World Languages

  • DPS 109 is proud to be one of very few districts that offers FOUR world languages to students in 6th, 7th and 8th grade. We invite you to read below to learn more about our Spanish, French, Hebrew and Mandarin programs!

Listen to what our students have to say about learning a new language!

Hebrew

    • (some of the pictures used in the video above were prior to the pandemic)

      Why Take Hebrew?

      Hebrew is one of the world's oldest languages. It was almost a dead language but was brought back to life. There is religious Hebrew –The Bible and prayers, and Modern Conversational Hebrew, which is taught in District 109.

      Hebrew is the official language of Israel, one of the world’s fastest-growing high-tech economies. It is spoken by 9 million people living in Israel, both Jewish and non-Jewish, and around the world.  By learning Hebrew, you can get new insight into Jewish/ Israeli history and culture. Knowing Hebrew will help you travel more easily in Israel and interact with Israelis abroad. Not the least, Hebrew is fun!!!!:) 

      During class time, we learn new vocabulary, play games, work with partners and groups, create skits and work on engaging projects to show off vocabulary we have learned. Every Friday is Culture Day, which means, we learn about Israel, Israeli leaders and symbols, sing and listen to Israeli music, play Israeli games and more.

      Have questions about the program? Contact Mrs. Zamir, our Hebrew instructor (szamir@dps109.org).
    Spanish

      • Why Take Spanish?

        • Spanish is one of the most commonly spoken languages in the entire world - with about 400 million native speakers.
        • With more than 33 million speakers, Spanish is the second largest language in the United States.
        • Being able to speak Spanish greatly enhances your resume. If you are bilingual you are more competitive in the workplace.

         

         
      Mandarin

        • Why Take Mandarin?

          Mandarin is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world! It's a language not offered by any other middle school locally, so it's a way to stand out in the crowd and get a unique educational experience that only DPS 109 can offer. 6th, 7th, and 8th graders at both Shepard and Caruso can opt to take Mandarin, and continue their studies in the Mandarin program at Deerfield High School.

          It is a tonal language, meaning that the word definitions can change based on intonation. Because of that, some say learning Mandarin takes more brainpower! The language features very simple grammar, with no conjugation used.

          With the emergence of global and remote work, knowing a language like Mandarin Chinese can open more business and career opportunities for students, and allow them to explore the other side of the world!

          Watch above to learn more about Mandarin class!

          Have questions about the program? Contact Ms. Lee, our Mandarin instructor (clee@dps109.org).
        French

          • Why Take French?

            • The French are known for their gastronomy.  Students have the opporuntity to learn how to make a French recipe alongside a chef!
            • Once in their three years, students have the opportunity to take a trip to the Art Institute to receive a docent-led tour on the Impressionist artists. 
            • Throughout the year, we celebrate various cultural traditions: Festival of lights, Carnival/Mardi-Gras, Winter Carnival, Bastille Day.  Students also have the chance to explore the French texting language.
            • French classes are encouraged to speak and mistakes are welcome!  They are consistently practicing their reading, writing, listening, and comprehension skills through role-playing, partner activities, small projects, and language immersive games on and offlline.