FAQ

 

1) Learning German at Yorba Linda HS is fun and interesting! Among other things, students will get a chance to do a variety of projects, listen to German music, watch German movies, become fans of the Bundesliga (soccer league) and go on field trips. Students can participate in an exchange program (*on hold*), win prizes and awards by taking the German National Exam, and be rewarded for their academic excellence by becoming a member of the German National Honor Society!

 

2) German and English are both Germanic languages which means that they have many similarities. Therefore, learning German is not as hard as people may think (e.g. Lampe - lamp, Maus - mouse, Milch - milk, Bett - bed, Apfel - apple). Yes, German grammar can be challenging at times, but it will also help students to better understand the English language and might even give them a boost on their SAT scores!

 

3) The German language (e.g. "Kindergarten") and many German traditions (e.g. decorating a Christmas tree) have greatly influenced our American culture. Have you ever had a Bratwurst or Black Forest cake? Did you know that Anaheim was founded by German settlers? Many Americans (around 20%) claim German heritage - are you one of them? Famous Germans have left their mark and are still very influential in fields such as science, medical research, sports, music and the arts.

 

4) Over 120 million people speak German as their native language and many more speak it as a second language - therefore, it is an important global language. The country of Germany is a political and financial powerhouse in Europe and one of America's most important allies and trading partners in the world!

 

5) At many colleges and universities, German is recommended for a number of majors. Knowing German is a great advantage if students want a career in business, science, technology, music and the tourist industry, just to name a few. More than a thousand German companies do business in the US and specifically look for German-speaking employees! 

 

 

 

 

Each year, we offer several opportunities for students to use German outside of the classroom. This could be as simple as a scavenger hunt or as complex as a weekend language camp. Possible events/activities could be:

 

* Language immersion camp: A weekend trip to Big Bear where upper level students have the opportunity to practice their German skills in various fun-filled activities in an authentic setting. *only offered when there is enough interest*

 

* German concert: Students get to experience a live concert by a current German artist/band and can sing along in German after discussing song lyrics in class prior to the event. *depending on availability*

 

* German Day at UCI:  Students of all levels can participate in sessions such as "Studying in Germany", "Games in German" or "German regional cultures". They also have the chance to explore the UCI campus by going on a scavenger hunt. *only offered when there is enough interest*

 

* Exchange program: Students from YLHS can host a German exchange student for a few weeks in the spring with the option to visit them in Germany the following summer. This is a great way to experience the German language and culture first-hand. *waiting for board approval*

 

* Step into German: Online competitions based on soccer or music where students can win a variety of prizes, including a trip to Germany! It usually requires students to answer questions and/or create a short video. 

 

 

 

YLHS has a comprehensive German program that allows students to select between beginning, intermediate and advanced courses (German 1 through AP). Level 2 and 3 Honors courses are also offered for qualified students. AP German prepares students for the AP German Exam in May. On all levels, emphasis is placed on communicative instruction. The overall goal is to develop linguistic confidence and an understanding of the the culture of German-speaking countries.

 

 

 

A student needs to have a C or better at any level in order to advance to the next level. Specific grade requirements apply for Honors and AP (please refer to course descriptions).

 

 

 

* 3 ring hard-sided binder for keeping handouts and notes

* lined paper

* blue or black pen for notes and red pen for corrections

* # 2 pencil

* highlighter

* index cards for vocabulary review

 

 

 

I usually assign homework about three times a week and almost never on a Friday. Most assignments should not take more than 15 minutes on average, depending on the level and the abilities of the individual student. Honors and AP students should expect additional work. Frequent studying and reviewing of vocabulary is highly recommended.

 

 

 

Students who don't have any missing assignments can earn extra credit points by being active German Club members. They can earn three points per meeting but no more than ten points per semester.

 

 

 

CPR stands for "Cultural Participation and Research", and the activities satisfy standards 1.3, 2.1, 2.2, 3.2 and 5.1. CPR assignments are an important part of the class because they require students to do some research about an aspect of the German culture and then present it to the class. In German 1 and 2, the project relates to soccer, in German 3 it is music and in German 4/AP has a multitude of subjects to choose from. For more information, please see instruction files attached to the home page.

 

 

 

It is always helpful to have a dictionary at home in order to look up unknown words. Dictionaries are not mandatory but recommended in level 3 and 4. There are many good dictionaries on the market but I personally prefer Langenscheidt. Ask your local bookstore salesperson for help or search online.

 

 

 

Students can always ask questions in class, and if they need more help they can come see me at break, lunch or after school. I also answer questions about homework through e-mail if students contact me in a timely manner.

 

The most important thing a parent/guardian can do is to stay involved. Talk to your son/daughter frequently about what he or she is learning in class. Make an effort to read all mail sent home by me and try to check this website regularly for announcements (e.g. homework, projects, important events). I also try my best to update grades weekly on AERIES. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me. I am dedicated to working together with you to make this a successful experience for your son/daughter.