On a beautiful Tuesday in May, Class 6 embarked on their World Languages Department field trips! Each year, these immersive day trips connect sixth grade students with the corresponding culture and language they are studying (French, Spanish or Chinese) in a variety of settings.
This year, French students traveled downtown to Le District, an authentic French marketplace, with Middle School French Teacher Madame Ayaovi Sobo. Located in Battery Park, Le District includes a boulangerie (bakery), a crêperie, La Pizza and Le Bar à salades (salad bar). While there, students took full advantage of using their French outside of the classroom, making connections through food and casual conversation.
Upon arrival, the students were split into four teams, each guided by a student captain and an adult chaperone. The groups participated in a fun-filled scavenger hunt to locate specific items, locations and prices using clues written in French. After wrapping up this activity, the students came together as a group to share what they found en Français with their peers. (They also loved practicing their French with their waiter!) Madame Sobo was thrilled to see the students show “agency, open-mindedness, motivation and eagerness” throughout the endeavor.
Meanwhile, Class 6 students taking Spanish were enveloped in the world of classical Spanish painters. Our scholars observed works by Diego Velázquez during a virtual visit to Madrid’s Prado Museum before exploring the Old Master European paintings galleries at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Led by MS Teacher Yolanda Martín, students learned about some of the painters that influenced Velázquez — such as Caravaggio and Tiziano — and those who were influenced by him, including Francisco de Goya and Edouard Manet. Equipped with clipboards and pencils, the students wrote down their thoughts and observations as they perused the gallery and engaged in astute discussions. The group also enjoyed a lovely picnic in Central Park where they continued to practice their Español!
Class 6 students taking Chinese spent a fun day in Chinatown with MS Teacher Lin Wang! The group ate lunch at a restaurant where they enjoyed ordering in Chinese and eating dim sum, and then walking around to experience the language and culture.
A wonderful day for all!
