•  • 7.1.NM.PRSNT.4: Copy/write words, phrases, or simple guided texts on familiar topics.  Intercultural Statement: Learners recognize and identify a few typical practices of the target culture. 

    NJ Student Learning Standards - World Languages

    Comparisons:  Develop  insight  into  the  nature  of  language  and culture  in order  to  interact  with cultural competence. 

    Integration of 21st Century Skills:

    Global and Cultural Awareness To possess a cultural and global awareness is to fully understand that individuals are composed of complex cultural backgrounds, which are influenced by a multitude of factors. Armed with this crucial understanding, individuals can then better learn and work collaboratively with people from diverse cultures, religions and lifestyles in a spirit of mutual respect and open dialogue, whether in a personal, work, or community-based context. Such an awareness also stresses the importance of recognizing and understanding the rich histories and multitude of languages of other nations and cultures. 

    Individuals from different cultures may have different points of view and experiences. 

    Culture and geography can shape an individual’s experiences and perspectives. 

    Awareness of and appreciation for cultural differences is critical to avoid barriers to productive and positive interaction. 

    Solutions to the problems faced by a global society require the contribution of individuals with different points of view and experiences. 

    Take this fun quiz to learn about Weihnachten in Germany. 

    View this Weihnachten PowerPoint.

    Watch the video Who is Krampus?

    Optional! These are a little scarier, so you don't have to watch if you don't want to:  

    National Geographic's Who is Krampus? just until 23 seconds. This one is from Austria, a German speaking country next to Germany:  In the Alps, St. Nicholas Doesn't Travel Alone 

    Remember, Krampus is only make believe!! 

    The true story of St. Nicholas Day! 

    St. Nicholas was born in the third century in a village called Patara – the village was in that time part of Greece but has now changed to Turkey. St. Nicholas was a Christian who helped the poor by giving them money and food. Some stories say he threw the money/food through a window which landed in the shoes from a poor family – hence why the tradition is to fill children’s shoe with presents. St. Nicholas died on 6th December, making St Nicholas’s Day a remembrance for him.

    Throughout the years St. Nicholas turned into Santa Claus. This happened when the Dutch brought the tradition over to America where they took the Dutch word for Saint Nicholas “Sinterklaas” and turned it into “Santa Claus”. Although St. Nicholas is seen as Santa Claus in many countries, in Germany St. Nicholas remains the same as he originally was, and he also still gives gifts on the night of the 5th of December. 

    Read about how Ramadan compares to Christmas in Germany.

    Then read 5 Surprising Facts about Hanukkah in Germany. 

     Listen to holiday greetings in German. Write one of those greetings inside a greeting card of your choice that Frau Nilson will give you. Write the person's name at the top, write the greeting and then sign the card: 

    Liebe, 

    (your German name)

    When you deliver your card to the person you made it for, read it to them in German.  If you forget how to pronounce your German name, type in this dictionary's search bar. 

     When you are finished all of the above, you may color online holiday traditions, from that page ONLY.

    Listen to holiday songs; read along with the German and English lyrics below each video!