District 230 French Immersion Night a success

Food, games and French language immersion were enjoyed by 25 students from District 230. Students from Andrew, Sandburg, and Stagg High Schools participated in District 230’s second annual French Immersion Night. Upon arrival, students took an oath where they promised to speak only in French for the next three hours. French teachers Laura Schmuck (Sandburg), Lynn Robinson (Andrew), and Nitya Viswanath (Stagg) gave a 5-minute orientation in English before students took a pledge to speak French the entire evening

During the orientation, teachers reminded students that the evening wouldn’t work unless everyone committed to the effort to stay in French the entire time. During the evening, students stepped up to the challenge.

“It was great to watch students get excited when they realized they were having an actual conversation!” said Schmuck.

Students first engaged in conversation activities to get to know one another. They then worked in teams to cook crêpes and croque-monsieur sandwiches, they participated in a trust walk while blindfolded and they sang a few folk songs, all in French.

Table topic cards were strategically placed at each event to give students ideas for conversation starters at moments when there were awkward pauses or lulls in conversation.

“I was thoroughly impressed with the effort everyone made to communicate in French!” said Robinson.

The students showed commitment to their language studies by participating in the event outside of the regular school day and engaging in French conversation during the entire evening. Teachers and students reflected on the importance of using the language outside the walls of a classroom.

“Global awareness, cultural competence and interpersonal communication are some of the most important skills students can build for a successful future career, and learning a second language helps students build those skills,” said Viswanath. “I had to challenge myself and think quick on my feet when trying to say certain things in French” said Stagg Senior Mallory Strauch.

Immersion nights like this one offer students a chance to try out their language survival skills, and to find ways to improvise and still get their ideas across. After participating in the immersion night, students felt a new confidence in their language abilities. District 230 French teachers were able to organize this event thanks to a District 230 Foundation grant that covered the expenses.

The District 230 Foundation is an independent not-for-profit organization that supports innovative learning at Sandburg, Stagg and Andrew High Schools through teacher-driven grants and special projects. To learn more, go to www.d230foundation.org

Photos:

Photo 1
Stagg students Tyler Smith, Lauren Cowe, and Lindsey Grabowski use their French language skills in a trust walk activity during the 2017 D230 French Immersion Night.

Photo 2
Weronika Warzecha (Stagg) and Erin Tinerella (Andrew) participate in a conversation activity during the 2017 D230 French Immersion Night.

Photo 3
Isabel Rocha (Stagg), Rini Theodoropoulos (Stagg) and Rebekka Eakins (Sandburg) bond over French cuisine and conversation.