Curriculum Up Close: Your Hall Pass Into World Languages and Multilingual Learning
Curriculum Up Close: Your Hall Pass Into World Languages and Multilingual Learning
Grab your hall pass! Join us as we take a look inside various classrooms throughout Forest Hills School District to see what students are learning, the activities teachers implement to create memorable learning experiences and the small moments that lead to big success.
FHSD's commitment to student success is demonstrated through thoughtfully developed and regularly reviewed Courses of Study. These curriculum documents, created by dedicated teachers and administrators, clearly outline learning goals and the material students will engage with. This approach ensures students are empowered with the necessary tools to excel. Lessons are also intentionally aligned to foster the characteristics of the district’s Portrait of a Learner: critical thinker, empathetic communicator, creative problem solver, engaged collaborator, and adaptable learner.
Each month, the FHSD's Curriculum Up Close series showcases different subjects, focusing on the current lessons, activities and content students are engaging with. For March, we are shining a light on the secondary World Languages curriculum, as well as Multilingual learning. Continue reading to discover some of the exciting work taking place in these crucial areas of study!
Mr. Zhang - Mandarin I at Nagel Middle School
At Nagel Middle School, Mr. Zhang’s Mandarin I students are discovering that language learning can be both meaningful and fun. One recent lesson introduced students to an interesting fun fact: the Mandarin word for “panda” translates to “bear cat.” With that curiosity sparked, students applied their knowledge in a fast-paced vocabulary game, racing to identify words as they colored corresponding images. The activity built on prior learning, including writing practice, vocabulary development and whole-class speaking exercises. Together, these experiences are helping students develop foundational language skills that can open doors to future opportunities and global connections.
Herr Stoller - German II at Turpin High School
Herr Stoller’s German II class at Turpin High School took a creative approach to language practice - birthday party planning entirely in German. Working in groups, students designed detailed party plans for classmates, then stepped into real-world communication with the guests of honor in the hallway to refine those plans. The lesson combined creativity, collaboration and authentic conversation. Students are not only improving their German skills, but also learning how to be effective communicators in real-life scenarios.
Señora Petsche - Spanish III at Anderson High School
At Anderson High School, students in Señora Petsche’s Spanish III class recently played a familiar game with a twist. Playing “Never Have I Ever” (or Yo Nunca…) entirely in Spanish, students reflected on personal experiences - from movies they have seen to places they have visited, building both confidence and conversational skills. Class then transitioned into a research project, exploring the lives of famous Hispanic actors. They wrote short biographies using newly acquired vocabulary and grammar. Through experiences like these, students are not only strengthening their language proficiency but also growing as empathetic communicators and adaptable learners.
Miss Andreadis - Multilingual Learning
Language development begins early in FHSD, and the impact of the Multilingual program is evident in classrooms like Miss Andreadis’ at Mercer Elementary. Recently, kindergarten students learned how to express their likes through a variety of interactive activities, including flashcards, group reading, writing and drawing. These experiences are thoughtfully designed to support each child’s growth, helping them gain confidence and develop essential communication skills. The FHSD Multilingual team works collaboratively with school staff, families and the community to ensure that every student is supported to reach their full potential.
Learn More about FHSD’s World Language and Multilingual Curricula
FHSD’s World Language and Multilingual curricula prepare students for success in an increasingly interconnected world. The classrooms highlighted in this article reflect the heart of FHSD’s commitment to setting students up for academic, social and global success. Whether learning new languages or strengthening English proficiency, students are becoming empathetic communicators and adaptable learners, opening doors to future opportunities.
Find more information about FHSD’s curriculum in these district resources:
