Fifth Grade Foreign Language Selections for 2006-2007

A reminder to fifth grade parents to return your child`s 2006-2007 Middle School foreign langauge selection during the upcoming parent conferences (2/2-3). Along with this, you might want to read the following letter from the Middle School Foreign Language Department that explains the rationale behind taking a foreign language during the Middle School years: Dear Parents of Hawken Fifth Graders: We are looking ahead to the process of scheduling courses for the 2006-2007 school year. As you already know, upcoming sixth graders will need to make a decision regarding their foreign language choice for next year. This is why you received a foreign language selection sheet in last week`s Friday folder. The current offerings in foreign language are French, Latin, and Spanish. These classes meet every other day (classes meet five out of ten days) in sixth grade. The choice of foreign language is made for all three years in Middle School. Students who successfully complete the three years of Middle School foreign language receive one high school credit for that coursework. In an attempt to assist you and your child`s decision-making process, we have included the following information that might be able to give you some information as to your child`s language selection: +é-+Why study a foreign language at the Middle School level at this point in your child`s academic career: -The study of foreign language will increase world awareness and acceptance of other peoples -The study of a foreign/classical language will help one better understand English -Languages are fun! -Languages have the potential to open future career doors -Spanish has been the most popular foreign language to study among students in the United States. Because it is pronounced as it is written, American students find that learning Spanish can be easier than learning other foreign languages. Spanish classes are challenging, but time is taken out to see films, sing Spanish songs, cook exotic dishes and learn about the cultural aspects of countries where Spanish is spoken. -French remains the official language of 39 countries worldwide. The study of French in the Middle School focuses on communication skills. Classes will be challenging but time will be taken to study culture, songs, games and other interesting activities at the sixth grade level. -Latin is alive and well and enrollment has been increasing steadily in the United States since 1995. It is the root of many foreign languages, including up to as much as 80% of our English vocabulary. The study of Latin in the Middle School includes the history and culture of Rome that laid the groundwork for our own government, laws, sports and entertainment. Latin classes are rigorous but time is taken out to sing, study mythology and increase vocabulary by the study of word derivations. During the scheduling process, we will try to honor each student`s first choice; however, we need to keep sections small enough to ensure that each student will have ample opportunities for practice in the target language. It is possible that staffing and schedule considerations may not allow us to honor your child`s first preference. We feel confident of the value and quality of all three choices, knowing that these languages will provide a strong experience for your child. Please be sure to submit your child`s foreign language choice during the upcoming conferences. As always, feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns. Sincerely, The Middle School Foreign Language Department We hope that this is all helpful information as you make your child`s foreign language decision for their Middle School years.