Educational Programs at Orchard House
Languages
Latin
Fifth Grade:
Students are first introduced to the Latin language through the study of numbers one through twenty and Roman numerals. They spend time studying the Romance languages through various projects such as creating an "Indo-European" family tree. Through the discussion of the difference between singular and plural nouns and the introduction of basic conversation words in Latin, the students begin to build their Latin vocabulary. Additionally, they are introduced to the concepts of masculine, feminine, and neuter nouns, and how to go about making adjectives agree with each gender. Time is also spent during this course learning about Greek and Roman gods and goddesses.
Sixth Grade:
This course exposes the students to their first Latin textbook. The students begin developing their ability to make simple translations. They start to study the subject, the verb, and the direct object both in English and Latin sentences. Students also discuss the accusative case, different parts of speech, and begin diagramming Latin sentences. By the end of the year, they are able to tell the difference between the subject and the object in a Latin sentence and differentiate meaning by the word ending. Along with continuing to build their Latin vocabulary, students continue to work on grammar. The course also offers an opportunity for students to take a brief look at daily Roman life.
Latin 1A-B
Latin IA:
During the Latin IA course for the seventh grade, students continue to work towards gaining a solid basic Latin grammatical foundation. They further develop their ability to diagram sentence and focus on first, second, and third declension nouns. They also focus on first conjugation verbs and the present tense of the verb "to be." The course introduces students to working on verbs in both the active and entire passive systems. In addition, students are exposed to cultural aspects of different portions of ancient Roman life.
Latin 1B:
The Latin IB course for the eighth grade year offers students the chance to build strength and confidence in Latin grammar, to work towards the completion of the active system of Latin verbs, to develop the ability to consistently make strong translations, and to gain a solid vocabulary base. Students spend time extensively reviewing the Latin cases, present tense verbs, and sentence diagramming. During this course, they continue to learn first and second declension nouns and matching adjectives. The course also increases their verb knowledge to include both the imperfect and future tenses for "are" verbs, along with the imperfect and future tenses of the verb "to be."
Spanish 1A-B
Spanish IA:
Spanish IA is an introduction to basic structures of the Spanish language. Goals of the class include the development of beginning listening and reading comprehension, the acquisition of basic conversational skills, and the building of a solid vocabulary base related to everyday topics. Beginning grammar topics such as gender of nouns, correct adjective placement, noun-adjective and subject-verb agreement, and conjugation of regular verbs in the present tense are introduced. Students perform speaking, listening, reading, and writing exercises in class. Upon successful completion of Spanish IA and Spanish IB, students receive credit for high school Spanish I.
Spanish IB:
Spanish IB is a more in-depth exploration of basic structures of the Spanish language. Topics from Spanish IA are reviewed, and new vocabulary and grammar topics are introduced. Students continue the practice of grammar points such as gender of nouns, correct adjective placement, noun-adjective and subject-verb agreement, and conjugation of regular verbs in the present tense. Other grammar topics taught include object pronouns, commands, stem-changing and other irregular present-tense verbs, the present progressive and preterit tenses, and reflexive verbs. Students perform speaking, listening, reading, and writing exercises in class. Upon successful completion of Spanish IA and Spanish IB, students receive credit for high school Spanish I.
