SOS - Spanish Outside School Program Overview 

Developed by the International Spanish Academy (ISA) Committee, the SOS Program has the following objectives:

  1. Students have fun in Spanish, practice speaking Spanish, and ultimately become more excited about speaking Spanish.  Overall, they ‘gain confidence through fun.’
  2. Integrate ISA community (ISA student coaches from Newport High School (NHS)).

For 6 Wednesday afternoons, 3rd, 4th and 5th grade Puesta del Sol students speak 100% Spanish and have fun doing it.  It's simple:  the teacher sets the framework, and ISA students from NHS guide the activities.  

"We develop a safe and casual place where interaction happens easily. The kids know what to expect, relax and naturally have fun playing games - all in Spanish."

“Activities are chosen to practice communication skills, acquire vocabulary, and in their execution, help build confidence through fun." 

"NHS students are instrumental - they keep kids on task, speaking Spanish, having fun - and model ISA success."

How SOS Makes a Difference

Parents of students in the 2016-17 SOS pilot saw a benefit for their children.

  • 97% felt their objectives for their children were achieved.
  • After only 6 weeks, they reported increases in their children's 
    • enjoyment speaking Spanish (+5%)
    • comfort speaking Spanish (+7%)
    • confidence speaking Spanish (+10%)
    • excitement about learning and speaking Spanish (+3%)
  • Importantly, 94% also said they would participate again and recommend it to others.

 Watch the video to see the program in action and hear the kids (and high school students) speak for themselves!

 

Read all about the 2016-17 pilot program in this Power Point presentation. 

 

Return to the main PTA Programs page.