Student Experience A Typical day at ISLA will involve the following: Arrival Staff members welcome students as they arrive and enter the building. Students and teachers greet one another informally and prepare for the day – homework and communication from home are turned in to the appropriate person, backpacks and jackets are stored before students gather in their classrooms. Morning Meeting Each classroom begins the day with a class morning meeting in which students greet one another and review the overall plan for the day. This meeting time is highly instrumental in setting the tone for the day, developing positive bonds among students and staff, and teaching social skills. Time spent teaching students to effectively interact with one another positively impacts learning experiences throughout the day. As students become accustomed to the morning meeting routine, and get to know each other better, the teacher may plan the activities of the morning meeting around the curriculum and current themes. This will be an ideal time not only to reinforce social skills, but to practice academic and Spanish language skills as well. Language Arts (90+ minutes daily) A reading program is followed to ensure consistency in skill building from one grade level to the next. Mornings will be structured to practice early reading skills in the primary grades and reading comprehension skills in the intermediate grades. Thematic teaching allows for more in-depth study of science and social studies topics while reinforcing reading skills throughout the day. While the major emphasis on reading skills will take place in the morning, these skills are reviewed throughout the day in various situations and presentations. Students explore literature through story time, finger plays, flannel board scenarios, student re-enactments, re-telling of stories to peers, etc. The many levels of reading skills are reinforced as students study various topics, the details of which depend upon the particular theme and student needs. Students also read a variety of genre including non-fiction texts and poetry. Written communication takes many forms, beginning with drawings and progressing to longer and more sophisticated written works. Mathematics (60+ minutes daily) Mathematics stands as an independent class, as well as taking an integrated form in the units of inquiry. Mathematics becomes real and meaningful for students at all levels due to the thematic approach. By integrating math with social studies and science, the diverse student interests and abilities can be met and challenged. Numbers and their relevance surround students. The ability to interact with one another while exploring mathematical aspects and skills heightens the level to which the students are able to grasp the concepts and expand their comprehension. Social Studies and Science Throughout the school day students are immersed in Spanish as they explore concepts related to social studies and science. Many of the units of inquiry revolve around science and social studies topics. Geography is an integral part of the social studies curriculum. Physical Education/Music/Art Students participate for 30 minutes per day in a music or physical education class taught by a Spanish-speaking specialist. One day a week involves a combination music/movement. Art is taught by the classroom teacher. Lunch/Recess Students have 30 minutes for lunch/recess period when they are monitored by educational assistants and additional staff when appropriate. Technology Two mobile computer labs are available for teacher checkout. Computers are used for keyboarding practice, research, on-line voice threads to practice reading, and other means of communicating with the Spanish-speaking world.
International Spanish Language Academy 12007 Excelsior Blvd. Minnetonka, MN 55343