Author: Tammy Lane • First Posted: Monday, March 21, 2011

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This year, all participants will receive a free T-shirt.

In her first year at the helm of the FCPS Regional World Language Festival, Linda Beck already knows the event will be packed with enriching experiences for students and their families.

The district has logged some 1,000 student entries – about 100 more than last year, when the festival expanded into an all-day Saturday affair at host Bryan Station High School. The number of workshops has also risen to about 60. In addition, elementary students in the Spanish and Chinese programs will offer short performances during the March 26 festival.

“It makes it much more authentic than a classroom could ever be,” Beck said of students drinking in cultural activities and testing out their language proficiency. “I want them to have a fabulous time, learn something and be anxious to learn more.”

In hands-on stations and mini lessons, students can experience a Japanese tea ceremony or try an unfamiliar language like Farsi. They also can sample various cultures through music, crafts, dance and visual arts.

During the competitive segments, judges will assess students’ skills in reading, recitation, dialogue, writing, and oral and listening proficiency. In the cultural assessments, the spectrum ranges from chorus, dance and drama to costumes, artwork and video productions.

Students in Dianne Perry’s French classes at Henry Clay High School are preparing several entries, including a play, songs, poetry and dances.

“The dance students are pulling together something quite creative,” Perry said, noting how they handled the choreography and chose the songs, including one used for listening and reading exercises in class.

Teresa Conigliaro, a junior and a former member of Henry Clay’s dance team, led after-school rehearsals for the past few weeks.

“The three dances are very diverse. This is kind of a mime song where we’re mirroring each other,” she explained as a handful of girls paired up for practice.

Classmates also plan to perform the can-can and a French court dance.

Perry likes how the language festival mixes students from all levels and draws in some who might not ordinarily participate. As for the proficiency judging, she advises her kids to relax.

“Getting started speaking is half the battle,” she tells them. “Just don’t let yourself get terribly frightened.”

At Leestown Middle School, Yiran Zhou’s students might be excused for their nervousness since Chinese is a brand-new course this year. About 10 kids are expected to attend the festival.

“When they take these assessments, they will show their Chinese language skills, and this will foster their sense of achievement and raise their confidence,” Zhou said. “The festival offers a very good chance for students to enjoy the fun of learning a foreign language and show their talents.”

If you go

FCPS Regional World Language Festival

What: Language and culture proficiency assessments; non-competitive exhibitions

Theme: “Explore the World … Discover Your Future”

Where: Bryan Station High School, 201 Eastin Road

When: Saturday March 26

• 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. - language proficiency judging and cultural assessments
• 11 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. - elementary performances in Spanish and Chinese
• 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. - workshops and demonstrations

Highlights: Japanese tea ceremony, Latin dances, Mardi Gras mask-making, and mini lessons on Arabic, Farsi and sign language.

Resources

Linda Beck, FCPS world languages specialist, (859) 381-4145

Kentucky World Language Association