1. Open House North Haven Middle School September 13th 2012
World Language

2. Programs at NHMS
Spanish
Italian
French
World Cultures

3. Benefits of Studying a World Language
it increases intellectual development
it expands mental capacities
it stretches listening ability to be able to hear clearer distinctions between sounds
it sensitizing children to language, instead of just shutting out the hearing of another language as indistinct background noise, they become careful listeners discerning whether they understand the other language
it facilitates a better understanding of their own native language
it fosters an appreciation for people of other countries and cultures

4. Benefits of Studying a World Language
• it takes away the fear of people different from themselves or any attempts at trying to communicate with them
• in school testing, it has been proven that bilingual children consistently score higher than monolingual students.
they have an academic advantage at being ahead of the game with college requirements
• they have improved marketability in the business world
From the list above, you can see that the benefits of learning a second language for children and young adults cover a large area from cognitive development, to social development, and even vocational development. These benefits will take them into adulthood with many advantages.

5. National Common Core Standards for Language Learning
Reading, writing, speaking, and listening goal is communication.
Functions of communication:
Interpersonal (speaking, listening or writing, reading)
Interpretive (reading, listening, viewing)
Presentational (writing, speaking, visually representing)

6. National Common Core Standards for Language Learning
Four strands:
reading
writing
speaking
listening

7. Levels of Language Learning
Novice
Intermediate
Advanced
Factors influence the rate of progression though levels
Begin language experience at middle school acquire an intermediate level of proficiency

8. At Home Study Tips Review notes from class every night Notecards
On-line practice games
Practice speaking

9. Powerschool On line grades Accessed on NHMS home page Password needed
Look for patterns in grades
Encourage students to use

10. Teacher Web Pages Accessed on NHMS home page
Teachers’ list of supplies, guidelines, and expectations

11. Questions?