RSD 18 World Language Department
Fall 2015 News & Updates
Learning a language
As we begin a new year, we remind ourselves the importance of learning a second language, regardless of which one. Language learning has unlimited benefits, whether it be Spanish, French, Chinese, Latin, Arabic, German, we know that the study of a second language develops all 21st Century learning and innovation skills. Second language learning at every level expands critical thinking, communication, collaboration and creativity. Our goal is to prepare students as global citizens and promote cultural awareness and competency through a vigorous curriculum, active learning, cognitive engagement, and meaningful assessment. The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) states that “language and communication are at the heart of the human experience. The United States must educate students who are linguistically and culturally equipped to communicate successfully in a pluralistic American society and abroad. This imperative envisions a future in which ALL students will develop and maintain proficiency in English and at least one other language, modern or classical.” It is this philosophy that drives our instruction and guides our curriculum development as well as our assessment implementation in our District.
Last year the department focused on writing proficiency at all levels. Students were assessed throughout the year and finally scored by using the ACTFL National Standards. This year our focus will be on oral proficiency. We will continue to evaluate this skill and as a department, assess our students using the National Standards.
So, we begin this year with a great goal, a great team and exciting work to do with our students.
Resources:
World-Readiness Standards for Learning Languages
World Language Proficiency Standards
Department Updates
Elementary Spanish Program
By Michele Tackett
Elementary students will recognize Hispanic Heritage Month which begins on September 15th and ends on October 15th. Students will learn about the many Spanish speaking countries and the importance of learning Spanish as a second language as a 21st century learner. It also is a time for students and families to talk about their own heritage and to reflect on how diverse our communities are. Students will have the opportunity in class to share their family history, as we graph the various countries around the world that our ancestors were from. We are looking forward to activities that will allow students to experience the Spanish culture in authentic ways this fall!
Grade 6 Spanish
Middle school Spanish is off to a great start!!! The sixth graders are learning about all of the great reasons to learn a second language and why it can be particularly beneficial to learn Spanish. We have started off with a review of greetings and goodbyes. Here are a few pictures of some brave 6th graders trying out culturally appropriate greetings!!!
Middle School French Program
September is get ready for the 28 Paris students to arrive! When they arrive, the French students will be as integrated as possible into our school - they will attend some classes, eat lunch with the whole 8th grade and go to sport practices after school. While students are here, they will be a visit the Florence Griswold museum and enjoy a lunch on the lawn with the whole exchange group and a farewell dance on the evening before their departure. New York City and Boston are just some of the places planned for a visit. Very exciting!
Fundraising for Paris!
(From left to right are Lucy Gilbert, Cameron Gagnon, Haley Stevens, and Tanner Griffin)
This fall, students will be selling decorated holiday wreaths for $25. The sale starts in October and runs through early November for a beginning of December delivery. Order forms will be available on the Middle School website.
And at the high school....
The Chinese Program
Students studying Chinese will have the opportunity to travel to China this year during our spring break. This will be the second trip to China for the Lyme-Old Lyme school community. As plans are being firmed up, Mr. Wang and the Chinese Club are planning fund raising opportunities for the students. Stay tuned for more information!
The French Program
click on this link: https://www.smore.com/rmdw7
The Spanish Program
In Spanish 4 we are diving into our first unit of study which addresses personal relationships, what it is like living in the US as a Spanish-speaker, and how life would be different if you lived in another country. This is a very pertinent topic of conversation!
ECE Spanish Cultural Topics are busy investigating, creating and presenting cultural topics and current events as they become orientated with their iPads. We begin our first unit of study on Spain Past and Present which will include two wonderful films: El Laberinto del Fauno and Mujeres aborde un ataque de nervios.... take a look!
World Language Department
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or would like further information about the World Language Programs.
Email: manfredij@region18.org
Phone: 860-434-1651