5 Questions with Rocío Zeiler
Rocío Zeiler is the chair of Graland’s world language department and a Master Teacher with almost 30 years of teaching experience at Graland. She is well-equipped to describe how the language program progresses from lower to middle school, preparing students for high school and beyond.
Rocío Zeiler is the chair of Graland’s world language department and a Master Teacher with almost 30 years of teaching experience at Graland. She is well-equipped to describe how the language program progresses from lower to middle school, preparing students for high school and beyond.
What is the value of learning a second language?
Proficiency in a language, other than one’s native language, is essential in today’s global world. Communication is a lifelong skill necessary to understanding other cultures.
What is the objective of Spanish instruction in the Lower School?
The Lower School world language program exposes students to Spanish and builds foundational skills. More importantly, it instills a love and passion for the language and an appreciation for Spanish cultures around the world. It is important that students understand that Spanish is not just a subject they are taking in school; teachers communicate this through hands-on learning like gardening, cooking, and visiting the farmer’s market where students can see Spanish being used in the real world.
How does the world language program evolve starting in Grade 5?
We offer a choice of French and Spanish to our middle schoolers with a four-year commitment to one language. In addition to the cultural aspect of the curriculum, students develop receptive and expressive language proficiency. Vocabulary acquisition and grammatical skills are taught through aural, written, speaking and reading using a variety of authentic materials. We also encourage all students to appreciate different cultural perspectives in order to become culturally competent and global citizens.
How do students know which language to select?
In fourth grade, all students are given an exposure to French in six mini-lessons. They learn songs, days of the week, colors, numbers and how to introduce themselves. Some decide they have invested several years in learning Spanish and want to continue. Others want to try something new. For the first time in my 29 years at Graland, more students chose French than Spanish last year.
How do you assess their language skills?
We use a rubric that includes five essential skills, all equal in importance: vocabulary, grammar, reading and listening comprehension, speaking, and writing. The rubric is based on a scale of fluency ranging from emerging to exemplary, and it encourages a growth mindset by allowing students to focus on skill progression, not just grades. For example, a student who is “proficient” in the speaking skill can see what areas of skill development are needed to progress to the exemplary level. It also grows their confidence because they can be proud of the skills that they are excelling in.
By eighth grade, language students are able to develop creative essays using previously acquired vocabulary and grammar. They can effectively think in the language, have a good grasp of pronunciation, and can hold conversations. Many of our students test into Spanish 3 or French 3 as freshmen in high school.
Graland Country Day School
Graland Country Day School is a private school in Denver, Colorado, serving students in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school. Founded in Denver in 1927, Graland incorporates a rich, experiential learning approach in a traditional classroom setting, emphasizing the development of globally and socially conscious leaders who excel academically.
