World Language

Dawson’s World Languages Department provides students with language skills and understanding needed to communicate and thrive in today’s interconnected world. By encouraging students to stretch their comfort zones, achieve proficiency in a chosen world language, and develop a deep appreciation for diverse cultures, Dawson’s language teachers aspire to motivate curious and compassionate global citizens.

French A

This is a beginning course in French language and culture. This year, some of the topics we will be focusing on include greetings, leisure time, school, housing, family, food, clothing, and more. In addition, we will be doing cultural projects, a presentation on Paris, and reading a variety of short stories. Vocabulary and new structures are acquired in context.TPRS is a common method for introducing and practicing grammar and vocabulary. Therefore, a primary focus of this class is on oral comprehension and proficiency. Throughout the year, I would like the students to be able to speak simply about themselves and the world around them.
French B

This is a beginning/ intermediate course in French language and culture. It is designed to focus on the five language standards: speaking, reading, writing, listening, and cultural understanding. Some of the topics we focus on include greetings, leisure time, school, housing, family, food, clothing, and more. In addition, we do cultural projects and read a variety of short stories. Vocabulary and new structures are acquired in context. One of the primary focuses of this class is oral proficiency. Throughout the year, the students speak simply about themselves and the world around them.
French C

This course is a continuation of French B. It is designed to focus on the five language standards: speaking, reading, writing, listening, and cultural understanding. This class will expose students to a wide variety of practical French vocabulary, as well as integrate intermediate level reading and writing. We will spend the year reviewing and building upon last year’s material—namely “er,” "ir," and irregular verb conjugations, describing people, time, weather, body parts, housing, foods, and clothing. The difference this year, however, is that the vocabulary and phrases to talk about these topics will be expanded and advanced. More sophisticated language and detail is expected at this level. "RE" verbs as well as other important irregular verbs will also be presented. The past and imperfect tenses will be introduced as well as direct and indirect pronouns and reflexive verbs. Students will be expected to speak, write, and read in the present and past tenses. Students will also be exposed to a variety of paired and group work, so there will be a lot of classroom interaction. In addition, students will research and present a project on a historical figure and artist that has influenced French and world history.
Mandarin A

The Mandarin A course is designed to lay a foundation for developing students’ proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. This is primarily accomplished through listening to stories, talking, singing songs, chanting rhymes, playing games, reading storybooks, and doing movements by following commands. Students will be able to use Mandarin to engage in simple conversation, understand and interpret spoken and written language, present information, and grasp basic understanding about Chinese language and culture.

Students spend the first part of the year reviewing basic language topics including: numbers, greetings, methods of self-introduction, designations for family members, names of nations, people & languages, body parts, and vocabulary for classroom activities and commands (stand up, sit down, etc.). We also learn many adjectives, stative and directional verbs (at, attend, come, go), measure words, and how to tell time and date. Of course, the course also covers important grammatical concepts (such as the particle “le”) and compound sentences (such as cause & effect).

Students also use storybooks to practice reading Chinese characters, to learn to identify word compounds in reading, and to learn to identify major question words in sentences. At the same time we review the important principles of identifying radicals (roots) in the Chinese writing system and practice writing Chinese characters they learned in context.

Regarding culture, students learn how Chinese celebrate Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) and the twelve Zodiac animals, spring couplets, and foods significant in Chinese culture. Students watch dragon & lion dance and other festive performances on video, have the opportunity to taste delicious Chinese snacks and foods, and receive a red package (Hóng Bāo) with real Ren Min Bi (authentic paper currency from China). The class also has a field trip to the Confucius Institute in Denver where students learn Chinese history, culture, and geography. They also learn to make Chinese dumplings, and do Chinese paper cutting and painting. A highlight of the trip is lunch at a Chinese restaurant in Denver where students enjoy tasting a variety of authentic Cantonese food and snacks. The course also includes several Chinese movies and videos of interview of influential figures in China. Through these videos and the following discussions students will learn much about Chinese history, culture, family relationships, education, and societal values. When possible, students also interact with exchange students from the Yucai School from China.
Mandarin B

The Mandarin B course builds on language skills developed in Mandarin A. Our goal is to continue developing students’ proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. We do so through constant communication in the classroom using Chinese in a variety of ways such as talking, interactive activities, singing songs, chanting rhymes, listening to stories, and reading storybooks.

Students spend the first part of the year reviewing basic language topics including: numbers, greetings, methods of self-introduction, designations for family members, names of nations, people & languages, telling time, and vocabulary for classroom activities and commands. We also learn many adjectives, stative and directional verbs (at, attend, come, go), measure words, and how to tell time and date. The course also reinforces and develops more important grammatical concepts and compound sentences through learning stories.

Students practice reading Chinese characters and identify major question words and word compounds in reading. At the same time we review the important principles of identifying radicals (roots) in the Chinese writing system and continue to practice writing Chinese characters.

Regarding culture, students learn how Chinese celebrate Lunar New Year (Spring Festival). Students learn the twelve Zodiac animals, spring couplets, and foods significant in Chinese culture. Students watch dragon & lion dance and other festive performances on video, have the opportunity to taste delicious Chinese snacks and foods, and receive a red package (Hóng Bāo) with real Ren Min Bi (authentic paper currency from China). The course also includes several Chinese movies and video of interviews with influential figures in China. Through these videos and the following discussions students can learn much about Chinese history, culture, family relationships, education, and societal values. When possible, students also interact with exchange students from the Yucai School from China.
Mandarin C

Mandarin C is a continuation of Mandarin B. This course builds on language skills developed in Mandarin B and Mandarin A. Students will develop more complex conversational, reading and writing skills with greater exposure to authentic Chinese materials of both spoken and written. The class will also expose students to important aspects of Chinese culture, society and history through media.

Students spend the first part of the year reviewing basic language topics including: numbers, greetings, methods of self-introduction, designations for family members, names of nations, occupations, people & languages, vocabulary for classroom activities and commands. We also learn more frequently used adjectives, stative and directional verbs, measure words, and how to negotiate about time to make appointment. The course reinforces and develops important grammatical structures and reading skills through learning stories where students practice reading Chinese characters and identifying major question words and word compounds in sentences. At the same time, we review the important principles of identifying radicals (roots) in the Chinese writing system and continue to practice writing Chinese characters. Moreover, students will practice typing characters in order to strengthen their reading and pinyin skills.

Regarding culture, students learn how Chinese celebrate Chinese New Year (Spring Festival), the twelve Zodiac animals, spring couplets, and foods significant in Chinese culture. Students watch dragon & lion dance and other festive performances on video, have the opportunity to taste delicious Chinese snacks and foods, and receive a red package (Hóng Bāo) with real Ren Min Bi (authentic paper currency from China). The course also includes several Chinese movies and videos of interviews with influential figures in China. Through these videos and the following discussions students learn much about Chinese history, culture, family relationships, education, and societal values. When possible, students also interact with exchange students from Yucai School in China.
Spanish A

The goal of Spanish A is to foster communication in Spanish and engage students in various Spanish-speaking cultures, including the Spanish-speaking communities within the United States. Students are introduced to present tense verb conjugations, including a handful of irregular verbs and learn to use them to express themselves through meaningful speech and writing. One of the highlights of Spanish A is going on a language immersion field trip in which students have the opportunity to practice their spoken Spanish with native speakers in a variety of places, including a panaderia, a supermarket, and restaurant.
Spanish B

Spanish B is a course that provides students with the tools and practice needed to become confident Spanish speakers. Over the course of the year, students solidify grammar fundamentals, master the present tense, and become comfortable with the preterite tense. Through the use of books, class plays, storytelling, games, activities, and conversation, Spanish B students greatly improve their reading, writing, speaking, and comprehension. They learn the grammar fundamentals in context and then naturally incorporate them into written and spoken communication. Students also build a more robust vocabulary, with an emphasis on high-frequency and connecting words.
Spanish C

Spanish C builds on topics studied in Spanish B. In Spanish C, students will review and consolidate previously learned Spanish concepts, learn more complex verb tenses, and expand their vocabulary. Students will also continue to practice their speaking, writing, listening, and reading skills in the language's natural context. The majority of class will be conducted in Spanish, and students are expected to speak to their teacher and other classmates in Spanish. Highlights of Spanish C include an interview project with a native Spanish speaker in the United States, a music video project, and in-class games and challenges. This course is designed to prepare students to enter into Spanish II in the Upper School.

Curriculum Detail

World Language

French A

French B

French C

Mandarin A

Mandarin B

Mandarin C

Spanish A

Spanish B

Spanish C

Department Faculty

Select a Department