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Program
1. Have students identify major languages spoken in the Americas.
Distribute the worksheet Major Languages of the Americas and have students work together to create appropriate symbols for each language; for example, E for English, D for Dutch, Da for Danish, and CH for Caribbean Hindustani.
2. Have students map major languages spoken in the Americas.
Have students use construction paper or paper, crayons, and markers to make the symbols, cut them out, and place them on the appropriate countries on one of the large maps of the Americas from the Americas MapMaker Kit.
3. Have a whole-class discussion about the relationship between the distribution of modern languages and the colonial history of the Americas.
Have students look for relationships and patterns on the large map of the Americas. As a class, discuss the relationship between the distribution of modern languages and the colonial history of different countries in the Americas. Ask: What influences, other than language, did colonial powers have on the culture of each country? What characteristics can you identify in a country’s culture that shows its history was shaped by more than one colonial power?
Extending the Learning
Have students research the many languages spoken within their own communities and discuss the reasons why there are so many. Create a display showing how to say “hello!” in each language.
Subjects & Disciplines
- Geography
-
Social Studies
- World History
Learning Objectives
Students will:
- identify major languages spoken in the Americas
- illustrate where different languages are spoken by placing symbols on a large map of the Americas
- discuss the relationship between the distribution of languages in the Americas and the colonial history of those countries
Teaching Approach
- Learning-for-use
Teaching Methods
- Discussions
- Hands-on learning
Skills Summary
This activity targets the following skills:
- 21st Century Themes
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Critical Thinking Skills
- Analyzing
- Understanding
- Geographic Skills
Connections to National Standards, Principles, and Practices
National Council for Social Studies Curriculum Standards
National Geography Standards
- Standard 1: How to use maps and other geographic representations, geospatial technologies, and spatial thinking to understand and communicate information
- Standard 9: The characteristics, distribution, and migration of human populations on Earth's surface
What You’ll Need
Materials You Provide
- Construction paper
- Crayons
- Drawing paper
- Markers
- Scissors
- Transparent tape
Required Technology
- Internet Access: Optional
- Tech Setup: 1 computer per classroom
Physical Space
- Classroom
Grouping
- Large-group instruction
Other Notes
Before starting this activity, assemble the Americas Mega Map.
Background Information
Geographers use maps to convey information to others. You can display physical, political or cultural information, or use maps to illustrate specific themes and topics. Maps are useful in helping to see patterns or relationships between layers of information.
Prior Knowledge
- None
Recommended Prior Activities
- None
Vocabulary
country, nation, or territory that controls large or important colonies.
learned behavior of people, including their languages, belief systems, social structures, institutions, and material goods.
Articles & Profiles
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Family of Language
When a group of languages shares a common origin language, or a protolanguage, they can be considered a language family.
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Oral Language
Comprised of syntax, pragmatics, morphology, and phonology, oral language is how we verbally communicate with one another.
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Recording a Dying Language
This 10-minute documentary tells the story of Marie Wilcox, the last fluent speaker of the Wukchumni language and the dictionary she created in an effort to keep her language alive.
-
Family of Language
When a group of languages shares a common origin language, or a protolanguage, they can be considered a language family.
-
Oral Language
Comprised of syntax, pragmatics, morphology, and phonology, oral language is how we verbally communicate with one another.
-
Recording a Dying Language
This 10-minute documentary tells the story of Marie Wilcox, the last fluent speaker of the Wukchumni language and the dictionary she created in an effort to keep her language alive.