Norwood’s world languages program is a core part of the curriculum. Norwood offers Spanish in grades K-8, French and Chinese in grades 5-8, and Latin in grades 7 and 8. In both classical and modern language classrooms, instruction focuses on grammar and effective understanding of culture. Through thematic instruction in the modern languages classroom, students learn real-life communication in the target language, developing aural, oral, reading and writing skills. In the classical language classroom the Latin students learn language structure, grammar, and an understanding of Roman civilization. In keeping with the American Council of Teachers of Foreign Languages’ Statement of Philosophy, teachers include the 5 C’s (Communication, Cultures, Comparisons, Connections and Communities.) The world languages curriculum promotes critical thinking, cultural literacy, and global citizenship.