MYP Aims
The aims of any MYP subject and of the personal project state in a general way what the teacher may expect to teach, and what the student may expect to experience or learn. In addition, they suggest how the student may be changed by the learning experience.
The aims of the teaching and study of modern foreign languages are to:
• enable the student to use language(s) effectively as a means of practical communication, providing a sound base of communication skills necessary for future study, work and leisure
• enable the student to understand the nature of language and the process of total language learning, which comprises the integration of linguistic, cultural and social components
• enable the student to develop an appreciation of a variety of literary and non‑literary texts
• offer insight into the cultural characteristics of the communities where the language(s) is (are) spoken
• encourage an awareness and understanding of the perspectives of people from other cultures
• promote involvement with different communities, where relevant
• provide access to varied sources of information
• foster curiosity, a lifelong interest and enjoyment in language learning.
Courses Offered
American Sign Language 1
In ASL I and II we have a full, fast, and fun year. We will do many things together in this class. On some days students will work with a partner to practice their signing skills, and on others students will work alone to find out more about deaf culture. Some days they will find themselves working in a group to write and perform a dialogue. Some days students will take notes as a class, and other days they will play games to help them remember vocabulary words. And still other days, they will have a chance to show what they know when the class has a lesson test. There is so much to learn in ASL and so much that students will want to teach their friends and family.
Spanish 1 & 2
This course weaves together both Spanish language acquisition and the exploration of perspectives of peoples and cultures in the Spanish-speaking world, including those of the United States. Students explore reading, writing, listening and speaking in Spanish, and are asked to be risk-takers as they begin the journey of acquiring a new language. Students are asked to become thoughtful learners and gain an appreciation and understanding of the differences and similarities of other people and cultures.
Chinese 1 & 2
Come and explore your Chinese self at Highland Park Junior High. Become a part of our K-14 Chinese program. A Chinese Language Biography will keep track of what you can do in Chinese and will prepare you to continue on to the next level. Enjoy the culture and arts of China. Try your hand at calligraphy, celebrate the holidays and sample foods. Plan and run a Tea House celebration for classmates. Our classroom computers allow us to type in Chinese and use software programs that will offer tools for independent learning.
Level one Chinese is all about learning to describe and introduce yourself, your family,
friends and your feelings. We practice and become comfortable playing the part of host and guest.
Level two Chinese gets us through our day; how to explain our decisions, give instructions, and make appointments. We learn to shop, read Chinese menus and stories. We type and even handwrite essays in Chinese characters.
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