Anonymous
Post 01/12/2023 10:17     Subject: Middle school electives
I wish our school would provide the option to spread one high-school language course over two years, Unfortunately you have to take it in one. That’s what makes me reluctant to do it in 6th grade.
Anonymous
Post 01/12/2023 10:12     Subject: Middle school electives
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:They don't have to do a language in 6th grade. (Until recently, it was only open to advanced students.) My daughter did chorus and orchestra. The problem with starting language in 6th grade is that you end up in AP language as a sophomore or junior -- it's great for kids who love languages to be able to get to level 6 or 7. But for kids who aren't super into languages, I think it pushes them into high level courses in HS which may be stressful for them when they are already stressed out about other classes.


Do HS kids have to take a foreign language throughout? I thought this was the argument against advanced math but have not heard it applied to foreign language. My 8th grader took Spanish 1 over 6th and 7th and is urging my 5th grader to take all of Spanish 1 in 6th grade. I'm reluctant because this goes on high school transcript and 6th grade is so young for that. (What I'm also not clear on is if it is just on transcript, or if its calculated into GPA?)


These are MCPS' reqs for graduation:
https://coursebulletin.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/publications/diplomarequirements.html

There is no absolute requirement for foreign language. Many colleges will expect it, though.
Anonymous
Post 01/12/2023 09:03     Subject: Middle school electives
Anonymous wrote:They don't have to do a language in 6th grade. (Until recently, it was only open to advanced students.) My daughter did chorus and orchestra. The problem with starting language in 6th grade is that you end up in AP language as a sophomore or junior -- it's great for kids who love languages to be able to get to level 6 or 7. But for kids who aren't super into languages, I think it pushes them into high level courses in HS which may be stressful for them when they are already stressed out about other classes.


Do HS kids have to take a foreign language throughout? I thought this was the argument against advanced math but have not heard it applied to foreign language. My 8th grader took Spanish 1 over 6th and 7th and is urging my 5th grader to take all of Spanish 1 in 6th grade. I'm reluctant because this goes on high school transcript and 6th grade is so young for that. (What I'm also not clear on is if it is just on transcript, or if its calculated into GPA?)
Anonymous
Post 01/12/2023 08:30     Subject: Middle school electives
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Depends on the child's interests and goals, as well as what activities the child has access to outside of school.

Foreign languages are great, but also be aware that there is debate over whether those middle school years can be used to fulfill the years of foreign language that colleges want: https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/30/1103864.page


So it sounds like taking too much foreign languages at middle school is actually doing harm than good?


False, if you want to get through the highest APs for FL you need to start in MS. Further, FL requires kids learn to study in ways other subjects don't at MS. I felt it helped prepare DC for HS.


Do you mean French Language by FL? Can you talk a bit about what was helpful in MS? We are thinking of havibg DC start with French next year in 6th. TIA!
Anonymous
Post 01/12/2023 08:10     Subject: Re:Middle school electives
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Some of this will depend on your particular MS, and their offerings/schedule. If it's an IB MYP school, they may have everyone take 3 years of world language classes by default. If the school has a block schedule with 8 class periods, you usually have room for world language plus two electives.


There is no MS in MCPA that requires language in 6th Grade.


Not required, but there are schools that expect/encourage 6th graders to start a world language, unless they are taking reading support classes.
Anonymous
Post 01/12/2023 08:03     Subject: Middle school electives
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Depends on the child's interests and goals, as well as what activities the child has access to outside of school.

Foreign languages are great, but also be aware that there is debate over whether those middle school years can be used to fulfill the years of foreign language that colleges want: https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/30/1103864.page


So it sounds like taking too much foreign languages at middle school is actually doing harm than good?


False, if you want to get through the highest APs for FL you need to start in MS. Further, FL requires kids learn to study in ways other subjects don't at MS. I felt it helped prepare DC for HS.
Anonymous
Post 01/12/2023 07:49     Subject: Re:Middle school electives
Anonymous wrote:Some of this will depend on your particular MS, and their offerings/schedule. If it's an IB MYP school, they may have everyone take 3 years of world language classes by default. If the school has a block schedule with 8 class periods, you usually have room for world language plus two electives.


There is no MS in MCPA that requires language in 6th Grade.
Anonymous
Post 01/12/2023 06:39     Subject: Re:Middle school electives
Some of this will depend on your particular MS, and their offerings/schedule. If it's an IB MYP school, they may have everyone take 3 years of world language classes by default. If the school has a block schedule with 8 class periods, you usually have room for world language plus two electives.
Anonymous
Post 01/12/2023 00:12     Subject: Middle school electives
That is great to know. My current 5th grader is interested in band and art, and already studies a heritage language, so would love to put off starting another language for at least another year.
Anonymous
Post 01/12/2023 00:06     Subject: Middle school electives
They don't have to do a language in 6th grade. (Until recently, it was only open to advanced students.) My daughter did chorus and orchestra. The problem with starting language in 6th grade is that you end up in AP language as a sophomore or junior -- it's great for kids who love languages to be able to get to level 6 or 7. But for kids who aren't super into languages, I think it pushes them into high level courses in HS which may be stressful for them when they are already stressed out about other classes.
Anonymous
Post 01/11/2023 22:59     Subject: Middle school electives
Anonymous wrote:Depends on the child's interests and goals, as well as what activities the child has access to outside of school.

Foreign languages are great, but also be aware that there is debate over whether those middle school years can be used to fulfill the years of foreign language that colleges want: https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/30/1103864.page


So it sounds like taking too much foreign languages at middle school is actually doing harm than good?
Anonymous
Post 01/11/2023 22:59     Subject: Middle school electives
Anonymous wrote:Wait, can a student do two arts courses rather than one arts and one language? I thought they had to do one la guava (unless they need a reading intervention course).


Typo - I thought they had to do one language
Anonymous
Post 01/11/2023 21:52     Subject: Middle school electives
Wait, can a student do two arts courses rather than one arts and one language? I thought they had to do one la guava (unless they need a reading intervention course).
Anonymous
Post 01/11/2023 21:47     Subject: Middle school electives
Depends on the child's interests and goals, as well as what activities the child has access to outside of school.

Foreign languages are great, but also be aware that there is debate over whether those middle school years can be used to fulfill the years of foreign language that colleges want: https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/30/1103864.page
Anonymous
Post 01/11/2023 21:39     Subject: Middle school electives
What are the strategies to choose middle school electives? Currently a 5th grader and asked to register this month. If one of the elective is band/orchestra, should the other one be foreign language for all three years or different type of arts? What’s the best strategy for the long run? Thanks.