La Pandilla 2 (8 - 13 yrs)

Full -Immersion “Spanish as a Second Language” After-School Program
2 TERMS REQUIRED
1 HR. / WEEK

“La Pandilla 2” is a fun course aimed at students 8-13 year old, who have completed "La Pandilla 1" or an equivalent program. This course will briefly review previous year’s content. It will then introduce a whole new set of themes and units, wherein grammatical structures are reinforced.

During the first part of the session students will listen and read. Language is structured in a variety of mediums. Children are introduced to Spanish and structures through circle time activities. At this stage students are already much more aware of the language, and need a lot less visuals and introductory materials to comprehend Spanish.

 

In contrast to La Pandilla 1, children at this stage are expected to speak as much as they are expected to listen/comprehend and write. Students are encouraged to comprehend, read, write, and even recall orally much of the Spanish language previously introduced. Movement activities and language games complement the more academic activities as a way to keep and reward the students’ interest and participation. As with all our programs, activities revolve around the theme of the day. (See our La Pandilla 2 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 their oral language skills through the “La Pandilla 2” workbook activities. These activities relate to the day’s theme. Sitting around a table, students read and write Spanish, following their teacher’s guidance and instructions. Through their workbooks, students are able not only to visualize and understand Spanish (words and sentences), but also to keep record of their learning and even share it and review it at home. Each page of the Student’s book is backed up by another in the Activity Book. They keep the same numbering to make their use easier. Spiral approach is reflected throughout the course whereby vocabulary and structures are presented very simply at first, then built upon the level increases.

 

La Pandilla 2 - 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 and video: Music and video are used as effective teaching tools since students learn many new words, accents and structures through listening to music or watching educational videos from many Spanish-speaking countries.

 

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.