Spanish instruction begins in Kindergarten and continues through Middle School. Instruction emulates the process through which students learned their native tongue, by focusing on “input” (comprehension) before “output” (spoken or written production). The teacher speaks almost exclusively in the target language, ensuring initial comprehension through the use of body language, visuals and other props. Students demonstrate understanding by responding physically to teacher directions. True listening comprehension is developed as these visual cues are gradually removed. Gradually, students move from listening comprehension to language production (speaking). Limited phrases become more complex as students seek to respond to the teacher and classmates. After significant auditory exposure to the target language, middle school students begin to work with the language in its written form. They begin to read the vocabulary and phrases they’ve acquired through listening and speaking exercises, and finally move into written expression.