Menasha’s K-12 World Language Program Community Support, Implementation, and Success Lynn Sessler Neitzel Japanese Teacher, World Languages Curriculum Coordinator Menasha Joint School District

Menasha Joint School District’s World Language Program K-12 (German, Spanish, Japanese) History Why Japanese? “A Rolling Stone Gather No Moss” Rolling for 19 years………

In the Beginning….. History Community Survey Community Connections Community Activities

In the Beginning…(con’t.) Why Japanese? Previous connection Support network The need to “Expand”

Ultimate Goal World Language Standard 5.2 Students show evidence of becoming life-long learners by using the language for personal enjoyment and enrichment.

Standard 5.2 Samples Grade 4 – Student listen to music, sing songs, or play musical instruments from the target culture. Grade 8 – Students attend or view via media cultural events and social activities. Grade 12 – Students establish and/or maintain interpersonal relations with speakers of the language.

“New and Improved” Standard 5.2 Samples Grade 4 – Students connect with classrooms in the target culture to participate in a project together Grade 8 – Students play online games with their peers from the target culture Grade 12 – Students support local efforts in the target culture through service learning projects

Local, National and Global Statistics That Speak local diversity international dynamics responsible citizenship employment opportunities status of language education cost of inaction need for support

New Idea of “Global Competence” Cultural Intelligence “Students that can react and respond appropriately to their world around them”

Have a Plan and…..

Have a Purpose….

WL Standards: Communities 5.1 and 5.2 Show what your kids “can” do Help the community understand not just “what” you teach, but “how” you teach it; get them involved!

Before and Transition into the Process Typical “cultural” events/surface culture (5 F’s) 1.Food 2.Fashion 3.Fun Games 4.Faith 5.Festivals Typical community experiences Elementary to High School experiences Sensei….we did this before…..

Integrate into Curriculum and Involve the Community Curriculum Community

Curriculum Integration (Kimono) Main focus as a “School Program” Elementary Secondary K-12 – Exchange programs – Bring cultural groups and “experiences” into our schools – Make good use of available Technology – Project-Based Learning

Tsunagaaru (Social Networking Site)

Spanish and Japanese Clubs Dual Purpose: high school student opportunity to use what they have learned outside of classroom Planning and Teacher role Japanese Club Blog Service Learning

Japanese Club Blog

Connection to Different Communities Formal Relationships – Sister School – Sister City – The Japan Forum Advocacy Piece – Getting the word out – Concrete displays – Bringing the word in

Advocacy (Concrete Displays)

Connection to Different Communities Local vs. Extended Community – Day trips Elementary (In School Trip/tea house, Japanese garden/outdoor classroom) Middle School (Concordia Language Villages) High School (Japanese Market and Garden in IL) – Internet – Language/Culture Community networks Outreach/”In-reach” – Public library – PAC – Rotary – Former students/business professionals

What you can do Organize a calendar of “yearly” events October Sister City Exchange (MS) January/ February Concordia Language Village Elementary School Event March Doll Festival at city library Sister School Exchange(HS) April Field Trip to IL (HS) May JNHS Induction Ceremony Elementary School Children’s Day

What You Can Do (cont.) Have your contact information ready – Business card – Pamphlet – Website Find local place to host an annual “Event” – Library, Turn off TV week Display Hands-on learning Service project Integrate with other subject areas (and see where that takes you)

What You Can Do (cont.) Connect with the lower levels – Find an elementary staff member to connect with – Create a “program” for the elementary/middle school experience – Involve the MS/HS students – Find a small funding source to get started (PTO, local grants, etc) – Make it happen! 七転八起

2 Steps Forward, 1 Step Back…. How we sustain our program: We stand together as a K-12 World Language program: always We build on the unique strengths of each language program offered We are a “part” of the “whole”: constant, consistent and creative It “is” what we do………..

We Truly Believe All Students “CAN” Learn a 2 nd Language (and a 3 rd, 4 th …….) And should not be denied the opportunity to do so from early on in Elementary School

Gracias Danke ありが とう Questions or Comments?