PLEASANT VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT
PLANNED COURSE CURRICULUM GUIDE
GERMAN III
WORLD LANGUAGES -- GRADES 10 - 12
I.
COURSE DESCRIPTION AND INTENT:
This is an elective course designed to provide more advanced language proficiency and cultural
awareness. It is strongly suggested for higher learning/college preparatory students and wholeheartedly
recommended for career comprehensive students for their personal enrichment as well as for practical
preparation for various vocational fields.
The course emphasizes vocabulary relating to everyday life situations, timely pronunciation via the
study of phonetics, the various grammatical components needed to build a complete and correct
sentence, and cultural entities involved in the countries where the target language is spoken. A genuine
attempt will be made to encompass the aspects of listening to, speaking, reading, and writing the
language.
Language is one of the principal cultural components of any community. It is also the medium through
which most of the community’s behaviors and beliefs are transmitted to new generations and through
which most of its intellectual processes and practical routine procedures must take place. A reliable
knowledge of a culture is only possible through an in-depth study of its language.
In the instruction of a modern foreign language we hope to aid the student in developing linguistic
proficiency in both active and passive language skills and to help the student realize, understand, and
appreciate the cultural foundations which affect the target language.
II.
INSTRUCTIONAL TIME:
Class Periods: Six (6) per six-(6) day cycle
Length of Class Periods (minutes): 56
Length of Course: 135 days (3 Quarters)
Unit of Credit: .75
Updated: 6/2014
COURSE: German III
STRAND: 1.6 (Phonetics)
GRADE(S): 10 – 12
TIME FRAME: Three Quarters/56 minutes daily
PA ACADEMIC STANDARDS
1.6.9.A: Listen critically and respond to others in small and large group situations.
Respond with grade level appropriate questions, ideas, information or opinions.
1.6.9.B: Demonstrate awareness of audience using appropriate volume and clarity in
formal speaking presentations.
NATIONAL STANDARDS
1. COMMUNICATION
Communicate in Languages Other Than English
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Standard 1.1: Students engage in conversations, provide and obtain information,
express feelings and emotions, and exchange opinions
Standard 1.2: Students understand and interpret written and spoken language on
a variety of topics
Standard 1.3: Students present information, concepts, and ideas to an audience of
listeners or readers on a variety of topics.
4. COMPARISONS
Develop Insight into the Nature of Language and Culture
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Standard 4.1: Students demonstrate understanding of the nature of language
through comparisons of the language studied and their own
Standard 4.2: Students demonstrate understanding of the concept of culture
through comparisons of the cultures studied and their own.
ASSESSMENT ANCHORS
Not applicable
RESOURCES
District Approved:
 Textbook
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Workbook
DVDs/Videos
CDs/Cassettes
Various Games – teacher-made and text-generated
Flashcards
Projected Visual Materials
Native Speakers
Magazines
Newspapers
Authentic German Resources
Teacher & textbook-generated worksheets & handouts
Library
Field Trips
Realia
Internet
OBJECTIVES
The learner will demonstrate knowledge of phonetics, diction, and intonation of German.
ESSENTIAL CONTENT
Students will be able to:
 Correctly pronounce all German words from a given spelling.
 Correctly spell all German works from a given dictation.
 Distinguish between long and short vowels.
 Distinguish between regular and umlauted vowels.
 Utilize correct intonation in statements, questions and commands.
 Speak with an intonation and pronunciation acceptable to a native speaker.
 Link words within the same sentence.
 Pronounce diphthongs and triphthongs.
 Divide words into proper syllables.
 Distinguish between various German accents.
INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES
Students will:
 Read aloud a list of words and/or phrases containing the specific sounds being
studied.
 Spell Germans words using the German alphabet.
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Syllabically divide a given list of words and name the rule that applies.
Listen and repeat various words and phrases, mimicking the teacher or a tape
recording of a native speaker.
Utilize memory/concentration activities to assist in word identification.
Give the correct pronunciation of words on flashcards or from a given list.
Sing German songs to practice pronunciation.
Play various games such as "Hangman" or “Sparkle” in German to practice
pronunciation of German letters.
Engage in role-playing activities or dialogues to practice pronunciation.
Talk with German speakers (native and non-native).
ASSESSMENTS
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Oral presentation/participation
Teacher observation
Activities, worksheets, and projects that are designed to demonstrate comprehension
of the concepts taught.
Teacher/textbook designed tests and quizzes comprised of listening, speaking,
reading, and writing activities; multiple choice, matching, true/false, and essay
formats may also be utilized.
Teacher/textbook designed diagnostic, formative, and summative assessments
Portfolios
CORRECTIVES/EXTENSIONS
Correctives:
 Student/teacher made flashcards
 Audiotapes (listen and repeat sounds).
 Utilize re-teaching activities.
 Practice spelling quiz.
Extensions:
 Read supplemental articles to practice pronunciation.
 Expand vocabulary to practice pronunciation.
 Listen to authentic speakers of German.
 Student generated activities and projects.
COURSE: German III
STRAND: 1.1 (Vocabulary)
GRADE(S): 10 – 12
TIME FRAME: Three Quarters/56 minutes daily
PA ACADEMIC STANDARDS
1.1.9.A: Apply appropriate comprehension strategies to interpret and evaluate an author’s
implied or stated purpose using grade level text.
1.1.9.B: Use context clues, knowledge of root words, and word origins as well as
reference sources to decode and understand new words.
1.1.9.C: Use vocabulary across all academic content areas that demonstrates knowledge
of literal and figurative meanings of words, nuances, or connotations of words, and word
origins.
1.1.9.D: Demonstrate comprehension of grade level text using before reading, during
reading, and after reading strategies such as comparing and contrasting within and among
texts, and evaluating an author’s purpose and position.
1.1.9.E: Demonstrate an appropriate rate of silent reading based upon specific grade level
texts.
NATIONAL STANDARDS
1. COMMUNICATION
Communicate in Languages Other Than English



Standard 1.1: Students engage in conversations, provide and obtain information,
express feelings and emotions, and exchange opinions
Standard 1.2: Students understand and interpret written and spoken language on
a variety of topics
Standard 1.3: Students present information, concepts, and ideas to an audience of
listeners or readers on a variety of topics.
3. CONNECTIONS
Connect with Other Disciplines and Acquire Information


Standard 3.1: Students reinforce and further their knowledge of other disciplines
through the foreign language
Standard 3.2: Students acquire information and recognize the distinctive
viewpoints that are only available through the foreign language and its cultures
4. COMPARISONS
Develop Insight into the Nature of Language and Culture


Standard 4.1: Students demonstrate understanding of the nature of language
through comparisons of the language studied and their own
Standard 4.2: Students demonstrate understanding of the concept of culture
through comparisons of the cultures studied and their own.
ASSESSMENT ANCHORS
Not applicable
RESOURCES
District Approved:
 Textbook
 Workbook
 DVDs/Videos
 CDs/Cassettes
 Various Games – teacher-made and text-generated











Flashcards
Projected Visual Materials
Native Speakers
Magazines
Newspapers
Authentic German Resources
Teacher & textbook-generated worksheets & handouts
Library
Field Trips
Realia
Internet
OBJECTIVES
The learner will develop and utilize a vocabulary necessary to communicate in the
German language.
ESSENTIAL CONTENT
Students will be able to:
 Ask for and give information about themselves and others
 Describe themselves and others
 Express likes and dislikes
 Identify people and places
 Give and respond to compliments
 Express wishes when buying things
 Make plans
 Order food and beverages
 Talk about how something tastes
 Express obligations
 Extend and respond to an invitation
 Offer help and ask/tell someone what to do
 Say that they need something else
 Say where they were and what they bought
 Discuss gift ideas
 Express likes, dislikes, preferences, and favorites
 Say they do or don’t want more
 Report past events
 Talk about activities and places
 Ask how someone liked something
 Express enthusiasm or disappointment
 Respond enthusiastically or sympathetically
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Express approval and disapproval
Ask for information and respond emphatically or agree with reservations
Ask and tell what they may or may not do
Express regret and downplay
Express skepticism and make certain
Call someone’s attention to something and respond
Express preference and strong preference
Inquire about someone’s health and respond
Make suggestions
Ask about and express pain
Ask for and give advice
Express hope
INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES
Students will:
 Write a postcard to someone in Germany.
 Describe a vacation to the class using visuals.
 Describe what they do for their health and make suggestions about healthy living.
 Demonstrate understanding of vocabulary through Total Physical Response (TPR)
activities.
 Create and role-play situations to act out with a partner: (a) what to buy at a grocery
store, (b) visiting a doctor about an injury.
 Label parts of the body.
 Translate sentences from German to English and vice-versa in all content areas.
 Use vocabulary flashcards to supply the gender, the German word, and the plural of
nouns in all content areas.
 Make/complete word searches and crossword puzzles to practice vocabulary from the
content areas.
 Describe situations from pictures/visuals.
 Play games to practice vocabulary: Around the World, Jeopardy, Hangman, and
Scrabble, Fly Swatter, Flashcards
 Arrange cutout sentences to create a sentence or dialogue.
 Identify vocabulary through listening activities.
 Sing German songs about health and body parts.
 Sing German pop songs to practice common vocabulary.
ASSESSMENTS
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Oral presentation/participation
Teacher observation
Activities, worksheets, and projects that are designed to demonstrate comprehension
of the concepts taught.
Teacher/textbook designed tests and quizzes comprised of listening, speaking,
reading, and writing activities; multiple choice, matching, true/false, and essay
formats may also be utilized.
Teacher/textbook designed diagnostic, formative, and summative assessments
Portfolios
CORRECTIVES/EXTENSIONS
Correctives:
 Audiotapes of situations.
 Utilize re-teaching activities.
 Construct flashcards
 Peer tutoring.
Extensions:
 Read/watch English versions of German literature/movies.
 Student generated activities and games.
 Peer tutoring
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COURSE: German III
STRAND: 1.5 (Grammar)
GRADE(S): 10 – 12
TIME FRAME: Three Quarters/56 minutes daily
PA ACADEMIC STANDARDS
1.5.9.A: Write with a clear focus, identifying topic, task, and audience.
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1.5.9.B: Develop content appropriate for the topic.
Gather, organize, and determine validity and reliability of information.
Employ the most effective format for purpose and audience.
Incorporate specialized vocabulary for topic and audience
Write fully developed paragraphs that have details and information specific to the
topic and relevant to the focus.
1.5.9.C: Write with controlled and/or subtle organization.
Sustain a logical order throughout the piece.
Include an effective introduction and conclusion.
Apply effective, subtle transitional methods within and across paragraphs
1.5.9.D: Write with an understanding of style using a variety of sentence structures and
descriptive word choices. Create tone and voice through the use of precise language.
1.5.9.E: Revise writing to improve style, word choice, sentence variety, and subtlety of
meaning after rethinking how questions of purpose, audience, and genre have been
addressed.
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1.5.9.F: Use grade appropriate conventions of language when writing and editing.
Spell all words correctly.
Use capital letters correctly.
Punctuate correctly
Use correct grammar and sentence formation.
NATIONAL STANDARDS
1. COMMUNICATION
Communicate in Languages Other Than English



Standard 1.1: Students engage in conversations, provide and obtain information,
express feelings and emotions, and exchange opinions
Standard 1.2: Students understand and interpret written and spoken language on
a variety of topics
Standard 1.3: Students present information, concepts, and ideas to an audience of
listeners or readers on a variety of topics.
3. CONNECTIONS
Connect with Other Disciplines and Acquire Information


Standard 3.1: Students reinforce and further their knowledge of other disciplines
through the foreign language
Standard 3.2: Students acquire information and recognize the distinctive
viewpoints that are only available through the foreign language and its cultures
4. COMPARISONS
Develop Insight into the Nature of Language and Culture


Standard 4.1: Students demonstrate understanding of the nature of language
through comparisons of the language studied and their own
Standard 4.2: Students demonstrate understanding of the concept of culture
through comparisons of the cultures studied and their own.
ASSESSMENT ANCHORS
Not applicable
RESOURCES
District Approved:
 Textbook
 Workbook
 DVDs/Videos
 CDs/Cassettes












Various Games – teacher-made and text-generated
Flashcards
Projected Visual Materials
Native Speakers
Magazines
Newspapers
Authentic German Resources
Teacher & textbook-generated worksheets & handouts
Library
Field Trips
Realia
Internet
OBJECTIVES
The learner will demonstrate knowledge and proper usage of the grammatical structure of
the German language.
ESSENTIAL CONTENT
Students will be able to:
 Answer and ask questions and describe situations using correct grammatical
structures from Level I and the content areas.
 Write sentences using correct grammatical structures.
 Conjugate given verbs (regular or irregular) in present tense.
 Supply the conversational past tense for given weak or strong verbs.
 Supply the narrative past tense for given weak or strong verbs.
 Utilize reflexive construction in the accusative and dative cases.
 Use correct word order after conjunctions.
 Identify and use command forms.
 Identify and use select dative, accusative and 2-way prepositions.
 Identify and use dative, accusative and nominative cases.
 Correctly identify and use possessive words in all cases.
INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES
Students will:
 Complete worksheets/workbook exercises to practice all grammar concepts listed
under essential content.
 Act out given commands (using Total Physical Response).
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Interview each other to practice correct question formation.
Complete sentence-building activities (written and manipulative).
Practice grammar concepts given a projected visual.
Play games to review grammar concepts (Jeopardy).
Conjugate verbs shown on flash cards.
Participate in various oral and written grammar drills from the text.
Respond to questions about listening comprehension drills.
Write dialogues which correctly utilize grammatical concepts.
ASSESSMENTS
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




Oral presentation/participation
Teacher observation
Activities, worksheets, and projects that are designed to demonstrate comprehension
of the concepts taught.
Teacher/textbook designed tests and quizzes comprised of listening, speaking,
reading, and writing activities; multiple choice, matching, true/false, and essay
formats may also be utilized.
Teacher/textbook designed diagnostic, formative, and summative assessments
Portfolios
CORRECTIVES/EXTENSIONS
Correctives:
 Students work in pairs to quiz grammar concepts.
 Utilize re-teaching activities.
 Provide extra practice of concepts.
Extensions:
 Read supplementary articles to reinforce key concepts.
 Create lists of grammar concepts and samples of their usage.
 Student-generated activities.
 Teacher classroom resources.
COURSE: German III
STRAND: 1.9 (Culture)
GRADE(S): 10 – 12
TIME FRAME: Three Quarters/56 minutes daily
PA ACADEMIC STANDARDS
1.9.9.A: Use media and technology resources for research and problem solving in content
learning.
1.9.9.B: Analyze the techniques of media messages to evaluate how they influence
society.
NATIONAL STANDARDS
2. CONNECTIONS
Connect with Other Disciplines and Acquire Information


Standard 2.1: Students reinforce and further their knowledge of other disciplines
through the foreign language
Standard 2.2: Students acquire information and recognize the distinctive
viewpoints that are only available through the foreign language and its cultures
3. CONNECTIONS
Connect with Other Disciplines and Acquire Information


Standard 3.1: Students reinforce and further their knowledge of other disciplines
through the foreign language
Standard 3.2: Students acquire information and recognize the distinctive
viewpoints that are only available through the foreign language and its cultures
4. COMPARISONS
Develop Insight into the Nature of Language and Culture


Standard 4.1: Students demonstrate understanding of the nature of language
through comparisons of the language studied and their own
Standard 4.2: Students demonstrate understanding of the concept of culture
through comparisons of the cultures studied and their own.
5. COMMUNITIES
Participate in Multilingual Communities at Home & Around the World
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Standard 5.1: Students use the language both within and beyond the school
setting
Standard 5.2: Students show evidence of becoming life-long learners by using
the language for personal enjoyment and enrichment.
ASSESSMENT ANCHORS
Not applicable
RESOURCES
District Approved:
 Textbook
 Workbook
 DVDs/Videos
 CDs/Cassettes
 Various Games – teacher-made and text-generated
 Flashcards
 Projected Visual Materials
 Native Speakers
 Magazines
 Newspapers
 Authentic German Resources
 Teacher & textbook-generated worksheets & handouts
 Library
 Field Trips
 Realia
 Internet
OBJECTIVES
The learner will identify and discuss multiple aspects of the German culture.
ESSENTIAL CONTENT
Students will be able to:
 Identify & describe the sites and history of the German-speaking cities: Dresden,
Frankfurt, St. Ulrich
 Distinguish between “Urlaub” and “Ferien”
 Describe typical German vacations/holidays
 Identify notable information about the city of Hamburg
 Describe Germans’ lifestyle and what they do to stay healthy
 Compare and contrast Germans’ health habits with that of Americans.
 Recognize names of typical German foods and menu items.
 Identify & describe food stores in Germany like a “Reformhaus” and a “Bioladen”
 Discuss Germans’ eating habits.
 Identify and describe what Germans eat for breakfast/lunch/dinner/snack.
 Describe German food etiquette and compare/contrast with that of Americans.
 Discuss what Germans do when they are sick or have to go to a doctor/hospital.
 Compare and contrast health insurance in the US and Germany.
 Explain the difference between an “Apotheke” and a “Drogerie”
 Identify and describe a “Kur” and a “Bad”
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Identify, describe, and analyze various people, places, and events of the Holocaust.
Recognize and analyze the impact of the HOLOCAUST on German History.
Discuss and describe German holiday customs.
Participate in field trips relating to German and/or Germany.
Utilize his/her knowledge of German culture to develop an understanding of his/her
own people.
INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES
Students will:
 Read and answer questions about the sites and history of German cities.
 Identify German cities on a map.
 Write postcards describing vacations in German cities.
 Research popular European vacation destinations.
 Look at and discuss German menus and grocery store advertisements.
 Role-play shopping scenarios at German health-food stores.
 Sample foods from a typical German breakfast.
 Read and respond to articles about German health insurance and health spas.
 Create and perform a dialogue about an injury.
 Sing German folksongs, Christmas carols and pop songs.
 Research an aspect of the Holocaust and present it to the class.
 Watch and discuss Schindler’s List and other documentary films related to the
Holocaust.
 Sing German folksongs, Christmas carols and pop songs.
 Provide students with information about German holidays and compare to American
holidays.
 Interact with foreign exchange students.
ASSESSMENTS
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




Oral presentation/participation
Teacher observation
Activities, worksheets, and projects that are designed to demonstrate comprehension
of the concepts taught.
Teacher/textbook designed tests and quizzes comprised of listening, speaking,
reading, and writing activities; multiple choice, matching, true/false, and essay
formats may also be utilized.
Teacher/textbook designed diagnostic, formative, and summative assessments
Portfolios
CORRECTIVES/EXTENSIONS
Correctives:
 Peer tutoring
 Audiotapes of materials and pronunciation.
 Utilize re-teaching activities.
 Flashcards
Extensions:
 Make use of teacher/classroom resources.
 Student generated activities and projects.