World Language Department
Green Lake Public School
Opening a world of possibilities….
Madame Thompson, French Señor Lytal, Spanish
Why Study a Second Language?
World Language study is more than just verbs and grammar rules. Students who engage in language study gain important perspective on the world we live in and the people and cultures that make up that world. They also sharpen critical thinking and cognitive skills, as well as gain a deeper understanding of their own language and culture.
Students in Green Lake’s world language classes are taught using a variety of teaching methods that help them prepare for real-life language situations. Students are actively engaged in all areas of language study: reading, writing, speaking, and culture. Meaningful, “real life” communication is stressed.
Units of study are based on the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program.
The Modern Language Association’s on-line brochure outlining reasons to study a foreign language:
Course Offerings:
- 2nd-6th Grade: All students take Spanish. French is introduced in 6th grade.
- 7th-10th Grade: All students take either French or Spanish. Units of study are based on the IB Middle Years Programme. (MYP)
- 11th-12th Grade: Students may elect to continue with either French or Spanish. They may choose to enroll as IB Diploma Programme (DP) candidates or in the 4/5 level class.
World Language students at Green Lake benefit from:
- Variety of teaching methods that caters to all types of learners.
- Technology used as a means to better understand and practice the language.
- Small class sizes, all students are allowed ample opportunity to use and practice the language.
- Hands-on projects that prove what they can do with the language.
- Former students have proved successful on their college placement tests and post-secondary language study.
Green Lake and beyond…Opportunities to take one’s language study outside of the classroom:
- Overseas trips: Every three years students may elect to travel overseas to a French or Spanish speaking country. Trips are generally two weeks and include both sight-seeing and time with host families.
- French and Spanish Honor Societies: Based on academic performance in language classes and overall grade point, these national organizations encourage students to work together to promote good citizenship and the understanding of other languages and cultures. Students work on projects to help both their school and community.
- Variety of exciting field trips: Recent trips have included: Plays, concerts, and dance performances in the target language, over-night trip to Chicago, visits to university foreign language classes, and exhibits at local museums.
| 
