1 is our course aimed at beginner children 7 and older, or continuing students after completion of 4 modules of “Muy Bien.” It proposes a working method where the leisure component is basic for learning the language as it bears in mind the pupils’ areas of interest.
During the first part of the session students constantly listen and read the target language presented in a variety of ways. Children are introduced to the new language and structures through circle time activities that incorporate resources such as pictures, posters, games, flash cards, colorful visuals, word cards, and many other hands-on materials. Language input (exposure) i.e., listening and reading (or receptive skills) is emphasized during this time.
At this stage children have the capacity to process their receptive skills (listening and
reading) well beyond their capacity to process their productive skills (speaking and writing). This is why the course’s level of language input/exposure is higher than the level of language production expected. Students are encouraged to repeat, but not to speak immediately.
Music, movement activities, and language games are the most important feature during this first contact with the language. Our course’s characters, a group of kids from different Spanish speaking countries whom students can relate to and identify with, turn the learning experience into a fun and engaging adventure each day. All these activities revolve around the theme of the day. (See our La Pandilla 1 topic based syllabus for a complete list of the course’s thematic units and grammar contents: Parent’s Handbook page 19, Course progression level by level.)
During the last part of the session students reinforce the target language presented and practiced orally through the “La Pandilla 1” workbook activities related to the day’s theme. Sitting around the table students work, draw, match, read, and even write the new language following the teacher’s guidance and instructions. Through their workbooks students are able not only to visualize and incorporate all the language presented (mostly just words and very simple sentences), but also to keep record of their learning and even share it and review it at home. A progressive approach is reflected throughout the course whereby vocabulary and grammar are presented very simply at first, then difficulty increases with each level.
La Pandilla 1 - Daily Schedule & Activities
Language fun: During circle activities children are introduced to the new language words and structures to be taught according to the theme of the day using a great variety of language teaching resources such as learning games, concrete and fun materials, visuals and audio-visuals, flash cards, and instructional toys.
Music & singing: Music is used as another effective teaching tool since students learn many new words and structures through singing at this age. Children play instruments and learn songs, sing, and dance.
Storytelling and shared reading: Some of our reading techniques involve shared reading, dramatization and characterization, and role playing. Reading comprehension skills and learning strategies are also introduced during this activity.
Movement activities: These games give children the opportunity to work through gymnastics, movement, traditional games, and many other activities. Children are given space to run, jump, and have fun while learning the language.
Listening comprehension: Listening to the course’s original characters is used as an effective teaching tool since students learn great pronunciation from hearing Spanish native speaker children talking.