ALEX Classroom Resources

   View Standards     Standard(s): [WLAN] WNMP (0-8) 4 :

4) Investigate, explain, and reflect on the relationship among the products, practices, and perspectives of the target cultures.

a. Name practices observed in festivals, holidays, or daily life.

b. Identify landmarks and symbols of the target culture.

c. Identify similarities and differences between the target and home cultures.

d. Describe tangible products from the target culture.

[WLAN] WNMP (0-8) 5 :

5) Link target language and other subject areas to acquire information and begin to develop diverse cultural perspectives.

a. Acquire vocabulary related to age-appropriate school content.

[WLAN] WNMP (0-8) 8 :

8) Acquire the ability to interact in the target culture beyond the classroom and set goals for life- long learning.

Examples: Interact with speakers of the target language.
Attend or use media to view cultural events in the target culture.
Consider realistic and responsible use of media to further target language learning.

[WLAN] WNHP (0-8) 4 :

4) Investigate, explain, and reflect on the relationship among the products, practices, and perspectives of the target cultures.

a. Use appropriate gestures and etiquette from the target culture.

b. Observe and analyze patterns of behavior typical of the target culture.

c. Draw conclusions about target culture values based on authentic materials.

[WLAN] WNHP (0-8) 5 :

5) Link target language and other subject areas to acquire information and develop diverse cultural perspectives.

a. Acquire and expand vocabulary related to age-appropriate school content.

[WLAN] WNHP (0-8) 8 :

8) Acquire the ability to interact in the target culture beyond the classroom and set goals for life- long learning.

Examples: Conduct research and report on a cultural topic.
Identify professions that require proficiency in another language.
Determine the "what" and "how" of their future learning.

This highly interactive activity is perfect for elementary-aged novice mid and novice high learners studying French. Students are introduced to the caves throughout France as they learn of their geological and cultural importance. As they explore the caves and the cave paintings virtually they keep detailed field notes. Along the way, students learn basic vocabulary related to cave exploration.  After completing their research students work together to create their own classroom cave-wall art.

   View Standards     Standard(s): [WLAN] WNLP (0-8) 3 :

3) Present material in oral and written form.

a. Present information about selves with one word or simple learned phrases.

Examples: I'm tired. I have a headache. I'm thirsty, hungry, and sleepy.

b. Sing songs in the target language.

c. Label familiar people, places and objects.

[WLAN] WNLP (0-8) 8 :

8) Acquire the ability to interact in the target culture beyond the classroom and set goals for life- long learning.

Examples: Foster a student-centered learning process by creating can-do statements with the help of their teachers.
Collect evidence to demonstrate achievement of goals such as self-assessment checklists, portfolios.
Perform for school or community celebrations.
Identify places in the community where the target language is used.
Listen to music and sing songs from the target culture.

[WLAN] WNMP (0-8) 3 :

3) Present material in oral and written form.

a. Present information about selves using a variety of words and phrases.

b. Write about daily activities.

c. Create posters on familiar topics.

[WLAN] WNMP (0-8) 8 :

8) Acquire the ability to interact in the target culture beyond the classroom and set goals for life- long learning.

Examples: Interact with speakers of the target language.
Attend or use media to view cultural events in the target culture.
Consider realistic and responsible use of media to further target language learning.

[WLAN] WNHP (0-8) 3 :

3) Present material in oral and written form.

a. Present basic information of familiar topics using simple sentences.

b. Write information about daily life in a letter, blog, or email.

c. Write basic information about learned material.

[WLAN] WNHP (0-8) 8 :

8) Acquire the ability to interact in the target culture beyond the classroom and set goals for life- long learning.

Examples: Conduct research and report on a cultural topic.
Identify professions that require proficiency in another language.
Determine the "what" and "how" of their future learning.

[WLAN] WL1 (7-12) 3 :

3) Present information on familiar topics with a variety of words, phrases, and simple sentences in the present time frame.

a. Present basic information orally and in writing.

b. Give simple instructions.

c. Tell about familiar objects, experiences, and daily routines.

d. Recite short memorized phrases, poems, and/or rhymes.

[WLAN] WL1 (7-12) 10 :

10) Communicate using the target language within the classroom and globally.

a. Communicate with speakers of the target language in person or virtually.

b. Identify professions that utilize the target language.

This middle school-aged activity shows young students how artists can use their work to inspire change for the good of individuals and their communities. In this activity, students examine two different posters designed by Puerto Rican artists to convey a positive message. After examining these pieces of art students work in groups to brainstorm a list of issues that affect their school or community. Then, they select one to focus on to share with the class. Working as a group, students will create a bilingual slogan to promote their chosen issue as well as a poster to present to the class. As an extension students can display their posters around the school in an effort to meet the community standards. This activity is provided in both English and Spanish. Novice level students should complete the activities in English but their posters should include bilingual messages. Intermediate-level students should complete the activities completely in the target language.

   View Standards     Standard(s): [WLAN] WNMP (0-8) 2 :

2) Demonstrate an understanding of simple spoken or written language presented through a variety of media resources on familiar topics.

a. Recognize everyday words and phrases on topics related to personal experiences.

Examples: Places to go, careers, leisure time activities

b. Identify cognates.

c. Categorize vocabulary in predictable topic areas.

d. Differentiate among statements, questions, and exclamations.

[WLAN] WNMP (0-8) 8 :

8) Acquire the ability to interact in the target culture beyond the classroom and set goals for life- long learning.

Examples: Interact with speakers of the target language.
Attend or use media to view cultural events in the target culture.
Consider realistic and responsible use of media to further target language learning.

[WLAN] WNHP (0-8) 2 :

2) Demonstrate an understanding of simple spoken or written language presented through a variety of media resources on familiar topics.

a. Report on content of a brief written or spoken message on familiar topics.

Examples: Emails, personal notes, letters, text messages

b. Identify the main idea in various media such as texts, posters, videos, etc.

c. Identify the main characters of a story.

d. Recall details in simple texts that contain familiar vocabulary.

[WLAN] WNHP (0-8) 8 :

8) Acquire the ability to interact in the target culture beyond the classroom and set goals for life- long learning.

Examples: Conduct research and report on a cultural topic.
Identify professions that require proficiency in another language.
Determine the "what" and "how" of their future learning.

[WLAN] WL1 (7-12) 2 :

2) Interpret what is heard, read, or viewed on familiar topics using the present tense.

a. Identify main characters, themes, and ideas from narrative text.

b. Recognize words, phrases and simple sentences in an informational text.

c. Interpret visual and auditory cues.

[WLAN] WL1 (7-12) 5 :

5) Identify products of the target cultures.

a. Recognize arts, crafts or graphic representations of the target culture.

b. Identify the cultural elements found in music and short video clips.

c. Listen to, read, and identify the products from the target culture.

This novice mid to novice high German activity introduces students to a variety of online German shopping sites. Students are provided links to a variety of German grocery stores and asked to demonstrate an understanding of written language by gathering information in the target language to create a shopping list. Students are then asked to explore another set of shopping links to look for deals. As they look through these sites they are asked to respond to a specific list of questions to keep them on task. 

   View Standards     Standard(s): [WLAN] WNMP (0-8) 2 :

2) Demonstrate an understanding of simple spoken or written language presented through a variety of media resources on familiar topics.

a. Recognize everyday words and phrases on topics related to personal experiences.

Examples: Places to go, careers, leisure time activities

b. Identify cognates.

c. Categorize vocabulary in predictable topic areas.

d. Differentiate among statements, questions, and exclamations.

[WLAN] WNMP (0-8) 4 :

4) Investigate, explain, and reflect on the relationship among the products, practices, and perspectives of the target cultures.

a. Name practices observed in festivals, holidays, or daily life.

b. Identify landmarks and symbols of the target culture.

c. Identify similarities and differences between the target and home cultures.

d. Describe tangible products from the target culture.

[WLAN] WNMP (0-8) 7 :

7) Investigate, analyze, and reflect on similarities and differences between the target and native cultures.

a. Compare and contrast intangible products of the native and target cultures.

Examples: Songs, rhymes, folktales

b. Analyze the daily routines and celebrations (holidays) of the native and target cultures.

c. Observe and identify cultural patterns of meal times.

[WLAN] WNMP (0-8) 8 :

8) Acquire the ability to interact in the target culture beyond the classroom and set goals for life- long learning.

Examples: Interact with speakers of the target language.
Attend or use media to view cultural events in the target culture.
Consider realistic and responsible use of media to further target language learning.

[WLAN] WNHP (0-8) 2 :

2) Demonstrate an understanding of simple spoken or written language presented through a variety of media resources on familiar topics.

a. Report on content of a brief written or spoken message on familiar topics.

Examples: Emails, personal notes, letters, text messages

b. Identify the main idea in various media such as texts, posters, videos, etc.

c. Identify the main characters of a story.

d. Recall details in simple texts that contain familiar vocabulary.

[WLAN] WNHP (0-8) 4 :

4) Investigate, explain, and reflect on the relationship among the products, practices, and perspectives of the target cultures.

a. Use appropriate gestures and etiquette from the target culture.

b. Observe and analyze patterns of behavior typical of the target culture.

c. Draw conclusions about target culture values based on authentic materials.

[WLAN] WNHP (0-8) 7 :

7) Investigate, analyze, and reflect on similarities and differences between the target and native cultures.

a. Hypothesize about relationships between cultural practices and cultural perspectives.

b. Identify cultural patterns of behavior in a variety of settings.

c. Speculate as to why certain products originate in a particular culture.

[WLAN] WNHP (0-8) 8 :

8) Acquire the ability to interact in the target culture beyond the classroom and set goals for life- long learning.

Examples: Conduct research and report on a cultural topic.
Identify professions that require proficiency in another language.
Determine the "what" and "how" of their future learning.

[WLAN] WL1 (7-12) 2 :

2) Interpret what is heard, read, or viewed on familiar topics using the present tense.

a. Identify main characters, themes, and ideas from narrative text.

b. Recognize words, phrases and simple sentences in an informational text.

c. Interpret visual and auditory cues.

[WLAN] WL1 (7-12) 4 :

4) Identify practices of the target cultures.

a. Use basic appropriate gestures in common interactions.

b. Identify behaviors in a variety of environments.

c. Identify typical activities, events, and celebrations of the target cultures.

[WLAN] WL1 (7-12) 9 :

9) Identify products, practices, and perspectives of the target culture and the native culture.

a. Identify daily routines in the target culture and the native culture.

b. Identify celebrations in the target culture and the native culture.

c. Identify games, stories, songs, and rhymes from the native culture and those from the target culture.

[WLAN] WL1 (7-12) 10 :

10) Communicate using the target language within the classroom and globally.

a. Communicate with speakers of the target language in person or virtually.

b. Identify professions that utilize the target language.

[WLAN] WL1 (7-12) 11 :

11) Identify opportunities to use the target language beyond the classroom environment.

a. Plan real or imaginary travel.

b. Attend or view cultural events in person or virtually.

This novice-mid to novice-high Spanish activity encourages students to gather information from heritage speakers about how various holidays are celebrated throughout the Spanish-speaking world. Students gather information from the video recordings and compare their findings to celebration practices from within their own culture and eventually plan a party of their own. This full class period activity includes various stages requiring students to work individually, in pairs, and in groups. 

   View Standards     Standard(s): [WLAN] WNLP (0-8) 2 :

2) Demonstrate an understanding of simple spoken or written language presented through a variety of media resources on familiar topics.

a. Recognize key words and phrases in the target language.

Examples: colors, numbers, animals, weather, days of the week

b. Identify people and objects in their environment.

Examples: clothing, classroom items, family members

c. Understand basic instructions.

Examples: turn on lights, look at board

d. Interpret the meaning of gestures, intonation, and other auditory cues.

[WLAN] WNLP (0-8) 4 :

4) Investigate, explain, and reflect on the relationship among the products, practices, and perspectives of the target cultures.

a. Use appropriate gestures and oral expressions.

b. Identify typical activities, events, and celebrations of the target cultures.

Examples: Christmas, Carnival

c. Identify children's songs, poetry and rhymes from the target culture.

d. Observe and imitate simple patterns of behavior.

Examples: Table manners, greetings

[WLAN] WNLP (0-8) 6 :

6) Investigate, analyze, and reflect on similarities and differences between the target and native languages.

a. Identify cognates.

b. Differentiate formal and informal forms of language.

c. Compare sound systems of the native and target languages.

[WLAN] WNLP (0-8) 8 :

8) Acquire the ability to interact in the target culture beyond the classroom and set goals for life- long learning.

Examples: Foster a student-centered learning process by creating can-do statements with the help of their teachers.
Collect evidence to demonstrate achievement of goals such as self-assessment checklists, portfolios.
Perform for school or community celebrations.
Identify places in the community where the target language is used.
Listen to music and sing songs from the target culture.

[WLAN] WNMP (0-8) 2 :

2) Demonstrate an understanding of simple spoken or written language presented through a variety of media resources on familiar topics.

a. Recognize everyday words and phrases on topics related to personal experiences.

Examples: Places to go, careers, leisure time activities

b. Identify cognates.

c. Categorize vocabulary in predictable topic areas.

d. Differentiate among statements, questions, and exclamations.

[WLAN] WNMP (0-8) 4 :

4) Investigate, explain, and reflect on the relationship among the products, practices, and perspectives of the target cultures.

a. Name practices observed in festivals, holidays, or daily life.

b. Identify landmarks and symbols of the target culture.

c. Identify similarities and differences between the target and home cultures.

d. Describe tangible products from the target culture.

[WLAN] WNMP (0-8) 6 :

6) Investigate, analyze, and reflect on similarities and differences between the target and native languages.

a. Identify cognates and hypothesize about why languages might need to borrow words.

b. Compare word order of native and target languages.

c. Compare patterns of spoken communication such as intonation and pronunciation.

[WLAN] WNMP (0-8) 8 :

8) Acquire the ability to interact in the target culture beyond the classroom and set goals for life- long learning.

Examples: Interact with speakers of the target language.
Attend or use media to view cultural events in the target culture.
Consider realistic and responsible use of media to further target language learning.

[WLAN] WNHP (0-8) 2 :

2) Demonstrate an understanding of simple spoken or written language presented through a variety of media resources on familiar topics.

a. Report on content of a brief written or spoken message on familiar topics.

Examples: Emails, personal notes, letters, text messages

b. Identify the main idea in various media such as texts, posters, videos, etc.

c. Identify the main characters of a story.

d. Recall details in simple texts that contain familiar vocabulary.

[WLAN] WNHP (0-8) 4 :

4) Investigate, explain, and reflect on the relationship among the products, practices, and perspectives of the target cultures.

a. Use appropriate gestures and etiquette from the target culture.

b. Observe and analyze patterns of behavior typical of the target culture.

c. Draw conclusions about target culture values based on authentic materials.

[WLAN] WNHP (0-8) 6 :

6) Investigate, analyze, and reflect on similarities and differences between the target and native languages.

a. Compare similarities and differences in writing systems of native and target languages.

b. Recognize idiomatic expressions in the target and native languages.

c. Compare and contrast patterns of spoken communication such as intonation and register.

d.Compare and contrast patterns of written communication such as style, syntax, and audience.

[WLAN] WNHP (0-8) 8 :

8) Acquire the ability to interact in the target culture beyond the classroom and set goals for life- long learning.

Examples: Conduct research and report on a cultural topic.
Identify professions that require proficiency in another language.
Determine the "what" and "how" of their future learning.

[WLAN] WL1 (7-12) 2 :

2) Interpret what is heard, read, or viewed on familiar topics using the present tense.

a. Identify main characters, themes, and ideas from narrative text.

b. Recognize words, phrases and simple sentences in an informational text.

c. Interpret visual and auditory cues.

[WLAN] WL1 (7-12) 5 :

5) Identify products of the target cultures.

a. Recognize arts, crafts or graphic representations of the target culture.

b. Identify the cultural elements found in music and short video clips.

c. Listen to, read, and identify the products from the target culture.

[WLAN] WL1 (7-12) 8 :

8) Identify characteristics of the target language and the native language.

a. Observe formal and informal forms of language.

b. Identify word order for dates and placement of descriptors.

c. Identify high-frequency idiomatic expressions.

d. Identify cognates.

[WLAN] WL1 (7-12) 9 :

9) Identify products, practices, and perspectives of the target culture and the native culture.

a. Identify daily routines in the target culture and the native culture.

b. Identify celebrations in the target culture and the native culture.

c. Identify games, stories, songs, and rhymes from the native culture and those from the target culture.

[WLAN] WL1 (7-12) 11 :

11) Identify opportunities to use the target language beyond the classroom environment.

a. Plan real or imaginary travel.

b. Attend or view cultural events in person or virtually.

[WLAN] WL2 (7-12) 2 :

2) Interpret what is heard, read, or viewed on familiar topics using the past tense.

a. Restate information from audio and visual documents in the target language.

b. Locate key information from announcements and messages connected to daily activities in the target culture.

c. Relate the main themes and significant details on topics from other subjects and products of the cultures.

[WLAN] WL2 (7-12) 5 :

5) Identify perspectives through products of the target cultures.

a. Describe products of the target culture.

b. Describe arts, crafts, or graphic representations of the target culture.

c. Describe the cultural elements found in music and short video clips.

d. Listen to, read, and describe the products in a variety of texts.

[WLAN] WL2 (7-12) 8 :

8) Compare characteristics of the target language and the native language.

a. Use formal and informal forms of language.

b. Compare word order for dates and placement of descriptors.

c. Use high-frequency idiomatic expressions.

d. Use cognates.

[WLAN] WL2 (7-12) 9 :

9) Compare products, practices, and perspectives of the target culture and the native culture.

a. Compare daily routines in the target culture and the native culture.

b. Compare celebrations in the target culture and the native culture.

c. Compare games, stories, songs, and rhymes from the native culture and those from the target culture.

[WLAN] WL2 (7-12) 11 :

11) Describe opportunities to use the target language beyond the classroom environment.

a. Participate in student exchange opportunities locally, globally, or virtually.

b. Explore the internet to find sites of personal interest where they can use the target language.

This novice-mid to novice-high French activity explores the online Menu for Paris's famous Les Deux Magots Cafe. Students explore authentic resources as they search through the cafe's website and menu looking for recognizable words and cognates. Students are asked to examine the menu and identify starters, main dishes, and desserts. As a follow-up activity, students are encouraged the print the menu and use it to role-play ordering a meal at Les Deux Magots.

   View Standards     Standard(s): [WLAN] WNLP (0-8) 4 :

4) Investigate, explain, and reflect on the relationship among the products, practices, and perspectives of the target cultures.

a. Use appropriate gestures and oral expressions.

b. Identify typical activities, events, and celebrations of the target cultures.

Examples: Christmas, Carnival

c. Identify children's songs, poetry and rhymes from the target culture.

d. Observe and imitate simple patterns of behavior.

Examples: Table manners, greetings

[WLAN] WNLP (0-8) 8 :

8) Acquire the ability to interact in the target culture beyond the classroom and set goals for life- long learning.

Examples: Foster a student-centered learning process by creating can-do statements with the help of their teachers.
Collect evidence to demonstrate achievement of goals such as self-assessment checklists, portfolios.
Perform for school or community celebrations.
Identify places in the community where the target language is used.
Listen to music and sing songs from the target culture.

[WLAN] WNMP (0-8) 4 :

4) Investigate, explain, and reflect on the relationship among the products, practices, and perspectives of the target cultures.

a. Name practices observed in festivals, holidays, or daily life.

b. Identify landmarks and symbols of the target culture.

c. Identify similarities and differences between the target and home cultures.

d. Describe tangible products from the target culture.

[WLAN] WNMP (0-8) 8 :

8) Acquire the ability to interact in the target culture beyond the classroom and set goals for life- long learning.

Examples: Interact with speakers of the target language.
Attend or use media to view cultural events in the target culture.
Consider realistic and responsible use of media to further target language learning.

[WLAN] WNHP (0-8) 4 :

4) Investigate, explain, and reflect on the relationship among the products, practices, and perspectives of the target cultures.

a. Use appropriate gestures and etiquette from the target culture.

b. Observe and analyze patterns of behavior typical of the target culture.

c. Draw conclusions about target culture values based on authentic materials.

[WLAN] WILP (0-8) 4 :

4) Investigate, explain, and reflect on the relationship among the products, practices, and perspectives of the target cultures.

a. Engage in conversation demonstrating culturally respectful behavior.

b. Identify and research an area of interest in the target culture.

c. Participate in age-appropriate cultural practices such as games, sports, and entertainment.

[WLAN] WILP (0-8) 8 :

8) Acquire the ability to interact in the target culture beyond the classroom and set goals for life- long learning.

Examples: Travel (real or virtual) to museums to enhance cultural understanding.
Prepare a group performance for a school or community celebration.
Participate in world language club activities that benefit the school or community.
Draw from previously learned material to chart a path of forward progress.
Analyze reasons for success and failure and consider future actions.

[WLAN] WIMP (0-8) 4 :

4) Investigate, explain, and reflect on the relationship among the products, practices, and perspectives of the target cultures.

a. Role-play culturally appropriate interactions in a variety of daily activities.

b. Use culturally appropriate verbal and nonverbal behavior among peers or mixed groups.

c. Explore, analyze, and present the how and why of common cultural practices and perspectives.

[WLAN] WIHP (0-8) 4 :

4) Investigate, explain, and reflect on the relationship among the products, practices, and perspectives of the target cultures.

a. Connect perspectives to associated products and practices.

b. Adapt language and behavior to the culture of the audience.

c. Analyze connections among products, practices, and perspectives based on research on a topic of interest.

[WLAN] WIHP (0-8) 8 :

8) Acquire the ability to interact in the target culture beyond the classroom and set goals for life- long learning.

Examples: Seek out authentic materials in the target culture related to student interest.
Play games or sports from the culture.
Complete Web Quests and report on a cultural event.
Reflect upon student's personal investment in the target language.
Consider tangible uses outside the classroom for learned material in the target language.

[WLAN] WL1 (7-12) 4 :

4) Identify practices of the target cultures.

a. Use basic appropriate gestures in common interactions.

b. Identify behaviors in a variety of environments.

c. Identify typical activities, events, and celebrations of the target cultures.

[WLAN] WL1 (7-12) 5 :

5) Identify products of the target cultures.

a. Recognize arts, crafts or graphic representations of the target culture.

b. Identify the cultural elements found in music and short video clips.

c. Listen to, read, and identify the products from the target culture.

[WLAN] WL1 (7-12) 11 :

11) Identify opportunities to use the target language beyond the classroom environment.

a. Plan real or imaginary travel.

b. Attend or view cultural events in person or virtually.

This interactive German activity teaches students how to perform a traditional German clap dance. Videos of children performing the dances are provided along with written instructions for the dance. The included lesson plan encourages students to participate in the dance while listening to culturally appropriate music. While learning to present the dances students are introduced to products (music) and practices (dance) of the German culture. The lesson is geared toward upper elementary and middle school but could be adapted for older students who would enjoy the interactive experience as well.