At Grymes we encourage the study of foreign language as a vital part of one's education.
Spanish has been selected as the primary foreign language of instruction based upon the changing demographics of our country as well as our local community. Grymes Spanish students enter high school with a firm grasp on the language and a curiosity about foreign lands and cultures.
The junior kindergarten through fourth grade program is designed to be engaging and fun and to excite children about foreign language and culture. Spanish lessons include vocabulary, grammar and culture in the form of dialogue, songs, games, stories, and projects. Children develop listening, speaking and retention skills through lessons about family, clothing, animals, weather, and holidays. They learn the alphabet, numbers, colors, days of the week and months of the year. Hispanic traditions are celebrated which inevitably leads to new foods to sample or make in class.
In the upper school, fifth graders learn about the twenty Spanish speaking countries. In addition to their study of South America, they add to their vocabulary covering the family, clothing and Spanish holidays. They begin to put more emphasis on grammar learning gender, articles and adjective agreement. Sixth graders study famous Hispanics, seasons, meals, the home and furniture. They create a family tree and concentrate on dialogue. Spanish is required of seventh and eighth graders. An equivalent of one year of high school Spanish is covered over the course of two years. Two different courses, one academic and one conversational, are offered for a variety of learning styles. Seventh graders practice grammar and usage through poems, autobiographies, travel brochures, and sports reports. Eighth graders study Equador, design a house, and write a chlidren's book which they share with kindergarteners. They also complete a research paper on a famous Hispanic. Much is learned about culture through its cuisine. Each class samples foods from Spanish-speaking countries and enjoys trying their hand at making dishes such as gazpacho, tortillas, tacos, and guacamole.