Foreign Language News December - Cultural Celebrations Around the World

Learning about different cultural celebrations fosters respect and open-mindedness for other cultures. This month we have been learning about different festivals and traditions around the world in our foreign language lessons. 

Spain - On December 24th, families and friends gather for a special meal for Christmas, and then go to church at midnight. In Spanish class, Upper School students made lots of Spanish food and shared it with everyone.

“La gastronomía es una parte fundamental de la cultura” - "Food is a fundamental part of culture."

On December 31st, people all over Spain gather in public squares or stay home waiting for the clock to count down for the new year. Once the clock reaches twelve seconds, they began to eat twelve grapes — one for each month of the year — a tradition that is supposed to bring good luck. The students participated in this activity during Spanish class.

Feliz Año Nuevo y Mucha Paz en el Mundo!  - Happy New Year and lots of peace on Earth!

Sweden - We learned about a Swedish holiday called "Lucia" with music guide Rebecka, who is from Sweden. Students saw a video about the holiday and the “Lucia Train,” where children performed songs acapella with candles. We practiced to dancing around a Christmas tree (we used a bottle instead). The students also tasted non-alcoholic Glögg (mulled wine), gingerbread cookies, and homemade knack (a type of almond toffee).

“God Jul och Gott  Nytt Är” - Happy Holidays!

Colombia - "La Feria de las Flores," the Flower Festival, is held every year in Medellin, Colombia. Students in LS3 and US1, have been learning about this special event and making many paper flowers. They located Colombia on the big map and also wrote stories inspired by the festival.

La Paz es un trabajo de todos! - Peace is everyone's job!

France - In French class, students learned how to make brownies with Garrett’s help, and learned all the different ingredients in French.

Paix-Peace!

Students who are taking Spanish with Karina (the Spanish instructor with the Foreign Language Institute) learned and performed a song about an old man and a donkey who were traveling to Belen. They are preparing to make the rosca de reyes, a traditional cake. 

Felices Fiestas! - Happy Holidays!

Germany - Students learned about Hanukkah and play Dreidel (a spinning top game) for chocolate Gelt (coins). They also learned about German Christmas traditions. They ate the famous Plätzchen un Kekse cookies.

Frieden auf Erden! – Peace on Earth!