1. Riddle texts

The students receive an assignment to individually describe an event from the history, culture or geography of their country of origin, without, however, referencing the event, person or place by name. The topic should be …

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2. Reports, posters, presentations

This larger project may extend over several lessons. The students are tasked to create a report, a poster or presentation about an event or a significant person from their country of origin. The different methods …

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3. Worksheets, non-fiction texts and quizzes

In lieu of the instructors’ preparing all the worksheets, non-fiction texts, pictures, computer presentations, etc. for the heritage language classes, the students can occasionally do this just as well. In doing so, they can learn …

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4. Real or fictitious interviews

The students are tasked to conduct interviews concerning a previously discussed topic, to document it in writing and to present it to the class. Possible topics include the memories of parents and grandparents of their …

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5. Petitions, appeals

Following a discussion of unsatisfactory conditions or situations in the country of origin or the host country (country of residence), students brainstorm ideas about possible suggestions to ameliorate the situation and to whose attention concrete …

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6. Letters, mails and sms: class correspondence, blogs and chats

Many of the exciting possibilities for authentic written communication with other speakers of the same language were already referenced in #12: “writing for the target audience”. Aside from the classic letter writing, modern media has …

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7. Problem-oriented texts

Growing up in, with and between two cultures not only has positive sides, but also difficult aspects. Heritage language students have the advantage of double the resources, but may possibly also be confronted with prejudices …

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8. Fantasy texts, wishes and visions

Possible outlines and topics: If I were the President of my country of origin (or the one in which I now live)/ How I imagine my life in 20 years/ My vision of a world in …

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9. Language comparison

Comparing the students‘ first language with the language spoken in school (e. g. German), as well as comparisons between the standard (written) language and dialect versions of the heritage language is possible on various levels of …

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Table of Contents