Everyone can learn a second language.

German classes at Bothell High School are:

• Safe, both physically and emotionally, so that students can reach their full potential.
• Kind, using our growing language and interpersonal skills to collaborate, learn, and create together in an increasingly connected world.
• Taught in ways that align with how the brain acquires languages, to push for efficient acquisition so that every student can leave the classroom able to use the language.

Our classes will be guided by the principles of Comprehension-Based Communicative Language Teaching. As language is an abstract mental representation bearing no resemblance to pedagogical rules as we have known them, class time will be focused on the expression and interpretation of meaning in authentic communicative contexts. This means moving away from learning grammar rules in isolation and memorizing vocabulary lists, and towards using German for 90%+ of class time to learn about each other, and the world. It is my goal that every student is successful and understands exactly what is going on in class at all times. You learned your first language - you CAN learn another!

We will make small talk, have discussions, write together, read aloud as a class, read independently, listen to music, watch films and video clips, hear fairy tales and legends, sing, tell stories, draw, create, and play. Language acquisition will come as a byproduct of each student's focus on listening and reading to understand.

See below for Dr. Bill Van Patten's description of the tenets of Comprehension-Based Communicative Language Teaching.