Second Language Learning
Inspiring Communication and Connection
Junior high students not enrolled in our French Immersion program must participate in French as a Second Language (FSL) or Spanish as a Second Language (SSL). These programs are designed to enhance linguistic proficiency and promote cultural understanding. By learning another language, students broaden their communication abilities and gain deeper insights into diverse global perspectives.
Bringing Language to Life
Our Second Language Learning program offers an immersive and engaging approach to French and Spanish. Rather than just relying on textbooks, we create dynamic, interactive experiences that build both linguistic proficiency and cultural understanding. Students gain confidence through real-world conversations, project-based learning, and traditional assessments, all designed to bring language to life.
Examples of these enriching projects include:
French as a Second Language
- Français Pour la Vie: Students engage in real-life communication by interacting with French speakers outside the classroom.
- Animale Disparu: Students invent and describe a real or mythical pet, creating a reward campaign for its recovery.
- Camion Restaurant: Students design a food truck concept, complete with menus and advertisements, and bring food samples to share while ordering in French.
- Défilé de Mode: Students explore fashion from French-speaking countries, presenting and showcasing their own creations inspired by global trends.
Spanish as a Second Language
- Día de los muertos: Students create traditional "altars" to honour deceased relatives and make decorative calaveras de azúcar (sugar skulls).
- Artistic Exploration: Students create traditional Spanish art, like azulejos (painted tiles) and papel picado (Mexican paper banners).
- Culinary Traditions: Students cook dishes from various Spanish-speaking countries, such as empanadas, churros and mofongo.
- Student Markets and Food Fiestas: Students host food markets and fiestas, speaking only in Spanish, to learn about Spanish cuisine and culture.
- Hispanic Holidays: Students explore Spanish traditions, such as eating Rosca de Reyes (Three Kings Bread) during Epiphany.
Benefits of Second Language Learning
- Cultural Understanding
- Communication Skills
- Cognitive Development
- Academic Achievement
- Career Opportunities
Cultural Understanding
Enhances appreciation and empathy for different cultures and perspectives.
Communication Skills
Improves verbal and written communication abilities in multiple languages.
Cognitive Development
Boosts cognitive functions like problem-solving and multitasking.
Academic Achievement
Correlates with improved academic performance across subjects.
Career Opportunities
Opens doors to international job markets and diverse career paths.
Empowering students to connect across cultures.
Celebrating Language and Culture Together
Cultural events like our Winter Languages Carnival and Hispanic/Latino Heritage Family event bring our community together to celebrate language and heritage.
During the Winter Languages Carnival, students dive into French and Hispanic cultures through things like traditional music, food and art.
Our Hispanic/Latino Heritage Family event offers a welcoming space for our Spanish speaking students and families to gather and share their culture, language and traditions firsthand.
These gatherings further reflect WIC’s commitment to fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the cultures that enrich our community.