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Spanish

A group of Lower Elementary students plays Loteria with our Spanish Specialist

At Montessori de Terra Linda, Spanish is both a language of communication and a bridge to culture, connection, and curiosity.

A Montessori Approach to Language

Spanish learning at MdTL is rooted in Montessori principles of autonomy, exploration, and purposeful work. Children engage in small-group lessons, cultural projects, songs, and conversational practice that build skills naturally and meaningfully. Rather than relying on rote memorization, students encounter Spanish in contexts that are social, interactive, and developmentally appropriate. Our Spanish curriculum is informed by California’s World Language Standards.

Did You Know?

California’s World Languages Standards emphasize real-world communication and cultural understanding, not rote memorization. Students build listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills through meaningful, authentic use of language—an approach that aligns beautifully with Montessori principles of hands-on, purposeful learning.

Spanish in Practice at MdTL

Pre-Primary: Children have daily exposure to Spanish through simple vocabulary and songs, as both the Head Teacher and Assistant are bilingual. These students do not, however, work with our Spanish specialist.
 

Primary: Our Spanish specialist joins each Primary classroom one afternoon per week, engaging afternoon children in joyful Spanish circle time, songs, and language games that offer early exposure and foster enthusiasm for the language.

Elementary:

At the Elementary level, our Spanish specialist spends one afternoon a week in each classroom, working with children in small groups. Like all Montessori lessons, Spanish Lessons are designed for independent follow-up work so students can practice and deepen their understanding throughout the week.

  • Lower Elementary: Students build a foundation through phonetics, vocabulary, and storytelling. Games, songs, and role-play encourage conversation, while numeracy, calendar work, and cultural exploration add richness.
  • Upper Elementary: Students expand into practical language use, reading and writing activities, and deeper cultural studies. Projects might include researching Spanish-speaking countries, cooking regional dishes, or presenting cultural traditions to classmates.

Open Studio Integration: Spanish materials and cultural activities are woven into our Open Studio space, where students can explore independently through art, music, and creative projects, available to students five mornings a week.

Cross-Curricular Connections: Spanish language elements also appear in PE, nature exploration, and whole-school celebrations, giving students authentic opportunities to use the language in joyful, meaningful ways.