The Elementary Spanish Program of the Windsor Central Supervisory Union seeks to equip students with communication skills in Spanish, to provide them with the perspectives of those countries where Spanish is spoken, and to prepare them for success in a multilingual economy and society. We understand that language is an innate human capability from which all students benefit. The study of World Languages is an interdisciplinary pursuit that intrinsically gives students a global perspective; students gain an increased knowledge of their relationship to the world by developing an appreciation for other viewpoints and a deeper understanding of their own culture and the world.
Elaine Leibly teaches Spanish at WES; she has been teaching elementary Spanish for eleven years. She is co-chair of the Vermont Foreign Language Association, and co-chair of the Vermont Seal of Biliteracy Initiative.
Contact Elaine with any questions: eleibly@wcsu.net
What to Expect in Spanish Class
The instructional methods used in class are based on Dr. Stephen Krashen’s idea that “we acquire language when we understand messages; when we understand what people tell us and when we understand what we read.” These methods are proven to be effective based on Second Language Acquisition research from the last four decades.
Effective communication is our goal. We will listen, read, write, and speak in Spanish, using that language to explore our own, Spanish-speaking, and ancient cultures. We use useful language in the class so that we are prepared to communicate in the real world, focusing our interactions on what each student needs, knows, and can do now, and what each student needs to move forward.
Your child we read, listen, and respond as able in Spanish. Your child will not memorize vocabulary, practice verb conjugations, or learn about Spanish in English.
What you can do to help:
Be a student: Ask your child to share with you in Spanish what we are doing in class.
Notice Spanish: Help your child see the Spanish and other languages being used in the community.
Practice curiosity: Ask English language learners to share their stories with you!
Elaine Leibly, known to students as Señora, lives in Woodstock with her husband, two teenage daughters, and best furry friend Snickers. A few of her favorite things are spending time with family, putting together new outfits, and working in my garden.