World Languages: 

As is the case with Rudolf Steiner/Waldorf education worldwide, the teaching of at least two other languages besides the language of instruction is an important component of the Greenwood curriculum. The study of world languages is structured along three main outcomes: First, foreign language study has a practical, utilitarian goal of being able to understand another language through listening, reading, and being able to express oneself with a good degree of fluency in speaking and writing. Second, in the global village of the 21st century, foreign language instruction serves to introduce students to the character, customs and traditions, literature, culture, geography, and history of the peoples who speak other languages. Students gain insight into different ways of viewing the world, and thus broaden their own perspectives. Third, the study of other languages benefits physiological, cognitive development that supports flexibility in thinking.

Spanish
In the state of California, the teaching of Spanish is a political, economic, and cultural imperative. The history of this region is a study of the intricate interplay of colonial Spanish, Mexican and American traditions and influences, and the state has been a center for immigration from Central and South America for many decades. Spanish is offered throughout the grades with the aim of making it possible for students to enter high school in the Spanish 2 track of the California public school system/ private high school of their choice. The oral work is the key to learning Spanish in the early grades. Songs, poems, rhymes, tongue twisters, counting, group games, and other activities provide opportunities to experience Spanish language and the Spanish cultures of the Americas. In the later grades, knowledge of the language continues through oral and written work, including an introduction to Spanish grammar and literature. To enhance our students’ experience of the culture, the entire school comes together to celebrate El Día de los Muertos, “The Day of the Dead” festival each year.

Mandarin & Arabic
In preparing our students to be not only citizens of one of the United States of America, but also to be citizens of the world in the manner of Steiner/Waldorf education generally, Greenwood offers opportunities for each student to study a second world language. Students in grades one through four are introduced to either Mandarin or Arabic. As is the case with the teaching of Spanish, the instruction of Arabic and Mandarin is enlivened by songs, stories, drama, poems, rhymes, tongue twisters, counting, group games, and cultural experiences. Greenwood students celebrate Chinese New Year each year to enhance their cultural experience of the Mandarin language.