Immersion Program HighlightsElementary Maria Jose Sabillion and Yenobis Amundaray de Galan from RBES presented to a packed room at the National Dual Language Immersion Conference in Charlotte, NC. Attendees were taking notes, asking questions and snapping pictures of all of the great ideas and resources that Maria Jose and Yenobis shared. The title of their session was, "Strategies for Staying in the L2 in Grades 3-5," and they shared tips, strategies and resources for teaching Math and Science without resorting to English. There were over 50 other immersion teachers and administrators from around the world learning from our very own LexOne teachers. It was a VERY proud moment for us all. Chinese Immersion teachers at MGES hosted another spectacular Chinese New Year celebration. Kindergarten presented a play, The Story of the Chinese Zodiac. There are 12 Chinese zodiac signs, in the following order: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Each sign is named after an animal, and each animal has its own unique characteristics. The story story reveals legendary reasons, and some of the characteristics of the 12 animals. It is widespread among Chinese. Though it is made up, it might be interesting for you to tell your children and friends. First grade immersion performed a dance called Chinese Opera. Chinese Opera is a popular form of drama in China. It has gradually evolved over more than a thousand years. Second grade performed a rap song call Counting Frogs, which integrated math, language, and music. Third grade performed a dance called Exercise Song. It is an active dance to advocate for staying healthy. Fourth grade performed Kong Fu Fan. Kong Fu Fan is the most popular Tai Chi Fan form ever practiced in China. There are 52 movements in the whole routine based on the characteristic Tai Chi posture with the fan's artistic and martial functions. Fifth grade presented a song using sign language. This song is about a world full of love, which encourages everyone to follow their dreams with perseverance. Here is their introduction “We speak English. We speak Chinese. We use different languages to convey information. We also convey information without speaking, that is sign language.” Middle MGMS Chinese Immersion students have some exciting events coming up in February. Sixth grade immersion students will go on a field study trip to Charlotte True Buddha Temple and Seventh grade immersion will go to an Asian Market. These are such valuable experiences for students to understand cultural products and practices, as well as to motivate them in their language studies. CSMS Immersion students will partner with all of the WL classes to present a Festival of Cultures. See flyer below. All are welcome to attend! High
Immersion Year 2 at LHS will be examining the needs of their community and ways in which they can be of most use to those in need. Sra. Cormier-Bausch states, "To begin we will work on a collaborative project to bring awareness to the LHS population of our FIT (Food Improving Thinking) program. This will be a broadcast segment on the school’s daily video news in English and in Spanish!" It is great to see immersion students sharing their language skills with the entire school. RBHS Chinese classes also hosted MGE students to celebrate Chinese New Year. |