In-Depth Spanish Instruction at Queen of Angels

Two assumptions surrounding foreign language instruction are:

As one might expect, these assumptions do not support an effective foreign language program. In fact, they are “in direct contradiction to the fact that in order to achieve language fluency an extended sequence of instruction and a certain amount of time are needed.” (Teamwork in Foreign Languages, 2001 Report of the Central States Conference on the Teaching of Foreign Languages).

At Queen of Angels, we are excited to offer an in-depth Spanish program, with carefully-planned instruction and ample time for children to truly begin to understand and speak the language .

Beginning at age three, every Queen of Angels elementary student has three Spanish classes per week. By grades 7 and 8, students begin a more rigorous written and grammatical study of the language. Class sizes are small, ranging from 8-13 students per class. Our goal is that our graduating eighth grades will be able to directly begin Spanish II in high school.

Ximena Flores, our full-time Spanish teacher, has collaborated with QAMS parent and Xavier University Spanish Education Professor Diane Ceo-Difrancesco to develop an interactive curriculum based on best practices of foreign language instruction.

Our Spanish program emphsizes building oral proficiency through an interactive approach. Recognizing the importance of the prepared environment, we have designated a separate room for Spanish instruction where children enjoy a variety of songs, games, and activities that help them learn the language.

The subject matter relates to the children's general classroom work. For example, the preschool sensorial materials offer a wealth of opportunities for concrete ways to interact in Spanish. Using these materials, color, shape, size and texture as well as themes from cultural studies can all be explored in Spanish. Similarly in the elementary classes, Spanish units of study will include and reinforce the regular classroom curriculum. The instruction is dynamic and proficiency-based: Spanish is the language of communication used for songs, games and interactive and hands-on activities. By minimizing the use of English, children do not depend on their native language, but instead begin to key in on the vocabulary in order to understand and interact in Spanish.

A native of Ecuador, Senora Flores taught Spanish for four years at another local school before coming to Queen of Angels in 2005. She uses a multi-media approach to her teaching, inlcuding art activities, cultural songs, hands-on didactic materials, technology, and a methodology known as TPRS (Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling). In addition to her expertise as a Spanish teacher, Senora Flores is an accomplished artist. She holds a Masters in Fine Arts with a specialty in graphic design and ceramics, and has a wealth of experience teaching art to children.

We are proud and excited to offer such a rich foreign language program to our students!