All MA teachers, students, language depts , and districts will be honoring the study of a world language this week. Although we spend time every day respecting diversity, cultural differences, and intercultural connections, this week gives us an increased opportunity to showcase those extra aspects of language that are small slices of global experience.
In my own district , many teachers do special projects or activities that bring the language to life such as the Manie Musicale. We have a very colorful bulletin board complete with QR codes for students to participate. We have another bulletin with ‘ailes’from different countries for students to have their fotos taken with. Our high school principal dedicated Thursday as ‘International T Shirt Day’. All staff are encouraged to wear a shirt of foreign origin. The Spanish Honor Society typically has dancing classes for bachata and tango. French Honor Society just celebrated Marci Gras.
Junior high advisory periods have various games by day for prizes as well as cooking demos of arepas and churros.
I do a video cast called ‘Ciao, Falmouth’ and will broadcast through local cable pictures of teachers and students honoring Mardi Gras , et al. Students also broadcast morning news and have an intro to the week planned for Monday morning. Later on, the Asst Superintendent and Director of DEI and I will also discuss live how the district is highlighting all the diversity and rich cultural heritage there is in Falmouth. We will mention how important the study of other languages is and how we make the transitions from one school to the next higher level seamlessly. We call it ‘ Smooth Sailing ’.
We hope you plan some special events, cooking demos, and field trips, or exchanges to provide students with motivation and the encouragement to continue learning about our global neighbors near and far. Share your ideas with us!
Submitted by Pat DiPillo, MAFLA Past President
World Language Week 2024 (2)
