Slovenia Curriculum - Slovenian Language (Slovenščina) - 9th Grade (9. razred)

This curriculum outlines the Slovenian Language course for 9th grade students in Slovenia, covering language skills, literature, and cultural awareness. The curriculum emphasizes developing communication skills through various activities involving both non-fiction and literary texts. It promotes critical thinking, creativity, and an appreciation for the Slovenian language and its cultural heritage.

I. Language Skills (Jezik)

• Developing Language, National, and Civic Awareness: Students explore the role of language in personal and social life, focusing on the importance of the Slovenian language as the official language. They also examine the status of Slovenian within the European Union and its role in different spheres of life. Students whose first language is not Slovenian compare and contrast their first language with Slovenian, exploring similarities and differences in pronunciation, writing, vocabulary, and grammar. They also discuss the contexts in which they use each language. Additionally, students learn about the history and development of the Slovenian language and its writing system.
• Two-Way Communication: Students practice various forms of dialogue, including formal and informal conversations, phone calls, and video calls. They analyze and evaluate example dialogues, focusing on the social roles of speakers, their relationships, and the purpose of the communication. They then create their own dialogues, applying the principles of effective communication. Similarly, students practice writing different types of correspondence, such as invitations, thank you notes, official requests, and condolences. They analyze example letters, focusing on structure, style, and purpose, and then create their own correspondence.
• One-Way Communication: Students develop skills in listening, reading, speaking, and writing various types of non-fiction texts, including news articles, descriptions, instructions, reports, and reviews. They learn strategies for effective listening and reading, such as summarizing main points, identifying the speaker's purpose, and evaluating the text's credibility and usefulness. They also practice speaking and writing different types of non-fiction texts, applying the principles of clear and effective communication.
• Developing Language and Style Skills: Students expand their vocabulary, learning synonyms, antonyms, and words from the same word family. They practice using dictionaries and other language resources. They also develop their grammar skills, focusing on sentence structure, verb conjugation, and the use of prepositions and conjunctions. They learn to avoid unnecessary repetition and to use language appropriate for different contexts and audiences. They also analyze and correct language errors in their own and others' texts.
• Developing Metalinguistic Skills: Students learn about the structure and function of language, including word classes, sentence elements, and different types of sentences. They apply this knowledge to analyze and understand texts, and to improve their own communication skills. They also compare and contrast Slovenian grammar and vocabulary with other languages they are learning.

II. Literature (Književnost)

• Developing Reception Skills: Students read and analyze a variety of literary texts, including poems, short stories, novels, plays, and graphic novels. They learn to appreciate literature as a source of enjoyment, intellectual stimulation, and cultural understanding. They explore different literary periods and genres, and learn to identify and analyze literary elements such as character, plot, setting, theme, and narrative perspective. They also compare and contrast different literary works and express their own opinions about them.
• Developing Creative Writing Skills: Students engage in various creative writing activities, such as writing poems, short stories, plays, and scripts for radio plays. They also adapt existing literary works, such as writing prequels, sequels, or alternative endings. They learn to use language creatively and expressively, and to apply their understanding of literary elements to create their own works.
• Drama, Radio Plays, and Film: Students experience literature through different media, such as watching plays and films, and listening to radio plays. They analyze and evaluate these adaptations, comparing them to the original literary works. They also learn about the specific characteristics of each medium.
• Literary Knowledge: Students acquire knowledge about literary terms and concepts, such as genre, theme, character, plot, and narrative perspective. They learn about different literary periods and movements, and about the history and development of Slovenian literature. They also learn about the lives and works of important Slovenian authors.

III. Assessment (Preverjanje in ocenjevanje znanja)

Assessment is ongoing and includes both oral and written forms, such as reading aloud, written assignments, oral presentations, and participation in discussions. The focus is on evaluating students' communication skills, literary understanding, and creative writing abilities.

IV. Information Technology (Informacijska tehnologija)

Information technology is integrated into the curriculum to enhance learning and communication. Students use computers and other digital tools to access information, create texts, and communicate with others. They also learn about responsible and ethical use of technology.