Every year National Foreign Language Week takes place in the full first week of March as we celebrate the importance of learning world languages and cultures in classes all over America. Many teachers have celebrated and showcased their heritage and what they offer. This national week displays many unique things culturally to areas outside of the United States, as they give us a glimpse of what’s in store for foreign languages.
Ms. Rocker, French and Spanish teacher, described this week as an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of speaking another language. People can have fun learning more from their Tunstall teachers who’ve travelled around the world. The department included Mexican food and had a presentation highlighting traveling from college guide Mr. Jack Graves. Mr. Jack shared about his study abroad experience on the Camino de Santiago in Spain.
Some Spanish students ate tamales and a cheese tasting was held within French classes. This was done so people can learn about culture, build tolerance, acceptance, and hopefully appreciate different traditions.
Ms. Stowe, the Spanish II teacher, described this week as “it gives us another opportunity to acknowledge other cultures and languages and it allows us to share experiences, linking people from all around the world together.” The foreign language department shared information about other countries, languages, and travel by incorporating them in games, song clips, trivia questions, informational slides, faculty poster boards, and a guest speaker.
Senor Colon described this week as “an opportunity to raise awareness about languages, cultures, personal growth, and different perspectives. Learning languages promotes social skills and cultural literacy, which are important in an increasingly divided world.”
Many teachers shared their favorite international foods on posters throughout the school. Senor Colon’s favorite international dish is beef bourguignon from France. Some of the other teachers would choose their favorite foods, like Mr. Touart chose Scialatielli allo Scoglio, Mr. Jack chose Patatas Bravas, Mrs. Nester chose Paella, Mrs. Woodard chose Cheviche, and Mrs. Watson chose Tiramisu.
Finally, this week the foreign language department had a Bingo Contest where the winner received a 25 dollar gift card if they filled their BINGO card with initials of people who met certain criteria with questions around traveling and living in foreign countries. Senior Gadiel Cisneros’ name was drawn for the winner.
These were the many ways we were able to learn about this unique national week that takes place every year in March, to discover the world outside of America.
