HUNTERDON CENTRAL REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT

WORLD LANGUAGE
Curricular Highlights
World Language teachers continue to explore instructional strategies and develop learning activities that help
students to become more proficient communicators. Teachers focused unit design on authentic development and
the use of the target language in and beyond the classroom in keeping with the New Jersey Core Curriculum
Content Standards. During the past year, teachers worked together in Pathways groups to explore and expand
their understanding of Project Based Learning, Habits of Mind, 21 st Century Skills, and Standards Based
Curriculum and Assessment Design. The results of their work were reflected in the classroom in a multitude of
learning activities that were developed and debuted.
Project Based Learning informed the design of a French project, “Bon Voyage,” in which students studied the
history, government, art and music of the time period of “Le roisoliel,” and then planned a visit to France to
explore some of the sites and monuments of the time period. Students used Skype to contact hotels and
museums to gather information about booking reservations and tours. Students presented their virtual trip
explaining the transportation system, cultural attractions, restaurants and activities available, while maintaining
a focus on the monuments and art movements that are reflective of the time period that produced them.
French Advanced Placement students explored interdisciplinary themes on environmental issues, human rights,
nationalism, and the changing demographics of France as a result of immigration. Students also participated in
an extensive study of AIDS throughout the world. In all cases, research, reading and presentations were
conducted in the target language. Spanish Advanced Placement students also made extensive use of primary
sources in researching topics suggested by the College Boards.
German students turned their research and learning about German history, culture and contemporary products
and perspectives into a teaching opportunity when they participated in a Skype meeting with high school
students in Warrenton County in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Central students shared Prezi presentations
and participated in a discussion in which they introduced the Virginia students to German language and culture,
and shared their plans for further study of German and the anticipated impact it would have on their future
plans.
Elementary Spanish students experienced authentic language immersion as part of a virtual partnership with
students learning English in Valencia, Spain. Students communicated by letter and through Skype
conversations. German students participated in a pen pal exchange with Gammertingen Gymnasium in
Germany, as well.
Latin students participated in a cross-disciplinary project with the English Department. Students in Latin class
prepared to view a Shakespearian play by studying ancient sources in Ovid’s “Pyramus and Thisbe” poem.
They explored Shakespeare’s use of mistaken identity, slapstick and themes such as Cupid and Psyche, and
related it to Ovid. After viewing the play, students developed these themes into their own version of “Pyramus
and Thisbe” written in Latin, which they performed and filmed.
For the first time, Chinese students were able to prepare and participate in the Advanced Placement class and
testing. The testing for this course is offered via computer and, with the support of the Instructional Technology
team, students were able to record their oral responses and write with Chinese characters by means of the
computer. This was an important first step in preparing for other high-stakes tests that will be delivered and
completed via computer.
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