World Languages
Meridian puts a strong focus on learning world languages in the context of the communities and societies that speak those languages. Students study Spanish or French; the culture, politics, art, and history of the countries where these languages are common; and go out into the Boston-area to supplement their learning and to engage with communities in their chosen language. A celebration of learning a language as a way to better appreciate different people and perspectives permeates the life of the school. Additional languages may be studied as electives when there is sufficient student interest. Language classes explore the literature, history, culture, art, film, geography, and politics of the countries where Spanish and French are spoken. Aligning with the American Council for Teaching of a Foreign Language (ACTFL) standards, teachers utilize a variety of projects such as skits, videos, creative writing, student-made board games, and analytical essays to immerse students in the language. Supported by these projects, students learn to think in the target language.
Every other year, all of our sophomores and juniors work with their teachers to plan a trip to a Spanish-speaking or French-speaking destination. Past trips have gone to Puerto Rico, Québec, Costa Rica, Panama, Spain, and Ecuador. On these immersion trips, students have stayed with families, explored urban and natural landscapes, and worked with local community initiatives, such as coffee cooperatives and nonprofits that protect rain forests. During their trip to Spain, students attended a cooking workshop and visited a local school as well as touring Gaudí’s amazing Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. When our French students traveled to Québec City and Montréal, they visited the remarkable interdisciplinary Musée de la Civilisation, sampled French cuisine, and bonded over a typical cabane à sucre meal. All students in the relevant classes have the opportunity to participate in these culminating expeditions—Meridian provides financial support so that all students can join in.
| Division | Course | Look forward to the |
|---|---|---|
| Middle School | Spanish Novice | "Una ofrenda personal para el Día de los muertos" project; Visit to the "Ofrenda" at the Peabody Museum at Harvard University |
| Middle School | Spanish Novice High | ¡Quehaceres por donaciones!” project; Work with Guatemalan non-profit organization Natün |
| Middle School | Spanish Intermediate | “Una receta importante para mí” project; “Los alebrijes" project |
| Middle School | Spanish Advanced | “En mi propio jardín” project connected with Julia Álvarez's De cómo la tía Lola vino (de visita) a quedarse; JP's Latin Quarter podcast project |
| Middle School | French Novice | “En mi propio jardín” project connected with Julia Álvarez's De cómo la tía Lola vino (de visita) a quedarse; JP's Latin Quarter podcast project |
| High School | Spanish Novice | Engraved Alphabet project; Learning Spanish Podcast project |
| High School | Spanish Intermediate I | Field Trip to a local hispanic restaurant; Creating your own restaurant project |
| High School | Spanish Intermediate II | Lucha libre mask project; Biannual trip to a Spanish-speaking country |
| High School | Spanish Advanced I | Creative expression project on the Spanish Civil War; Coffee tasting field trip |
| High School | Spanish Advanced II | Museum of Fine Arts field trip to see Latin American and Taíno art |
| High School | French Novice | French Impressionism at the Museum of Fine Arts; Trip to Montréal |
Students are also able to sign up for electives including:
A.P. Spanish Language
A.P. French Language