Rocky Point Middle School sixth grade students were introduced to the district’s language offerings during a World Language Day Fair on Feb. 1. Student volunteers from both the Middle School and Rocky Point High School set up games, quizzes and crafts as they shared what the elective classes are like.
The Middle School library was set up with stations that engaged the sixth graders with American Sign Language, French and Spanish courses. Sixth graders may take electives next year in one of these three courses.
ASL students taught basic finger signing and name spelling to an eager group of younger students. Students in French courses attracted sixth graders with a soundtrack from the popular “Ratatouille” animated film and a matching game featuring French artists, landmarks and other topics from French culture. Students in the Spanish classes could complete a fun craft of maracas made from plastic spoons, rice and colored tape. Students shared how the classes teach the acquisition of beginning listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in these world languages.
A fun game of Wolper Ball, named in honor of Spanish teacher Bruce Wolper, asked questions such as “How many countries in the world speak Spanish?” and “Which two South American counties are surrounded by land and have no access to the sea?” Students who answered correctly had a chance to toss a ball into a basket … à la Wolper Ball!
ENL/LOTE department chairperson James Williams and teachers were on hand for questions and guidance but the event was purely student-driven. It was another example of student-centered learning, bringing students together and fostering ownership of their education.
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Date Added: 2/8/2024