FOREIGN LANGUAGES

French Studies

The French Program at Exploris Middle School strives to provide in-depth language learning in a fun-filled atmosphere. We use a communicative approach to language learning, incorporating student centered academic activities to achieve competency in listening, speaking, reading and writing. Students are encouraged to become comfortable and confident expressing themselves in French.

Over a three-year period, we complete a first year high school grammar text. In addition to our grammar component, elements of French culture are presented through music, food, the arts and guest speakers. Students do research projects in which they present information on a variety of topics related to the Francophone world. Additionally, we take a series of thematic field trips, which allow students to apply the language skills they have acquired.

This year, we will visit a French pastry shop. We will also attend the Wake County French Festival, a day-long language competition which allows students to exhibit fluency in an enthusiastic community-wide event.

Spanish Studies

The Spanish program at Exploris offers students a refreshing perspective on the culture and language of the Spanish speaking world. Embracing diversity is at the core of the three year journey. Language components include all written, spoken, reading and listening elements while cultural elements are woven throughout the curriculum. Students enjoy an academically rich, fun and interesting experience studying Spanish. The program is designed so that upon successful completion, students will be eligible for Spanish II in high school.

Several hands on thematic projects are used to enrich the curriculum. For example, students build a Spanish city to learn relevant vocabulary, they participate in a poetry/art slams to interpret the works of poets or artists such as Frida Kahlo. Students shop for groceries to cook Spanish paella. They even learn to dance salsa from Colombia. Creative skits, songs, and literature are all used throughout the year. Several field trips including the El Greco to Velazquez exhibit at Duke, instructing Kindergarteners at area schools, attending naturalization ceremonies, and delivering homemade piñatas to local missions are all part of making Spanish a "living language". We also participate in the Triangle Foreign Language Festival, where students experience Spanish in many forms through a fabulous community event.

There is something for every learning style in the Spanish Program at Exploris. Bienvenidos!