¡Viva! Live the Learning en Español

In Grade 4 Spanish, students build on the skills developed in earlier years with a curriculum that prepares them for the world language program in Middle School and keeps learning interactive and fun. The program begins with skills such as greetings, introductions, and geography before moving into more complex themes like family and descriptions, holidays, and cultural traditions in Spain and Latin America. Students practice grammar concepts such as pronouns, the verb “ser” (“to be”), and adjectives to describe themselves and others.

Reading is central, with students progressing from short passages to “Capibara con Botas,” a novel written for young learners, and later experiencing “Don Quixote” through a Reader’s Theater performance. Along the way, puppet shows, movement games, cooking activities, campus parades, and lip-sync performances make the language come alive and more memorable.

By the end of the year, fourth graders can introduce themselves, describe people and places, ask and answer basic questions, and read and understand stories in Spanish. More importantly, they experience the confidence that comes from communicating in another language.

The first unit in Grade 4, “Where Are You From?”, invites students to explore Spanish-speaking countries and capitals, practice introductions, and learn about Hispanic Heritage Month. This fall, that same exploration of identity and culture culminated in a Lower School assembly where every class represented a Spanish-speaking country.

 

While Lower School students gather for assemblies each month, this one took on a special focus: a joyful event that united Pre-K through Grade 4 in showcasing their Spanish learning through music, movement, and community.

In the weeks leading up to the event, classes had the opportunity to explore Spanish-speaking countries and cultures. Many learned about geography, history, and traditions before representing their country at the assembly. Inspired by the Grade 4 Spanish curriculum, the experience connected classroom learning across the Lower School.

When the day arrived, the gym was full of excitement. A roll call opened the program as each class proudly cheered for its country. Emcees Señora Piedad Rodríguez and Señorita Angélica Andazola guided the event, which recognized the collective effort of the Lower School while giving Grade 4 students, leaders of the division, an opportunity to shine.

Grade 4 led the community in singing the Graland song in Spanish and later joined professional performers to try Capoeira, the Afro-Brazilian art form that combines martial arts, acrobatics, dance, and music. The rest of the Lower School joined in from the audience, clapping and singing along.

The assembly also highlighted the strength of the Graland community. Director of Equity and Inclusivity Oscar Gonzalez opened with a greeting in Spanish and spoke about the significance of Hispanic Heritage Month. Longtime custodian Juan Arturo Aragon performed a song on guitar, prompting students to form hearts with their hands before presenting him with handmade cards and gifts in gratitude for his many years of service. Facilities team member Jorge Ramirez, who practices Capoeira, joined the visiting troupe in performing, showing students how personal passions can be expressed and celebrated together.

For Grade 4, the assembly was an opportunity to lead, to show their confidence, and to present how learning Spanish extends beyond the classroom.

 

Through their Spanish studies, Lower School students don’t just learn words and phrases. They learn to communicate, understand others, and take pride in their growth. The Lower School assembly brought that to life, showing how lessons from the classroom can grow into experiences that connect the entire community. Graland’s Spanish program reminds students that learning is meant to be lived, shared, and celebrated together.