Sandburg and Stagg host French Immersion Night

Sixteen Stagg and Sandburg French students participated in the 4th Annual D230 French Immersion Night. The event, funded by a D230 Foundation grant, engages students in an evening of conversation, cooking and games- all in 100% French language.

Students began the evening by signing a pledge committing to speak only in French during the 3 hour event. Stagg French teacher Nitya Viswanath and Sandburg French teacher Laura Schmuck held an orientation before the event to give students communication strategies to help them avoid speaking English.

"As novice speakers, it's ok to use gestures and drawing to supplement spoken language- these are language survival skills" shared Viswanath.

The event was created to provide a safe, encouraging space where students can push their French language skills outside of the time limits of a class period. Students engaged in icebreakers, cooking activities, games and a trust walk, all conducted in French. Supports were provided along with each activity to help students communicate in French.

“The students always start out nervous, but by the end they are proud of how well they did with the language" shared Schmuck. Immersion evenings and day camps are provided across the U.S. to help students build confidence in their abilities to speak a language.

“Language studies are often pushed aside as optional, but they provide so many opportunities to gain confidence, practice problem solving skills, observe cultural differences, grow as communicators and so many more essential life skills” shared Viswanath.

The event is offered annually for students of French 2, 3 and 4.