The purpose of this learning experience is to engage first-grade students in a project that highlights the unique aspects of their school's Spanish Immersion Program through storytelling and community interaction. By crafting bilingual storybooks and participating in a Spanish Immersion Open House, students will develop narrative writing skills, practice effective communication, and gain a deeper understanding of goods and services related to education. This project fosters a sense of identity and belonging, encouraging students to reflect on their learning and share it with their families and community, thereby enhancing their self-directed learning and critical thinking abilities.
Learning goals
Students will develop narrative writing skills by crafting bilingual storybooks that highlight personal experiences within the Spanish Immersion Program. They will enhance their communication abilities through peer feedback sessions and practice presentations, focusing on storytelling techniques such as clarity and expression. Additionally, students will gain a deeper understanding of the unique aspects of the Spanish Immersion Program and learn to share this knowledge effectively with their community during the Open House event.
Standards
[California] 1.6.2 - Identify the specialized work that people do to manufacture, transport, and market goods and services and the contributions of those who work in the home. Course: Grade Two History-Social Science Content Standards
[California] L.1.1 - Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
[California] L.1.2 - Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.
[California] W.1.3 - Write narratives in which they recount two or more appropriately sequenced events, include some details regarding what happened, use temporal words to signal event order, and provide some sense of closure.
[California] W.1.2 - Write informative/explanatory texts in which they name a topic, supply some facts about the topic, and provide some sense of closure.
Competencies
Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.
Content Expertise - Students develop key competencies, skills, and dispositions with ample opportunities to apply knowledge and engage in work that matters to them.
Effective Communication - Students practice listening to understand, communicating with empathy, and share their learning through exhibiting, presenting and reflecting on their work.
Products
Students will create bilingual storybooks that capture personal anecdotes and experiences from the Spanish Immersion Program. These storybooks will be crafted with attention to narrative structure, using temporal words and clear event sequences. Additionally, students will design posters or informational books that highlight different aspects of the program, which will be showcased during the Open House. These products will be shared with families and community partners, allowing students to communicate their learning effectively.
Launch
Kick off the project with a vibrant 'Cultural Treasure Hunt' where students explore various stations around the school that highlight the unique aspects of the Spanish Immersion Program. These stations could include engaging language games, lively cultural music, and interactive traditional crafts, all guided by alumni and community partners. This immersive experience will spark curiosity and excitement, setting the stage for students to delve deeper into the program's offerings and begin crafting their narrative projects.
Exhibition
During the 'Spanish Immersion Open House,' students will lead interactive tours and present their bilingual storybooks to families and community partners. They will engage visitors with storytelling sessions, showcasing their narratives and personal experiences in the Spanish Immersion Program. The event will feature student-led activities, such as language games and cultural performances, to highlight the program's unique offerings.
