Rocky Point Middle School and Rocky Point High School recently partnered to host World Language Day, giving sixth grade students an interactive introduction to the district’s world language offerings: American Sign Language (ASL), French and Spanish. 

The event was designed to help students explore their options before selecting a language to study in the coming years. Throughout the experience, sixth graders rotated through a series of hands-on stations, guided by student leaders who served as mentors and ambassadors for each language program. 

To track their progress, each student received a “passport” that was stamped at every station, creating an engaging way to encourage participation and celebrate completion of each activity. 

In the Spanish section, students took part in fun word games, participated in a photo opportunity and created maracas to gain a cultural connection to Spanish-speaking traditions. The activities provided students with a preview of what learning Spanish can look like through games, creativity and collaboration. 

The ASL station offered students an introduction to the American Sign Language alphabet through an interactive game while also teaching about Deaf culture and the importance of accessibility and communication. Students shared reflections on why they felt it was valuable to learn ASL, noting that it is a language many may not initially consider but one that plays an important role in connecting with others. 

The French station explored language and culture through a creative engineering challenge. Students worked together to build Eiffel Towers using marshmallows and spaghetti, blending teamwork with cultural learning. The student leaders boasted about how they enjoy the small-group classroom feel provided by the program. 

World Language Day served as an engaging opportunity for students to experience each program in a meaningful way, while also building connections between middle school and high school students. The event highlighted the importance of language learning as a tool for communication, cultural understanding and global awareness.