"Discover languages, discover the world” was the theme for the 21st annual World Language Festival, hosted by the Massapequa School District on the evening of March 12. Hundreds of elementary school students attended and enjoyed cultural activities organized by students from Massapequa High School’s world language clubs and honor societies.
The languages highlighted were French, German, Mandarin Chinese and Spanish. Youngsters learned some basic phrases while immersed in engaging cultural experiences. They had their passports stamped as they visited each location.
Children learned fun facts about different French-speaking countries and regions and made a craft to take home. They got the full German experience through traditional dance, handbell songs and cookie decorating. In the Mandarin Chinese room, young guests could spin yo-yos, participate in a chopsticks competition and learn how to write Chinese characters. There was also a Chinese lion dance through the hall.
Several rooms were devoted to Spanish language and culture. Students made Guatemalan worry dolls, decorated images of animals found in Costa Rica, made tissue paper flowers based on the movie “Encanto” and traveled to the Amazon jungle.
The gym lobby was transformed into a face painting station led by members of the National Junior Honor Society, while the cafeterias served as an international food court with delicacies representing the four languages.
"This year’s 21st annual World Language Festival was the quintessence of community connection,” said Katherine Kirschner, curriculum associate for world language and ENL. “The creativity and dedication of our students and teachers turned the halls of Massapequa High School into a vibrant tapestry of global voices and cultural traditions. It’s one thing to study language and culture, but it’s another thing entirely to experience it. Events like this one are essential in promoting the development of empathy and global-mindedness needed by 21st-century learners and leaders.
Annual World Language Festival Slideshow