Course Description
Spanish Level 1 (A and B)
Spanish I is a broad course designed to introduce the student to all aspects of foreign language study. Grammar, reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills are included. Cultural information is provided and taught throughout the duration of the course.
Students will do research on various cultural topics. This is achieved through group, partner and individual practice depending on the subject. We place emphasis on conversation, vocabulary, and correct usage of the language.
Correct pronunciation and oral proficiency are primary goals. This requires a daily focus on listening and speaking. The classroom experience will provide an appreciation and development of cultural awareness through various readings, media resources and authentic materials.
Our curriculum is based on ACTFL comprehension input suggested by the USBE, following the Utah World Language Core Standards for Proficiency. Additionally, the American Heritage Language Department included some activities that will help the students to immerse themselves in the language and get closer to the Savior through the Gospel principles.
Our Approach to World Languages
The approach to teaching World Languages at American Heritage School is based upon three primary goals. First, we desire to expose students to a diverse variety of cultures, ethnic traditions, and societies throughout the world. As is taught in the first of our Seven Principles of Liberty, we want students to learn to see that “all people are children of our Heavenly Father. Each child of God and all of God’s creations have a unique, divine purpose.” Second, we desire to expose students to different languages because of the long-term cognitive benefits of linguistic awareness and linguistic analysis. Third, we desire to expose students to different languages because it removes the fear of learning new languages and helps children believe that new language acquisition is not only possible, but also fun and exciting. In three words, these goals are tied to the “culture, cognition, and confidence” benefits that world language instruction provides. We also recognize that proficiency or even fluency are additional goals that some families have for their children. We have made thoughtful and measured allocations of school resources, class time, and student homework time to accomplish the three goals outlined above. We want to be clear that we do not expect our students to become proficient or fluent in a second language based purely upon these allocations of time and resources; however, where students and families would like to pursue language acquisition more than what is offered in our curricular courses, we encourage them to take advantage of extracurricular world language opportunities and resources available at AHS and elsewhere.
Course Details
Spanish
Sixth Grade Seventh Grade Eighth Grade
Course Objectives
- Build a foundational vocabulary in Spanish.
- Learn basic Spanish grammar, including verb conjugation and sentence structure.
- Develop listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills.
- Gain an understanding of Hispanic cultures and traditions.
- Engage in interactive activities to practice Spanish in real-world contexts.
Course Outline
UNIT 3 “I LIKE IT, I DO NOT LIKE IT”
UNIT 5 “MY FAMILY”
UNIT 6 “HAVING FUN IN MY SPARE TIME”
UNIT 7 “IT’S TIME TO EAT”
Coming soon.
Coming soon.
Mrs. Marleni Colvin (Spanish Level 1 A)
Marleni Colvin grew up in Lima, Peru, where she completed a licensure in elementary education and a bachelor’s degree in education from Villarreal University. She has worked and served in many leadership and cultural organizations in her country. In 2002, while working as a teacher, she represented Peru at an international conference centered on politics and youth in Seville, Spain. She also served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the jungles and mountains of Peru.
Marleni moved to the US in 2012 where she has continued her teaching career as a Spanish teacher with experience in all educational levels.
In 2023, she finished a master’s degree in language and arts in Spanish at Idaho State University.
She also completed a Cyber Pedagogy program at the University of Utah and was also a presenter at the inaugural ARCONEXIONES educational conference organized by Idaho State University.
As part of her professional development, she is a member of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) and the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese (AATSP). She has also trained with international Spanish language schools in Spain since 2023.
In 2024 she partnered with International Spanish schools in Salamanca and Seville, Spain, and created an immersion program to help American students to improve their Spanish knowledge through academic and cultural experiences in that country.
Marleni loves to spend time with her family and explore new places and different cultures. She likes to dance, especially traditional Peruvian dances and to listen to music.
Mrs. Silvia Murillo (Spanish Level 1 B)