21^st CENTURY

Foreign Languages Exploratory Programs (FLEX)

Content Standards and Objectives (Grades 6 and below)

Janet Benincosa, TI Specialist

An introduction to foreign language learning is the primary focus of the Foreign Language Exploratory Program (FLEX). FLEX provides an awareness of world cultures, an opportunity to communicate in another language, on a limited basis and a motivation for subsequent language study. The study of world languages enhances 21^st century career opportunities. Exploratory foreign language study is intended to be the beginning of a long-term sequence and an integral part of the middle school core curriculum.

Exploratory students are exposed to basic conversational vocabulary. They repeat and imitate the sounds of the target language and engage in memorized, short conversations. They learn about foods, holidays, customs and family traditions of the target culture(s).

Use of the five standards of foreign language learning (Communication, Culture, Connections, Comparisons, and Communities) and their objectives will provide beginning second language students with a preparatory base for continued study in articulated world language courses where knowledge and skills acquired in FLEX are maintained and expanded.

The following WV 21^st Century Content Standards and Objectives serve as a model for six or nine week programs at the middle school level, grades 6 and below. FLEX students attain a level of proficiency appropriate to their maturity level and to the length of the program.

The West Virginia Standards for 21st Century Learning include the following components:

21st Century Content Standards and Objectives and 21st Century Learning Skills and Technology Tools. 

All West Virginia teachers are responsible for classroom instruction that integrates learning skills, technology tools and content standards and objectives. 

FLEX		Foreign Languages Exploratory
Standard: 1		Communication
FL.S.FLEX.1		Students will communicate using both spoken and written forms of the target language to demonstrate a wide range of skills including: Interpersonal-interacting with others to provide and obtain information; Interpretive-understanding and interpreting what one reads, hears or views (not translation); Presentational-delivering information in spoken and written forms, tailoring it to the intended audience. Languages that use a Non-Roman alphabet, such as Chinese, Japanese and Russian, may require more time to develop reading and writing skills.
	Objectives		Students will:
	Interpersonal		listening, speaking, reading and writing
	FL.O.FLEX.1.01		greet and make introductions, farewells and exchange courtesies.
	FL.O.FLEX.1.02		exchange basic information about familiar topics (e.g., personal needs, feelings, like and dislikes, biographical information).
	FL.O.FLEX.1.03		identify objects in the immediate environment.
	Interpretive		listening and reading
	FL.O.FLEX.1.04		follow simple directions, instructions and commands to participate in classroom and cultural activities.
	FL.O.FLEX.1.05		recognize words and phrases in authentic oral and written samples.
	FL.O.FLEX.1.06		comprehend the topic of short, familiar conversations and passages.
	Presentational		speaking and writing
	FL.O.FLEX.1.07		imitate intonation and pronunciation.
	FL.O.FLEX.1.08		perform excerpts from the target language (e.g., songs, proverbs, idioms, tongue-twisters).
	FL.O.FLEX.1.09		write and/or illustrate familiar words and phrases.

FLEX		Foreign Languages Exploratory
Standard: 2		Culture
FL.O.FLEX.2		Students will demonstrate knowledge, understanding and appreciation of other cultures and of the relationship among the following: Perspectives-ideas, meanings, attitudes, values and beliefs; Practices-patterns of social interactions; and Contributions-literature, art, music, foods, exports, and leisure activities.
	Objectives		Students will:
	FL.O.FLEX.2.01		identify common objects and symbols generally associated with the target culture(s).
	FL.O.FLEX.2.02		identify daily routines of the target culture.
	FL.O.FLEX.2.03		note commonly-held attitudes and beliefs of the target culture(s).
	FL.O.FLEX.2.04		explore widely known contributions from the target culture(s).
	FL.O.FLEX.2.05		recognize language and behaviors appropriate to the target culture(s).

FLEX		Foreign Language Exploratory
Standard: 3		Connections
FL.S.FLEX.3		Students will: acquire information and make connections to other disciplines recognize the distinctive viewpoints that are available only through a languages and its culture(s).
	Objectives	Students will:
	FL.O.FLEX.3.01	identify or recognize words commonly used in English from the target language.
	FL.O.FLEX.3.02	identify concepts and skills learned in the target language classroom which connect to other disciplines.
	FLEX	Foreign Languages Exploratory
	Standard: 4	Comparisons
	FL.S.FLEX.4	Students will: develop insights into the complex nature and interaction of language by comparing native and target languages. develop insights into the complex nature and interaction of culture by comparing native and target languages.
	Objectives	Students will:
	FL.O.FLEX.4.01	recognize similarities and differences in the sound-symbol associations* (e.g., sounds of alphabet letters, pronunciation rules) of English and the target language.
	FL.O.FLEX.4.02	identify cognates* in the target language.
	FL.O.FLEX.4.03	identify commonly known similarities and differences in perspectives and practices of the target culture (e.g., meal times, foods, school day).

FLEX		Foreign Languages Exploratory
Standard: 4		Communities
FL.S.FLEX.5		Students will: participate in multilingual settings at home and in the global community become life-long learners by using the target language within and beyond the school setting; and for enjoyment, enrichment and growth.
	Objectives		Students will:
	FL.O.FLEX.5.01		participating when possible, in appropriate activities related to the target culture.
	FL.O.FLEX.5.02		look for opportunities to use the target language beyond the school setting.
	FL.O.FLEX.5.03		explore careers in which knowledge of another language and its culture are needed.