Spanish
The Spanish curriculum at the Centerpoint School has several goals. First, we want students to understand that language is an important means of understanding and appreciating another culture. We also want our students to study Spanish to develop confidence and beginning skills in Spanish. Finally, we believe that the study of a foreign language helps children understand that all languages have a structure, that there is a general set of rules that are common to all languages, and that understanding these rules can help us understand not only Spanish but other languages, including English.

The Centerpoint Spanish program utilizes a native speaking individual selected through the Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA) Program. This individual stays with a Centerpoint family for the year and offers instruction to our K through 5th grade students. Each year the Centerpoint Spanish Taskforce selects a new teaching assistant.
The program begins with oral language study designed to help children develop an “ear” for the sounds of Spanish. Students learn common phrases and essential vocabulary through classroom conversations, drama, role-playing, games and singing. In 4th and 5th grade, students continue building their oral and written language skills and are introduced to some of the grammatical structure of the language.

The Spanish curriculum includes opportunities to learn about some aspects of Latino history and culture. Students are introduced to traditions from Spanish speaking countries and learn a variety of traditional and contemporary practices.
Currently, Centerpoint is the only elementary school in the White Bear District that offers a weekly Spanish curriculum for students.

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