December is the perfect time for the Foreign Language
Department to celebrate diversity.
During this month, all students learn the cultural significance of the
Christmas holidays around the world. The
hall of the Foreign Language wing was decorated celebrating the world’s
diversity.
Students learn vocabulary based on the holidays as well as
participate in various cultural activities.
The German and French classes have a visit from “Nickolaus”and Père
Fouettard on December 6, St. Nikolaus Day. He rewards good children for
their behaviors. They also participate
in the advent calendar, eating chocolate as children do in Europe.
Spanish students learn of the differences in the celebration
in Spanish speaking countries because of geography. In Mexico and Central America, palms and
other trees are decorated for Christmas and gifts are brought by the three
wisemen. They also enjoy a rousing game
of Christmas Bingo, hoping to win a pin in Spanish to put on their book
bags. Learning the words to the ever
popular Christmas carol, “Feliz Navidad”, is also an eye opening experience for
many students.
The French students enjoy preparing and sharing bȗche
de Noȅl,
the traditional French yule logs. Of
course, in Latin class, students talk about “Saturnalia” or the winter solstice
instead of Christmas. However, they do
note the importance of Latin in the early church with Christmas carols. Speaking of Christmas carols, the halls of the
school will be filled with many carols celebrating, Navidad, Noȅl and Weihnachten. December is definitely a month when the
cultural traditions from many countries overlap and coincide.
Feliz Navidad, Joyeaux Noȅl, Frohe Weihnachten and Io Saturnalia!
Feliz Navidad, Joyeaux Noȅl, Frohe Weihnachten and Io Saturnalia!
