Middle School World Languages

Bonjour! Hola! Guten Tag!

Whether you travel aboard or not, learning a second language is your passport to the future! Welcome to this new adventure in middle school!

In middle school most students will have their first opportunity for formal study of a second language. Students can choose French, German, or Spanish in middle school. In high school, Latin is offered. 

The choice of which language to study in middle school is an important one, and what you choose in 7th grade you will continue in 8th grade. You should NOT follow the crowd and sign up for what your friends decide to take. Chances are you will not be in the same world language class with your friends. You SHOULD discuss your choice with parents and older sisters or brothers who have studied a world language. All languages can be useful to you in many ways, and the language you most want to study is probably the one you’ll do best with.

Which language to choose?

Is one language easier than another? There are easier and harder things about each language you study. For instance, Spanish pronunciation is easier but grammar is easier in French and vocabulary is often easier in German.

Is one language more useful than another? Any language you study can benefit you. How? Studies have shown that students who learn a second language do better in all their subjects.

  • Your English vocabulary will increase
  • Your problem-solving skills will improve
  • You’ll be a better reader and writer in English
  • You’ll do better on college entrance exams like the ACT or SAT
  • You’ll develop life-long global citizenship

Did you know that most colleges look for students who have studied at least two and often four years of the same language in high school? College may seem a long way off now, but it’s not too early to think about it, and if you do well in high school, your world language study can earn you college credit even before you start.

World languages mean jobs!

America is a multi-cultural country and the world is connected as a global community. If you can speak another language, you will have a big advantage when it’s time to find a job.

Think about this:

  • Knowing a second language is an advantage! It may ensure a better job, better pay, or a promotion
  • Learning a world language provides new employment opportunities. It gives you a competitive edge in today’s job market
  • Becoming bilingual is your passport to success in the future

What do you do in class?

Speaking and listening activities will be part of your language learning. You will also be reading and writing in your new language. Singing songs, playing games, doing role plays, and carrying on conversations with your classmates all help make learning another language fun and exciting. Cultural activities such as celebrating holidays, learning about customs, or sharing different foods help introduce you to the new culture. Using computers and the Internet are yet another part of language learning.

Bon Voyage! Gute Reise! ¡Buen Viaje!

Many Appleton students take advantage of exciting travel opportunities offered to world language students. Where might you go? In middle school, you can travel during the school year to Concordia Language Villages for a four-day language immersion weekend in Minnesota’s north woods. High school junior and senior world language students may participate in trips to France, Germany, or Spain. Whether you travel abroad or not, however, learning a second language is your passport to the future!

Welcome, Bienvenue, Wilkommen, Bienvenidos to this new adventure in middle school!