Grade 3 Cross-Curricular Lesson Plan: World Languages

Lesson Overview

In this lesson we will travel around the world and see how children around the world use various languages, to communicate, express themselves, celebrate traditions, and so much more. This lesson was designed to cover several subjects, mainly: World Languages, English, and Social Studies.

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• Linguistic Appreciation: Students will explore the diversity of global languages, recognizing the unique characteristics and sounds of each.
• Cultural Understanding: This lesson emphasizes the role of language in cultural expression and identity, fostering respect for linguistic diversity.
• Communication Skills: Introduces basic phrases in various languages, encouraging students to see language as a tool for global connection and understanding.

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Lesson Objectives & Curriculum Alignment:

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United Kingdom

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• Curriculum Area: Modern Foreign Languages, English (Key Stage 2)
• Alignment: Supports the curriculum's aim to foster pupils' curiosity and deepen their understanding of the world through introducing them to the basics of foreign languages and encouraging cultural awareness.
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United States

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• Curriculum Area: English Language Arts, Social Studies (Grades 3-5)
• Alignment: Aligns with Common Core ELA standards by introducing language diversity and with Social Studies goals to understand global cultures and communication.

Canada

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• Curriculum Area: Language Arts, Social Studies
• Alignment: Complements Canadian curriculum by enhancing language skills and cultural understanding through the exploration of global languages and their societal roles.

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New Zealand

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• Curriculum Area: Learning Languages, Social Sciences
• Alignment: Fits the New Zealand Curriculum's focus on learning languages as a means of communicating with people from other cultures and exploring cultural identities.

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Australia

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• Curriculum Area: Languages, Humanities and Social Sciences
• Alignment: Meets the Australian Curriculum's objectives for language learning, promoting linguistic diversity and intercultural understanding.

Introductory Activities

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Saying "hello" around the world can look (and sound very different). How many languages do you know how to say "hello" in?
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Look at the end for the answers*

How about we warm up with a True or False game of language facts: 

1. People only use language to talk (False)  Language is like a toolbox – it can be used for talking, singing, writing stories, and making jokes!
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2. If you speak a different language, you can't understand music from another country. (False)  Music can make you feel happy, sad, or excited even if you don't understand all the words. It's a language everyone can enjoy!
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3. Languages can have different sounds, like whistles or clicks. (True) Some languages use sounds we might not be used to, like whistles or clicks, to carry meaning!
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4. Knowing just a few words in another language can make someone smile. (True)
Even if you can't speak another language perfectly, saying a simple "Hello" or "Thank you" shows you care and want to learn.
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5. Some languages don't use letters. (True)  There are languages that use symbols or pictures instead of letters to communicate, they are even languages that don't have a written aspect at all! 
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6. Learning about different languages helps us understand and appreciate the world around us. (True)  Languages are like bridges – they connect us to people from all over the world!

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Children Around the World

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Khoder will kick off this world adventure by introducing his family in Syria. Khoder speaks Arabic. Do you want to hear a fun language fact? 

Arabic is written from right to left, instead of left to right! All books in arabic open from left too! 

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Next, we are heading to China, where Tiger will show us a traditional Chinese writing technique. Do you know what is the official name for Chinese characters? 
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In our next stop, we will visit Polina and her friends, who will show us the geography of Russia.
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We are not finished yet! Mila will show us a very interesting aspect of language in South Africa.

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Lastly, we will head to Iraqi Kurdistan, where Yara will share some interesting facts about her language.

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Activities
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Discussion Prompts:
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• Imagine you're traveling to one of the places you saw in the videos. What would you be most excited to learn about their language and culture? Are there any specific words or phrases you'd like to be able to say? Why?
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• Languages can be a window into a culture. Based on the clips we saw, what can you learn about the cultures represented by the different languages?
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• The poem from Mongolia spoke about the beauty of the speaker's homeland. Can you think of a poem, song, or story from your own culture that evokes a strong sense of place? What makes it special?
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Storytelling Prompts:
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• Create a story about a character who can speak multiple languages. How does this ability help them in their life?
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• Imagine a world where everyone speaks the same language. Would this be a good thing? Why or why not? Write a story about the challenges and benefits of such a world.
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Blended Activities/Projects Ideas:
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• Language Exchange Day: Organize a day where students share words and phrases from languages they speak at home or have learned, fostering a multicultural exchange.
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• Global Pen Pals: Connect with a classroom in another country to exchange letters or videos, allowing students to practice new languages and learn about another culture firsthand.
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• Cultural Celebration Event: Host a classroom event where students present on a place they've researched, including language, culture, and traditions, enhancing global awareness.

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Inside Touchable Earth you can find cross-curricular lessons like this, as well as in-depth lesson plans and resources for Social Studies and Geography.

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The world of "hello" answers: 

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Habari: Swahili - a language most often used in Sabsaharan Africa

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Yia sou : Greek - an informal greeting in Greece (literally translating to "to your health"

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Hola : Spanish - spanish is spoken in so many places around the world from South America, to Equitorial Guinea, and Spain.

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Hello : English

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Merhaban: Arabic - also means "welcome!" 

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Pryvit: Ukrainian

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Konnichiwa: Japanese - could also mean "good day" or "good afternoon" 

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Ciao: Italian

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Namaste: Hindi - a language most commonly used in India it literally translates to "I bow to you" and shows respect.

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Olá: Portuguese

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