The Spanish program is structured as follows: there are three PreK3 classrooms, each one having a full-day Spanish-speaking instructor, while in the remaining grade levels, PreK4 to fourth grade, students from five different classrooms transition to a separate class for Spanish language arts instruction. They attend Spanish class in two distinct learning blocks. One Spanish block is designed for whole group instruction with a lead teacher, while the second block is designed for small group learning with a lead teacher and teaching fellow. The key component of the Spanish program is that students receive instruction solely in the secondary language, and our teachers provide support through visual aids, dramatizations, songs, chants and poems.

PreK3

In PreK3 our students receive Spanish instruction in a 15-20 minute block every day as a gradual introduction to the secondary language. Through a combination of whole group lessons, play exploration and social interactions, our students learn to communicate using basic Spanish vocabulary, which include names of colors, shapes, numbers and letters.

PreK4

In PreK4 our students attend Spanish class once daily. During whole group instruction, students focus on learning the days and months of the year, individual letter names and sounds of the Spanish alphabet, numbers, basic shapes, and colors. Small group instruction combines learning centers and read-alouds as well as reading, writing, and phonemic awareness activities that reinforce the skills and objectives taught during whole group lessons. Each learning block provides our students with the opportunity to develop their language skills both in listening and speaking.

Curricula: Estrellita and Canta y Deletrea

Kindergarten

In Kindergarten our students receive Spanish instruction in two 40-minute blocks. Whole group instruction consists of reviewing calendar concepts, identifying numbers, letter names and sounds, and introducing students to the syllable of the week. The lead teacher and teaching fellow utilize the small group learning block to conduct guided reading and writing activities and to develop the students' comprehension skills.

Curricula: Juguemos a Leer, Estrellita, Scholastic's Solares: Kindergarten, and Rigby's Colección PM

First Grade

In first grade SHINEsters attend Spanish class in two 45-minute blocks. The whole group instructional block is an opportunity to review skills taught in previous lessons and reinforce key calendar and mathematical concepts, syllables, and high frequency words. In addition teachers utilize this learning block to introduce new concepts, vocabulary and consonant blend of the week. During small group instruction our students work in guided reading and writing groups. While in their guided reading groups, they learn skills that will help them improve their reading fluency and comprehension, while the writing groups focus on different components of Spanish grammar.

Curricula: combination of Scott Foresman's Lectura and Rigby's Colección PM

Second Grade

In second grade, our students' Spanish instruction occurs in two 45-minute blocks. Whole group instructional time consists of read-alouds, shared reading time, journal and guided writing, and is an opportunity to review previously taught skills. This learning block also serves as an opportunity to teach new concepts in both grammar and mathematics. Small group instruction by a lead teacher and teaching fellow consists of working in guided reading and writing groups. While in guided reading groups, students learn to develop skills that will help them increase their reading fluency and comprehension. Guided writing groups are dedicated to teaching students how to write for a variety of audiences. Both learning blocks allow students to express themselves with greater ease, not only through conversations, but also through their reading and writing.

Curricula: Combination of Scholastic's Solares: Segundo grado, Scott Foresman's Escritura y Gramática (Grade 2), and Rigby's Colección PM

Third Grade

Third grade Spanish instruction occurs in two 45-minute blocks. The two instructional blocks are divided up into small and whole group learning. Whole group learning consists of read-alouds, shared reading time, journal and guided writing, as well as an introduction and review of concepts related to grammar and mathematics. Small group instruction by a lead teacher and teaching fellow focuses on developing specific reading and comprehension skills.

Curricula: Scott Foresman's Lectura, Houghton Mifflin's Lenguaje: Gramática y Composición and Rigby's Colección PM

Fourth Grade

In fourth grade, our students receive daily Spanish instruction during one 90-minute learning block. The instructional time is divided up into small and whole group learning. Whole group learning consists of read-alouds, shared reading time, journal and guided writing, as well as an introduction and review of concepts related to grammar and mathematics. Small group instruction is led by a lead teacher and teaching fellow and focuses on developing specific reading and comprehension skills.

Curricula and assessment: Scott Foresman Reading and Language Arts; IDEL and EDL2 to measure the students' fluency

Students are encouraged to let their imagination soar within the framework of gaining knowledge of art history, cultural studies, techniques of the masters, manipulation of tools, and creative personal expression. Each month, the students tackle an artist of focus, studying his/her genuine approach to art within the context of a theme. Themes for the Smartest Artists consist of the Principles of Art - line, shape, color, value, texture and form. Smartest Artists also master the Elements of Design - balance, contrast, emphasis, abstraction, realism, movement, and repetition. Students are assessed on the acquisition of vocabulary and their understanding of how the techniques can fit into their own articulation, completing the circle from study to trial and error experimentation to successful multi-faceted expression.  

SHINEsters are taught about the relationship between physical activity and health throughout their lifespan. They are taught skills in various sports from soccer, basketball and baseball to dodgeball, frisbee and volleyball. Emphasis is placed on hard work and living the SHINE value of never give up, seeking ways to improve, learning from mistakes and having fun!

Our program reinforces the distinctive values education component at SHINE. We emphasize love for fellow competitors, the appreciation of all cultures, imaginative problem solving, and the alignmen of individual interests with the team goals that bring us together on the soccer field.

In a fun, challenging environment, students build their confidence and self-esteem as they develop their individual skills. This is achieved through a combination of movement education, ball-handling and small sided games.

With young players, a focus on winning and losing undermines much more important objectives. We prioritize playing well, competing with fairness and intensity, and enjoying the experience. To truly appreciate their soccer experience, players must demonstrate honor for the game, its authority figures, teammates, and opponents. Students who can achieve these more important goals will have a very rewarding experience. We teach players to leave the field with grace and pride. Whether they win, lose, or draw, SHINE students gain life experience that will be valuable as they climb the mountain to, through, and beyond college.