German I – An Introduction to High School German

Course Title: German I
Teacher: Dana Hanley
Semester/Year: Year-long (Fall 2025 – Spring 2026)
Grade Level: 9–12
Day and Time:  (choose from the drop down)
Section 1 (Standard pacing) Monday, 10:15-11:15 am CST
Section 2 (Slower pacing) Wednesday at 9:00-10:100 am CST*

*Section two pacing is at a slower cadence than Section one to accommodate younger students or students who need additional time.

Class Description

German I is designed for first-year students with little or no prior knowledge of German. It is ideal for high school students who want to satisfy foreign language requirements or begin their journey toward language proficiency. Younger students are welcome but should expect high school-level work.

This course introduces students to the German language and culture through engaging and communicative activities. Students will learn basic vocabulary to express common needs and interests while developing a foundational understanding of grammar, including sentence structure, present tense, and the case system. Grammar is taught through brief, targeted lessons with ample examples and interactive activities.

Students are encouraged to answer in German to maximize speaking practice and will use songs, shows, and skits to improve listening comprehension. They will also gain insights into German history, geography, culture, and how the Bible unified Germany with a common language.

What to Expect:

• Games, challenges, mini-projects, and worksheets to reinforce language topics.
• Quizzes and tests to track progress toward language proficiency.
• Exposure to German history, geography, and cultural variations.
• An introduction to how Germanic roots influence English grammar and language evolution.

Why Learn German?

• German is the international language of finance and the most widely spoken language in the European Union.
• It is the second most commonly used language in science.
• Germany offers scholarships, research fellowships, and exchange programs for those proficient in German.
• German can open opportunities in health care, science, and research fields.

Sample Projects Include:

• Meine Familie
• Menu Project
• Travel Brochure
• Musik im März (an annual competition to choose the best German songs, held across all high school German classes).

Required Resources/Prerequisites
Required Materials for German I (used for two years):

• Bobo Siebenschläfer
• Wildes Deutschland

SAMR Model Application

German I integrates technology to enhance learning through the SAMR model:

• Substitution: Students use online tools and the virtual campus to receive and complete assignments, helping develop digital skills and preparing for future academic and professional opportunities.
• Augmentation: Online video and audio resources provide listening practice in spoken German, reinforcing concepts taught in class.
• Modification: Students use digital tools to create multimedia presentations combining images and text. They also collaborate and compete through online tools.
• Redefinition: Students take virtual tours of German sites, exploring towns, train stations, and roads while learning vocabulary and grammar. High school students across all levels are invited to join a virtual exchange where they collaborate on projects with German students studying English.

Program Information

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Dual Degree Program
Ambitious high school students, take note! Our Dual Degree Program offers the opportunity to graduate high school with a college degree. Get a head start on your future by earning college credits while completing your high school education. Ask our advisors about participating in this accelerated program to set yourself apart in the college admissions process.