World Language

Overview:

At the Morris School District, the K-12 World Language program focuses on engaging, student-centered learning through authentic, culturally relevant content.  Fundamental goals of the program include fostering an appreciation of and an understanding for other people, their culture, as well as their language. 

Offerings:

Spanish is the world language offered at the K-5 grade level. Our young learners are introduced to the language through standards based, thematic units and hands on, interactive lessons to develop a beginning level of vocabulary acquisition. Students work collaboratively in pairs and in small groups following direct instruction of new language concepts. The teacher acts as a guide during interactive instruction and independent practice. As students work toward basic literacy in the target language, they are developing interpersonal skills and vocabulary which allows for beginning or basic active negotiations and dialog. They gain an appreciation of other cultures and extend their interpersonal skills in the target language. In addition, the program fosters an interest in world language and cultures.
Additionally, our district offers a wide range of languages at the 6-12 level: French, Spanish, Latin, Chinese, Italian, and German.  Exposure to a world language prior to graduation from high school is of fundamental importance to a well-rounded education, as well as being a graduation requirement. Use of the new Morristown High School Language Lab helps teachers to facilitate the exploration of culture and language at every proficiency level. In today’s global marketplace, it is more necessary than ever to have proficiency in a language other than English. 

Commitment:

Since language acquisition is so important, parents are asked to talk with their child and decide which language is of most interest to her or him.  Students are highly encouraged to continue the study of one language from sixth grade throughout high school.  This will ensure that the student will gain the highest level of proficiency possible in the chosen language.  Changing from one language to another creates a disjointed program of study and is discouraged.  If parents or students have specific questions about which language to choose or about language acquisition in general, they may contact the world language teachers or the curriculum department.