NPS Middle School World Languages
For Families of Incoming 6th Graders
Welcome Families
Acquire Another Language in Middle School
Middle School is an exciting time with opportunities to explore new interests. During their 6th grade year, NPS students begin their journey to acquire linguistic and cultural proficiency in a language in addition to English. Proficiency in one or more world languages will empower all students to use languages other than English to tell their own stories, understand the stories of others, and engage with their communities.
The languages we offer in middle school are:
- Mandarin Chinese
- French
- Italian (offered at F.A. Day and Bigelow only)
- Spanish
With some exceptions, all incoming middle school students are expected to study a world language. Students will study the same world language for all three years of middle school. Language choices will be made during the first weeks of March after families have learned more about our middle school programs and offerings.
Instruction in the Middle Schools
Acquisition Driven Instructional Model
In the middle schools, we teach using acquisition driven instructional practices. In this model, students acquire their language of study in a very similar way to how they acquired their home language or languages; by listening to and reading comprehensible language. We know that in order to produce language, students need lots of oral and written language input. This is why, from day one, educators engage students in the language of study through easy to understand conversations, stories, songs and leveled texts on topics of interest and relevance. Cultural content is embedded in the majority of instructional resources we use.
With this process, students gradually acquire vocabulary and language structures through cultural and personally relevant content. While the rate of language acquisition will vary, most students will leave middle school understanding and communicating at a novice high level of proficiency as defined by ACTFL (The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages) and reflected in the MA Curriculum Frameworks. Please see the NPS K-12 Curriculum Website for additional information on curriculum, learning targets and articulation 6-12.
Choosing Languages
Which World Language Should My Child Take?
We ask that students consider two languages that they would like to study at a beginning level and let us know if there is a strong preference for one of them. Students are guaranteed one of their two choices.
Each language we offer has unique advantages, whether it’s cultural exploration, career opportunities, or expanding one's global understanding! Below are just some of the many benefits of studying each language. We encourage you to research further on your own and discuss your child's interests and preferences with them.
You may have additional questions not addressed in this newsletter. Please see this link for other Frequently Asked Questions about our programming.
- For additional questions about Middle School programming please contact Alison Tarbell, Curriculum Coordinator of Middle School World Languages
- For additional Questions about language placement at a particular school, please contact the school's principal.