PLEASANT VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT
PLANNED COURSE CURRICULUM GUIDE
GERMAN I
Grades 8 -12
I.
COURSE DESCRIPTION AND INTENT:
This is an elective course designed to provide a basis in 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 the 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.
It is suggested that students desiring to study German I be "on grade level" in reading
skills and have a basic understanding of English grammar.
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 I
STRAND: 1.6 (Phonetics)
GRADE(S): 8 – 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
 Workbook
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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:
 Pronounce words correctly from given spelling.
 Write words correctly from given dictation.
 Distinguish between long and short vowels.
 Utilize correct intonation in statements, questions and commands.
 Recognize German dialects.
 Recognize and pronounce umlauted vowels.
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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.
 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.
 Flash card usage to reinforce pronunciation.
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Provide students with a list of German words and have them give the correct
pronunciation.
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
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.
COURSE: German I
STRAND: 1.1 (Vocabulary)
GRADE(S): 8 – 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
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
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











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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:
 Greet people and say good-bye and make introductions
 Use police expressions
 Talk about classes and schedules
 Ask questions
 Tell time
 Talk about sports and leisure activities
 Talk about families and marital status
 Describe people
 Express ownership
 Express an attitude about an action
 Give instructions
INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES
Students will:
 Say name, age, and how you are doing
 Count indefinitely in German
 Read dates and times in German
 Complete translation worksheets on selected topics
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Do mathematical equations in German
Play various games to review vocabulary
Use flash cards to practice and review meaning, gender and plurals of nouns
Write school schedules in German.
Discuss school subjects and grades.
Repeat sentences after teacher or tape.
Do word searches and crossword puzzles to review vocabulary from content areas.
Complete activities from projected materials
Write homework answers on the board
Do listening comprehension drills
Write and present various dialogues using the necessary vocabulary
Translate sentences from German to English and vice-versa in all content areas.
Arrange cutout words and/or expressions to create a sentence or dialogue.
Sing German songs.
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 and teacher made flashcards.
 Audiovisual reinforcement of vocabulary.
 Pair work to quiz vocabulary.
 Use of audio CDs of text material.
 Utilize crossword puzzles and other games to review vocabulary.
Extensions:
 Read supplemental materials to reinforce key vocabulary.
 Read multiple articles to support key vocabulary.
 Expand the vocabulary list.
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Create puzzles and vocabulary games.
COURSE: German I
STRAND: 1.5 (Grammar)
GRADE(S): 8 – 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
 Identify, comprehend, and utilize correct grammar in the following areas: (a) regular
verbs/present tense, (b) irregular verbs/present tense, (c) question formation, (d)
noun plurals, (e) subject pronouns, (f) possessive pronouns and adjectives, (g)
definite and indefinite articles, (h) common command forms, (i) sentence negation,
(j) modal auxiliary verbs, (k) prepositions taking the accusative case, (l) compound
nouns, (m) proper word order in statements and questions.
INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES
Students will:
 Complete worksheets/workbook exercises to practice all grammar concepts listed
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under essential content.
Act out given commands (using Total Physical Response).
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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


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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 I
STRAND: 1.9 (Culture)
GRADE(S): 8 – 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 famous sites in Berlin
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Identify differences between the German and American school systems
Utilize 24 hour/military time
Properly use formal and informal when addressing various people
Discuss German historical and current events.
Identify and locate Germany, its neighbors, major cities and rivers on a map of
Europe.
Compare/contrast German and American leisure activities
Identify differences between German and American dating and marriage traditions
INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES
Students will:
 Complete fill-in-the-blank maps of Europe
 Complete teacher/textbook made activities pertaining to historical/cultural/current
events
 Describe German holiday customs.
 Describe the German school system.
 Read and understand simple German jokes and cartoons.
 Recall information shown in videos and films.
 Discuss German historical and current events.
 Interact with foreign exchange students and/or native speakers.
 Utilize German computer games when available.
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:
 Make use of travel brochures to identify places of interests, festivals etc.
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Provide current newspaper and magazine articles in class.
Utilizing re-teaching activities.
Re-enforce German customs/culture by supplementary reading.
Extensions:
 Read brochures and other Realia to re-enforce cultural concepts.
 Create a list of German customs.
 Read magazine articles on German customs.
 Make use of teacher classroom resources.