​​iRead@CMS​​

Language study and acquisition develops your intellect and encourages you to engage in critical reflection—about the world and its many cultures and about your own language and culture.  More importantly it promotes and encourages respect for other peoples.

STANDARDS & OBJECTIVES:

I. Standard Number 2 (Goal Two): Cultures - Students gain knowledge and understanding of other cultures

Level 1: Standard 4: Students demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between the practices and perspectives of the culture.  

• Examine cultural differences (e.g. Identify similar holidays, foods and customs that the two cultures share and then identify some differences in celebration.

• Identify the major geographical features of countries or regions where the target language is spoken. (e.g. Create a topographical map; List major cities, capitals and regions of a country where the target language is spoken).

• Identify key historical events in target cultures. (e.g. Name important leaders who carried out political or social reforms; Draw a timeline of important historical events of countries where the target language is spoken).

Students demonstrate understanding of the concept of culture through comparisons of the cultures studied and their own.

a. Identify similar and different behavioral patterns, including the use of non-verbal gestures, between the target culture and the student's own culture. (e.g. Identify similarities and differences in teacher-student relationships in the target culture; Describe similarities and differences in behaviors such as greetings, attire, shopping and ordering food).

b. Identify the similarities and differences in cultural reaction to local and world issues. (e.g. Read newspaper articles in both languages about current events).

c. Recognize cultural stereotyping. (e.g. Discuss students' impressions of the target culture; Identify problems associated with stereotyping).