Curriculum/Methodology

Curriculum

The main goal at Qué Tal Language Program is to develop communication skills in the Spanish language through meaningful and non-threatening experiences.   We have adopted the “Viva el español” program from McGraw Hill Companies to teach children from Kindergarten through fourth grade.  This is a program especially designed for elementary students and incorporates two major methodologies:  the natural approach and Total Physical Response.   Qué Tal also supplements each level with additional material from multiple sources.  Cultural activities are a crucial component to the program.

At fifth grade, the students are introduced to a different curriculum called Realidades from Pearson Company.  This is a more structured curriculum that allows us to continue working on the communication while providing more specifics in grammar, reading and writing skills.  Middle School students continue working with this curriculum.

Methodology

At Qué Tal we incorporate two major methodologies: the Natural Approach and the Total Physical Response (TPR) Approach.

In the Natural Approach the main goal is to provide plenty of comprehensive “inputs” in low anxiety situations to promote learning and acquisition of the language.  The use of the target language is fundamental. 

TPR introduces the language through the use of commands and has students demonstrate their understanding through action responses.  Again, the objective is to lower the level of stress while building the students self confidence.

Ultimately, the combination of these methodologies results in a more natural and positive attitude towards learning the language.