World Language
MURRAY ELEMENTARY IS A WORLD LANGUAGE MAGNET SCHOOL
On behalf of the Murray World Language community, we want to welcome you to our World Language Program. Our mission at Murray is to provide the highest quality programs, and educate our students about other cultures, and teach them to communicate in critical languages spoken around the world.
Murray currently offers daily foreign language instruction in Mandarin, French, and Spanish beginning in Kindergarten. We are all stakeholders and are committed to creating a World Language program that provides our children with a variety of learning opportunities. We hope our scholars become appreciative of the similarities and differences of other cultures from around the world.
We strive to continue to build our language programs, improving each year, giving our students more and more opportunities to communicate in the languages they study with the community around them. One of our goals, in addition to building language proficiency, is to prepare your scholar for our global society.
In world language classes, students grades will be based on their performance in the following categories:
Reading 20%
Listening 20%
Writing 25%
Speaking 25%
Culture 10%
Each year the world language department offers an array of enrichment activities to our students and their families. Each year provides new opportunities and events. Some activities include:
World Language Night: An annual fun-filled night of international exploration with an array of activities, food, and performances
Annual cultural parades for Chinese New Year, Mardi Gras, and Dia de los Meurtos
Culturally focused field trips: to the Alliance Française for cooking lessons and a movie, to the National Museum of Mexican Art and an authentic Mexican lunch, to Chinese dance performances, for a performance of Stories Around the World, and so many more
In-school cultural activities: Chinese Artist in Residence teaches students a variety of cultural crafts, flamenco dance lessons, and afterschool cultural clubs
Murray World Language Parent Packet
Why We Learn Chinese Mandarin
Chinese Mandarin has become an international language. By learning Mandarin Chinese at our school, students gain a competitive edge in an increasingly interconnected world, equipping them with the language skills and cultural understanding needed to thrive in the global community. We are committed to providing a comprehensive and enriching Mandarin program that prepares students for future success. Learning Mandarin offers several advantages:
Global Relevance: Mandarin is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, opening doors to diverse cultures, markets, and opportunities.
Cultural Understanding: Learning Mandarin allows students to appreciate Chinese culture, history, and traditions, fostering cultural sensitivity.
Economic Opportunities: As China continues to grow as a global economic powerhouse, Mandarin proficiency can be a valuable asset in various career fields.
What Skills We Learn
Our Mandarin Chinese program equips students with a comprehensive set of skills:
Listening: Students develop the ability to comprehend spoken Mandarin through various audio resources, enhancing their listening skills.
Speaking: Mandarin classes emphasize oral communication, enabling students to engage in conversations and express themselves fluently.
Reading: Proficiency in reading Chinese characters and texts broadens students' access to literature, news, and information.
Writing: Learning to write Chinese characters, along with pinyin, improves students' written communication skills.
Culture: Understanding Chinese culture fosters an appreciation for diversity and enhances cross-cultural competence.
How We Learn
Our Mandarin program employs a holistic approach based on 3 Modes activities & assessments:
Interpretive Activities/Assessments: Students engage in activities like listening to authentic Mandarin content, watching videos, and reading texts to develop their comprehension skills.
Interpersonal Activities/Assessments: Students participate in conversational exchanges, group discussions, and collaborative projects, enabling them to use Mandarin in real-life contexts.
Presentational Activities/Assessments: Students showcase their Mandarin skills through presentations, writing assignments, and assessments, demonstrating their language proficiency.
International Trips and Communications
We encourage students to explore the world through international trips, exchange programs, and virtual communications, providing opportunities for practical language use and cultural immersion.