Footprints Academy offers three types of language instruction for our students; Spanish, Mandarin Chinese and American Sign Language.  Our primary goal with language instruction is to give our students a foundation upon which to build in the future.  Early language instruction has been shown to be very beneficial.

Spanish:  The primary goal of the Spanish program at Footprints Academy is to give students the opportunity to begin building a solid foundation in the language while paving a path towards beginning and developing levels of proficiency. This is accomplished by fostering learning through communication, culture, connections, comparisons, and communities. 

 

At each grade level, course content depends on various factors, which include, but are not limited to the following: grade level, previous knowledge of Spanish, class interests, special themes, and individual capabilities.  Work load, pace, and content can be expected to increase at each grade level.  Students learn the language through pictures, songs, stories, games, culture, group activities, individual activities, conversation, and technology.  In addition, students can expect to learn Spanish in a fun, comfortable environment as they are challenged to become active participants in this increasingly global world.  All classrooms (K-6) meet with a Spanish specialist teacher for a total of 90 minutes each week. 

 

Mandarin Chinese:  Any interested student may sign up to receive private Chinese language lessons before or after school.

 

Sign Language:  It is a goal at Footprints Academy to provide our students with many experiences in American Sign Language.  Classroom teachers incorporate sign into daily lessons and promote sensitivity.