Chinese Options
In the classroom you will: learn with partners and in cooperative groups, experience Chinese culture,
enjoy Chinese movies, music, and books, play different games, and use the internet to learn, practice,
and study. You will also learn the skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
Did you know: one out of five people in the world speaks Chinese, China is the second largest trading
partner of the U.S. after Canada, China is poised to become the next global economic superpower, and
China manufacturers two-thirds of the world’s copiers, microwave ovens, DVD players, and toys?
Chinese I
Projects include but are not limited to: a family tree project, musical mandarin (fun music and
movement with songs), and celebrating the Chinese New Year.
Chinese II: Prerequisite: Chinese I
Projects include but are not limited to: a Market Day Project (run a clothing store while creating and
designing a paper doll), a tea ceremony ( learn the proper way to taste tea), and a secret angel
(someone who observes you, write a diary about you, and sends you a present on your birthday.
Chinese III: Prerequisite: Chinese II
Projects include but are not limited to: idiom stories, a mid-autumn festival (learn the myths of Chinese
moon legends), and a Chinese New Year Celebration.
Chinese IV: Prerequisite: Chinese III
Projects include but are not limited to: a Halloween Project (learn about the Chinese Ghost Month and
present Chinese ghost stories to the class), a lantern festival (solve riddles on lanterns to celebrate the
Chinese New Year), and joke days (watch/read vivid funny cartoon, idiomatic expressions, and
interesting intonations).
Chinese Club
Chinese Club offers the following activities: a field trip to China Town, making Chinese food, playing
Chinese games, fun paper folding competitions, watching Chinese movies, and restaurant trips.
German Options
German 1
In this class you will learn how to talk about yourself (appearance, hobbies, school) and your family
members. In addition you will learn various food and clothing items. There will be a food tasting in
Chapter 3. You will also learn about the weather, how to give directions, and household chores. There
will be various in class skits to practice and demonstrate what you have learned. In German class you
will also play fun games to help you learn the vocabulary faster. Every chapter is accompanied by a small
fun project. Cultural differences are also discussed. You will learn about German holidays and receive
candy for St. Nicklaus Day. In December we are going to the Christkindl Market in Chicago so you can
experience the German Christmas spirit and enjoy authentic German foods.
German 2: Prerequisite: German 1
In this class you will really expand your vocabulary and begin to talk about the past as well as the
present. Topics include vacations, health, describing where you live and other interests. Your German
will become more sophisticated as you add new grammar and vocabulary to your language abilities.
German Club opportunities continue to give you a chance to sample German cuisine, visit a Christmas
market and be with your classmates in a fun, casual atmosphere.
German 3 (Honors): Prerequisite: German 2
In this class you will learn a great deal about German culture and begin to express your ideas through a
variety of media. Your grammar and vocabulary continue to develop to a more advanced level. Topics
include learning about East Germany and German Unification, travelling through Germany, social life,
reading in the German language and 20th century German history. In addition to the textbook, authentic
movies and stories are read in the second semester to further student interest and confidence. German
Club opportunities continue to give you a chance to sample German cuisine, visit a Christmas market
and be with your classmates in a fun, casual atmosphere.
German 4H/AP (Honors): Prerequisite: German 3
In this class you will learn about various cities in Germany, Austria and Switzerland such as Berlin, Vienna
and Zürich. Every chapter is accompanied by a video that either talks about the specific city or addresses
a topic we discussed during the unit. In addition students are encouraged to prepare a local food item
and share it with the class. During every chapter we will visit the computer lab to help us do research on
the city studied in class. The year ends with a year book project so you have lasting memories of German
class and the friends you have made over the years.
French Options
French I
Major themes in this course include greetings, goodbyes, introductions, school, sports, food, family,
daily activities, clothes, and vacation. Projects include but are not limited to: video presentations at a
café, family powerpoints or scrapbooks, shopping at specialty shops, and a fashion show.
French II: Prerequisite: French I
Major themes in this course are descriptions, directions, locations, shopping, health and fitness, advice,
meals, events and settings in the past, school, music, literature, movies, francophone countries, and
chateaux. Projects include but are not limited to: creating post and greeting cards, stories about one’s
childhood, adventure stories, a brochure for a health club, and illustrating one’s interest in music, books,
and movies. Dialogues include welcoming guests into the home, making purchases at the market, polite
exchanges during a meal, and buying tickets at the movies.
French III (Honors): Prerequisite: French II
While this course revisits many of the themes of Level II, extended vocabulary is now included. Major
themes in this course are description, daily routine, chores, vacation, weather, shopping, hair and
personal care, services, travel, ecology as well as social, cultural, artistic, and historical content.
Activities include spoken, reading and writing components. Projects include compositions about their
summer activities, written and spoken detailed descriptions of various people, creating a child’s book of
shapes and colors, writing a fairy tale, and experiencing an airplane simulation.
French IV (Honors): Prerequisite: French III
Major themes in this course include relationships, city life, media, society, science, work perspectives,
and impressionism. Students take a field trip to the Art Institute and paint their own Impressionist
painting. Projects include but are not limited to writing memoirs of high school experiences, writing
about future plans, reflecting on their most memorable moments at CG, and creating a music video.
Students go to the lab during 2 units to do web and interactive activities on the computer.
French AP (Honors): Teacher recommendation
This course includes the same coursework as level IV. The AP students will have additional coursework
outside of class. This includes a packet once a week to practice skills on the AP test, and an extra
vocabulary quiz once a week. Students are encouraged to take the AP French Language exam in May.
French Club
Activities include but are not limited to: Chez Pierre Creperie, Ambrosia Patisserie, 1776 Restaurant,
and an all language Halloween, Mardival Festival, and softball game.
Spanish Options
Spanish 1
Spanish 1 is an introduction to the Spanish-speaking world and culture. Students are introduced to the
skills needed to communicate with Spanish-speaking people at a basic level. In Spanish 1 Spanish is
spoken in class as much as possible.
Some activities include: participating in conversations, acting out skits, learning about culture, holidays,
and celebrations in the Spanish-speaking world, partner and group work, games, and culturally related
food and craft activities.
Major themes in this course include: activities you like to do in school and after school, favorite foods
from different Spanish-speaking countries, people in your family, shopping, places and events,
describing your house, parties, sports, health and vacations.
After completing Spanish 1, students may continue with Spanish 2 or choose to take Accelerated
Spanish 2.
At all levels, students are encouraged to participate in the various Spanish club activities.
Spanish 2: Prerequisite: Spanish I
The four skills of speaking, listening, writing and reading will be practiced both in and out of class.
Students will read about culture and current events in the Hispanic world in the magazine “Ahora” and
will enhance their skills by utilizing online resources designed for this level of study.
Major themes in this course include: Travel, Sports and Health, Shopping, Going to a Restaurant, Telling
People What to Do and School Life.
Some activities include: Creating and telling a story in the past, recording conversations in the
Computer Lab, learning more about the Spanish speaking countries introduced in Spanish 1, fiestas to
celebrate Día de los Muertos and Cinco de Mayo and any cultural activities offered in Spanish Club.
After successfully completing Spanish 2, students are encouraged to take Honors Spanish 3.
Spanish 3 (Honors): Prerequisite: Spanish 2
Because Spanish is spoken on a daily basis, students in level 3 have an increased opportunity to use
Spanish. In fact, the majority of the class is conducted in Spanish. Students read about culture and
current events around the world in the magazine “El Sol” and watch a Spanish sitcom series, “EXTRA”.
Some activities include: writing a Spanish love poem, acting out skits, participating in conversations,
reading short stories, creating videos, writing definitions, partner and group work, competitions,
culturally related food and craft activities.
Major themes in this course include: A Busy Life, Fun in the Outdoors, Time to Help, The Future of Our
Planet, Who Do You Want To Be?, Who Are Your Heroes?, How Do You Have Fun?, Where We Live, Your
Past and Your Future.
After completing Spanish 3, students may take Honors Spanish 4 or Honors Spanish 4 Dual Credit. The
Dual Credit class is offered in conjunction with McHenry County College and students must take a
placement test during the third year of language study.
At all levels, students are encouraged to participate in the various Spanish club activities.
Spanish IV Honors: Prerequisite: Spanish III
This fourth year Spanish class reviews and synthesizes the grammatical concepts taught in Spanish I,II,
and III, along with enhancing student vocabulary thus providing a strong foundation for success on
college proficiency exams. As this class is primarily taught in Spanish, students have opportunities to
increase their abilities to speak, understand, read and write in Spanish. Topics to be explored will
include: personal relationships and family, life in the city, careers, social issues, the media, nature and
ecology, and technology and science. There will be assignments, projects and homework in and outside
of class as there is a substantial online component to this year. Students will be using technology
independently as well as receiving instruction, guidance and support to aid in the learning process as
they review and revisit previously learned concepts but also as they integrate and manipulate new
information.
There are two field trips offered along in conjunction with the AP and Dual Credit classes in Spanish. In
fall, students have the opportunity to visit the National Mexican Museum and in spring, the Art Institute.
These trips enhance the study of the cultural component of this class as well as provide for
opportunities for greater awareness of the contributions of the Spanish-speaking world.
Dual Credit Spanish IV: Prerequisite: Required scores on College Placement Test and teacher
recommendation
This fourth year in Spanish is a fast-paced college level class for the already skilled Spanish student.
Although taught at Cary-Grove, it is designed in conjunction with McHenry County College and will
reflect their third and fourth semester (sophomore) curriculum. This class is primarily taught in Spanish.
Students will use all structures taught in Spanish I, II, and III to communicate orally and in writing.
Students will be able to join with other fourth year Spanish students in two field trips during the year,
one to the National Mexican Museum and one to The Art Institute of Chicago. This class will require the
purchase of the same college textbook and workbook used at McHenry County College. The current cost
is approximately $108 for the text and $45 for the workbook. McHenry County College will award 4
college credits per semester for a “C” grade or better in the class. Thus, successful completion of the
year will award the student 8 college credits on a high school transcript. However, students are strongly
encouraged to investigate how their own college or university may accept these credits, as each
institution may process these credits differently.
Accelerated Options
Accelerated Spanish II: Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation
This pre-AP class is intended for the highly motivated students who have very successfully completed
both semesters of Spanish I and wish to enhance their skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing
Spanish at an accelerated and purposeful pace. Students can expect the class to be mainly in Spanish
with a minimum of Spanish spoken. Major themes of this class include Travel, Sports and Health,
Shopping, Going to a Restaurant, Telling people what to do, and School Life. Some activities include:
learning more about Spanish- speaking countries and customs, reading short stories, writing a Facebook
–type page, creating and filming a video, writing a blog, creating a picture dictionary, designing a movie
poster and accompanying movie review, writing and performing skits and various other group, partner
and solo activities. All activities utilize and synthesize previous information but in new ,creative , and
original ways.
Cultural topics explored may include the Day of the Dead, El día de la Virgen de Guadalupe, La Navidad,
and Cinco de Mayo. Celebrations may occur in class or after school in Spanish Club. After successfully
completing this class, students are encouraged to enroll in Accelerated Spanish III.
Spanish 3 Accelerated (Honors) Prerequisite: Spanish 2 Accelerated
The main purpose of this class is to prepare students for success in the Advanced Placement (AP) Honors
Spanish IV class. There is an emphasis on synthesis of information and students learn to use their
speaking, reading, listening and writing skills together in order to complete assignments. Because
Spanish is spoken on a daily basis, students in the Spanish 3 Accelerated class have an increased
opportunity to use Spanish. In fact, the class is conducted in Spanish.
Students read about culture and current events around the world in the magazine “El Sol” and other
level-appropriate readings which correspond to the textbook curriculum. Students also enjoy watching
a Spanish sitcom series, “EXTRA” as well as other listening and video activities.
Some activities include: reading Spanish poetry, writing a Spanish love poem, performing a poem or
song, acting out skits, role-playing, compositions, recording , participating in impromptu conversations,
speeches, reading short stories and informational articles, summarizing current articles, creating videos,
writing definitions, partner and group work, competitions, experiencing cultural through related food,
craft and role-playing activities, discussions/informal debates.
Major themes in this course include: A Busy Life, Fun in the Outdoors, Time to Help, The Future of Our
Planet, Who Do You Want To Be?, Who Are Your Heroes?, How Do You Have Fun?, Where We Live, Your
Past and Your Future.
After completing Accelerated Spanish 3, students are eligible to take the Advanced Placement (AP)
Honors Spanish IV class. At all levels, students are encouraged to participate in the various Spanish club
activities.
AP Spanish Language (Honors): Prerequisite: Spanish 3 Accelerated
This class is designed to function at a fourth semester university-level Spanish language class, and its
purpose is to prepare students for the AP Spanish Language exam in May. Students will practice
strategies intended to further develop the skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking as they will be
presented on the exam. The class is conducted in Spanish.
Students will review important grammar concepts already studied during the previous three years while
addressing global themes such as: What is culture?, Traditions and Beliefs, Immigration, Family, Health
and Well Being and Spanish Artists.
Some activities include a visit to the Mexican Museum of Fine Arts to view the annual Día de los
Muertos exhibit and a trip to the Art Institute of Chicago to view original works of Spanish Art.
All students are encouraged to take the AP Spanish Language Exam in May.
Please refer to the District 155 Course Description for AP Spanish Language for more detailed
information.
Spanish for Heritage Learners
Spanish for Heritage Learners 1&2
Spanish for Heritage Learners 1&2 is a course designed for Spanish-speaking students who wish to
become more fluent in reading, writing, speaking and listening in Spanish. In this course, students will
study the different Spanish-speaking countries while enhancing their linguistic abilities. Students will be
able to compare their culture to those of the various other Spanish-speaking countries.
Some activities include: Watching Spanish sitcoms, country research projects, learning more about
culture, holidays and celebrations in the Spanish speaking world, partner/ group work and field trips.
Major themes in this course include: Cultural celebrations, Spanish roots, Food and life, Shopping, Using
a computer, Health and well-being and Mexican and Spanish art.
This course is offered to Freshmen and Sophomores. After completing this course, students have the
option of taking Spanish for Heritage Learners 3&4
At all levels, students are encouraged to participate in the various Spanish club activities.
Spanish for Heritage Learners 3/4
Spanish for Heritage Learners 3/4 is a course designed for Spanish-speaking students who wish to
become more fluent in reading, writing, speaking, and listening in Spanish. In this course students will
read and discuss novels, poetry, and short stories. Students will also become better writers by working
on specific grammar and spelling exercises in Spanish.
Some activities include: participating in conversations, acting out skits, learning more about culture,
holidays, and celebrations in the Spanish-speaking world, partner and group work, games, holiday
parties, field trips.
Major themes in this course include: immigration, planning for your future, our ancestors, myths and
legends, Mexican culture, poetry, art and cultural celebrations.
Students must be a Junior or Senior (or have a teacher recommendation) to take this course. After
completing this course students have the option of taking AP Spanish 4 with a teacher’s
recommendation.
At all levels, students are encouraged to participate in the various Spanish club activities.