Karte Künstler Teacher Plan Karte Künstler
Lesson 1: Geography & Landmarks
Duration
45 Minutes
Learning Targets
Identify the D-A-CH countries (Germany, Austria, Switzerland).
Locate major German-speaking regions and neighboring countries.
Recognize iconic natural and urban landmarks.
Success Criteria
Accurately label a map of Central Europe.
Correcty identify 3 neighbors of Germany.
Pinpoint Berlin, Vienna, and Bern on a map.
The REISE Framework
Phase 1 RALLY
Visual Hook: "Where in the World?" (5-7 mins)
Display high-resolution images of the **Bavarian Alps**, the **Baltic Sea Coast (Rügen)**, and the **Berlin Skyline**. Ask students to guess the country based on the diverse landscape.
Teaching Tip: Use this to debunk stereotypes that Germany is just one type of landscape.
Phase 2 EXPOSE
Input: D-A-CH Countries (10-12 mins)
Introduce the acronym **D-A-CH** (Deutschland, Austria/Österreich, Confederation Helvetia/Switzerland). Use the slide deck to show their location in the heart of Europe.
Highlight the nine neighboring countries. Point out that German is also spoken in Liechtenstein and parts of Luxembourg and Belgium.
Phase 3 INTERACT
Collaborative: "Map Mystery" (15 mins)
Distribute the **Map Mystery Worksheet**. Partners work together to solve coordinate clues to find major cities (Hamburg, Munich, Frankfurt, Cologne).
Students must "claim" their territory by labeling the countries and drawing icons for the landmarks discussed in the Rally.
Phase 4 SUMMARIZE
Class Check (5 mins)
Rapid-fire review. Call out a landmark or neighbor, students point to it on their maps. Ask: "Which three countries make up the core D-A-CH group?"
Phase 5 EXIT
Check for Understanding (5 mins)
Hand out the **Exit Ticket**. Students must name the three main German-speaking countries and list two countries that border Germany.
Required Materials
Karte Künstler Slides
Map Mystery Worksheet
Geography Exit Ticket
Karte Künstler Slides Karte Künstler
Map Artists: Geography Wonders
Central Europe
The D-A-CH Region
Wunder #1: The Alps
RALLY
[Image: Snow-capped Bavarian Alps]
"Towering peaks, deep valleys, and glacial lakes..."
Is this:
A. Switzerland?
B. Austria?
C. Germany?
Hint: It's all three!
Wunder #2: The Baltic Coast
RALLY
"White chalk cliffs, sandy beaches, and fresh sea air..."
Believe it or not, Northern Germany is a beach destination!
Rügen Island (Die Insel Rügen)
[Image: Chalk Cliffs of Rügen]
Who Speaks German?
Expose
D
Deutschland
(Germany)
A
Austria
(Österreich)
CH
Confoederatio Helvetica
(Switzerland)
German is the #1 most spoken native language in the European Union!
Map Mystery Mission
Interact
Your mission with your partner:
1 Identify the **D-A-CH** countries.
2 Use the **Coordinates** to find 4 hidden cities.
3 Label the **Neighbors** (The countries surrounding Germany).
Coordinates Ready?
Work together. No traveler left behind!
Karte Künstler Worksheet Map Mystery
Name:
Datum:
Welcome, Explorer! Use your knowledge of Central Europe and your sharp eyes to solve the Map Mystery. Work with your travel partner to complete all three tasks.
1 The D-A-CH Core
Identify the three main German-speaking countries on the map (or list them below if you've already labeled your map):
D:
A:
CH:
2 City Coordinates
Germany is divided into a grid. Use the clues to identify which famous city is located at each intersection.
B-2
Clue: The capital city and the largest in Germany.
A-1
Clue: A giant port city in the far North near the sea.
C-2
Clue: Located in the South, near the Alps and Oktoberfest.
B-1
Clue: Famous for its massive cathedral and the Rhine River.
3 The Neighbors (Die Nachbarn)
Germany has 9 neighbors. List three of them below:
Sketch a Landmark from the Slides Here
Karte Künstler Exit Ticket Exit Ticket
Geography Check-In
Name:
Lesson 1
1. Name the 3 main German-speaking countries (D-A-CH):
2. List two countries that border Germany:
Scale of Explorer Confidence
Duplicate Ticket Below
Hallo Harmonie Teacher Plan Hallo Harmonie
Lesson 2: Greetings & Etiquette
Duration
45 Minutes
Learning Targets
Distinguish between formal (**Sie**) and informal (**du**) registers.
Use basic greetings (Hallo, Guten Tag) and farewells (Tschüss, Auf Wiedersehen).
Understand basic German social etiquette (handshakes, eye contact).
Success Criteria
Perform role-plays using the correct formal/informal register.
List 3 greetings and 3 farewells accurately.
Correcty identify when to use 'du' vs 'Sie' in 5 scenarios.
The REISE Framework
Phase 1 RALLY
Hook: "To Handshake or Not?" (5-10 mins)
Discuss etiquette differences. Show visual representations of a German business meeting vs. friends meeting at a cafe. Pose the question: "Why do Germans take greetings so seriously?"
Key Point: Firm handshakes and eye contact are vital in German culture.
Phase 2 EXPOSE
Input: The Register Divide (10-12 mins)
Introduce the concept of **Register**. Use the slides to map out:
Present a list of common phrases: *Hallo*, *Guten Tag*, *Tschüss*, *Auf Wiedersehen*, *Wie geht es dir?*, *Wie geht es Ihnen?*
Phase 3 INTERACT
Collaborative: "Speed Greeting" (15 mins)
Students receive a **Persona Card** (e.g., "The Mayor," "Your Best Friend," "A Shopkeeper").
Students rotate around the room. When they meet a peer, they look at the peer's card and must use the correct greeting (du vs Sie) and a handshake if appropriate.
Phase 4 SUMMARIZE
The Etiquette Rulebook (5 mins)
As a class, list 3-5 "Golden Rules" for greeting someone in Germany. (e.g., Handshake, Look them in the eye, Choose the right pronoun).
Phase 5 EXIT
Check for Understanding (5 mins)
Hand out the **Exit Ticket**. Teacher provides 5 scenarios (e.g., "Meeting your teacher in the hallway") and students must label them as Formal or Informal.
Required Materials
Hallo Harmonie Slides
Persona Role-Play Cards
Etiquette Exit Ticket
Hallo Harmonie Slides Hallo Harmonie
Greetings & Etiquette
The German Handshake
Rally
[Visual: Two businesspeople with direct eye contact]
In Germany, greetings are serious business!
Direct Eye Contact
Firm Handshake
Respect Personal Space
The Register Divide
Expose
du
Informal
Friends & Family
Children & Pets
Fellow Students
Sie
Formal
Bosses & Teachers
Strangers / Elders
Public Officials
Vocabulary
Greetings
Hallo! Informal
Guten Tag! Formal
Farewells
Tschüss! Informal
Auf Wiedersehen! Formal
Hallo Harmonie Role-Play Cards Speed Greeting Cards
Lesson 2: Interact Phase
Teacher Instructions:
Cut out these cards and distribute one to each student. Students will walk around the room and "meet" their peers. Based on the Persona on their peer's card, they must decide whether to use **du** or **Sie** and use the appropriate greeting.
FORMAL
Herr Direktor
The School Principal
Greeting Rule:
Sie
Informal
Bello
The Friendly Neighbor's Dog
Greeting Rule:
du
FORMAL
Frau Bürgermeister
The City Mayor
Greeting Rule:
Sie
Informal
Lukas
Your Best Friend from Kindergarden
Greeting Rule:
du
FORMAL
Herr Verkäufer
The Baker (A Stranger)
Greeting Rule:
Sie
Informal
Baby Anna
Your Little Cousin
Greeting Rule:
du
Hallo Harmonie Etiquette Exit Ticket v2 Exit Ticket
Etiquette Check-In
Name:
Lesson 2
Formal Informal
1. Greeting your best friend at the mall.
2. Meeting the Principal in the hallway.
3. Talking to a new puppy you found.
4. Ordering bread from a baker (stranger).
5. Seeing your cousin at a family dinner.
Name:
Lesson 2
Formal Informal
1. Greeting your best friend at the mall.
2. Meeting the Principal in the hallway.
3. Talking to a new puppy you found.
4. Ordering bread from a baker (stranger).
5. Seeing your cousin at a family dinner.
Laut Truppe Teacher Plan Laut-Truppe
Lesson 3: Alphabet & Phonetics
Duration
45 Minutes
Learning Targets
Pronounce the special German letters: **Ä, Ö, Ü**, and **ß**.
Understand the difference between short and long vowel sounds.
Spell names and simple words using German phonetic names.
Success Criteria
Accurately pronounce umlauts in minimal pair challenges.
Dictate 5 German names to a peer with 80% accuracy.
Spell own name using the German alphabet.
The REISE Framework
Phase 1 RALLY
Hook: "The Umlaut Challenge" (5-10 mins)
Listen to "Minimal Pairs" (words that sound almost identical except for one sound).
Students vote on which word they hear. Discuss how two little dots change the entire meaning!
Phase 2 EXPOSE
Input: The German ABCs (12 mins)
Walk through the alphabet using the slides. Focus on the "Troublemakers":
Model the mouth positions for Ä, Ö, and Ü. Introduce the **ß** (Eszett) as a "sharp S".
Phase 3 INTERACT
Collaborative: "Spelling Detectives" (15 mins)
Partner activity. **Partner A** has a list of German cities/names. They spell them out using the German alphabet. **Partner B** must write them down correctly.
Switch roles halfway. Encourage students to say "Noch einmal, bitte!" (Once more, please) if they miss a letter.
Phase 4 SUMMARIZE
Group Chant (3 mins)
The whole class recites the "Vowel Chant": A, E, I, O, U, Ä, Ö, Ü! Focus on the transition from the base vowel to the umlauted version.
Phase 5 EXIT
Check for Understanding (5 mins)
Individual Exit Task: Spell your own name out loud to the teacher or write it using German "sound-spellings" on a card.
Required Materials
Laut-Truppe Slides
Spelling Detectives Worksheet
Alphabet Reference Sheet
Laut Truppe Spelling Detectives Worksheet Spelling Detectives
Partner A/B:
Work with your travel partner. One person is the **Speaker** (spelling out the German word using German phonetic names) and one is the **Listener** (writing the letters they hear). Switch roles after 4 words!
Quick Pronunciation Cheat Sheet
E
Sounds like "A"
I
Sounds like "E"
J
Sounds like "Yot"
W
Sounds like "V"
V
Sounds like "F"
ß
Sharp "S"
Speaker's List
Don't show these to your partner!
1. MÜNCHEN
2. ÖSTERREICH
3. BERLIN
4. KÄSE
5. FUSSBALL
Listener's Grid
Write the letters you hear below.
Final Challenge: Your Turn!
Spell your own name for your partner. See if they can get it right on the first try!
Partner writes your name here...
Laut Truppe Slides Laut Truppe
The German Alphabet & Sounds
The Umlaut Challenge
Rally
Two little dots, BIG difference!
schon
"already"
schön
"beautiful"
ö
Can you hear the difference?
Special German Characters
Expose
Ä
Like "E" in "egg"
Äpfel
Ö
Lip-round "E"
Österreich
Ü
Lip-round "EE"
München
ß
Sharp "S"
Fußball
Spelling Detectives
Interact
Your Mission with a Partner:
1 Partner A spells a word using German letters.
2 Partner B writes it down.
3 Check your work and switch!
Sharp Ears & Careful Writing!
The Vowel Chant
Summarize
A
E
I
O
U
Ä
Ö
Ü
ß
Repeat after me: Loud, clear, and perfectly German!
Before You Go...
Exit
Spell your own name in German letters!
Take turns spelling your name to the teacher or a partner as you line up. Good luck, Laut-Truppe!
Laut Truppe Alphabet Reference Sheet Alphabet Atlas
The Sounds of German
Ä
"Air"
Ö
Lip-Round "E"
Ü
Lip-Round "EE"
ß
Sharp "S"
A Ah
B Beh
C Tseh
D Deh
E Eh ("A")
F Ef
G Geh
H Hah
I Ee ("E")
J Yot ("Y")
K Kah
L El
M Em
N En
O Oh
P Peh
Q Koo
R Er
S Es
T Teh
U Oo
V Fou ("F")
W Veh ("V")
X Iks
Y Upsilon
Z Tsett
The "Hidden" Sounds
IE Sounds like "EE" (Bee)
EI Sounds like "EYE" (Hi)
W Sounds like "V"
V Sounds like "F"
CH Soft hiss or "K" sound
Mouth Tips
To make an Ö or Ü , shape your mouth like you are going to whistle!
While holding that shape, try to say "E" (for Ö) or "EE" (for Ü).
Zahlen Ninjas Teacher Plan Zahlen Ninjas
Lesson 4: Numbers & Currency
Duration
45 Minutes
Learning Targets
Count from 0 to 100 in German.
Understand the pattern of "ones-before-tens" (e.g., *einundzwanzig*).
Identify Euro currency denominations and basic pricing.
Success Criteria
Match 10 prices to items accurately during the "Price is Right" activity.
Correcty mark 80% of called numbers in a Bingo round.
Write out 3 random numbers (0-100) called by the teacher.
The REISE Framework
Phase 1 RALLY
Hook: "The Price is Right" (10 mins)
Show images of typical German products (a pretzel, a soccer ball, a fancy car). Students must guess the price in Euros (€). Reveal the true price and say the number in German.
Fun Fact: Discuss the exchange rate briefly to add real-world context.
Phase 2 EXPOSE
Input: Number Patterns (10 mins)
Teach 0-12 (the foundations). Then teach 13-19 (-zehn). Finally, introduce 20, 30, 40, etc. (-zig).
Phase 3 INTERACT
Collaborative: "Zahlen-Bingo" (15 mins)
Students fill their own 3x3 or 4x4 Bingo grids with numbers 0-100. Peer-led calling: Students take turns being the "Bingo Master" and calling out numbers from a bag.
Phase 4 SUMMARIZE
Number Race (5 mins)
Teacher says a number in English; students race to be the first to say it in German. Variations: "Show me 45 fingers" (in groups) or "Draw the number 72 in the air."
Phase 5 EXIT
Check for Understanding (5 mins)
Hand out a slip. Teacher calls out three numbers (e.g., 14, 41, 99). Students must write the digits correctly.
Required Materials
Price is Right Slides
Zahlen-Bingo Boards
Numbers Quiz Slip
Zahlen Ninjas Slides Der Preis ist Heiß
The Price is Right: Numbers 0-100
How to Play
Rally
1. Look at the German product.
2. Guess the price in **Euros (€)**.
3. Say your guess out loud in **German**!
4. Closest guess without going over wins!
1,00 €
"Ein Euro"
Item #1
??? €
[Image: A fresh Brezel from a bakery]
Eine Brezel
"What is the price at a local bakery?"
The Real Price:
0,85 €
"fünfundachtzig Cent"
Ninja Secret: Reverse Logic
Expose
21
Twenty-One
ein-und-zwanzig
"One-and-Twenty"
"Always say the **Ones** first, then **und**, then the **Tens**!"
Zahlen Ninjas Bingo Board Zahlen Bingo
Numbers 0-100
Name:
Fill your Bingo grid with any random numbers from 0 to 100. When the Bingo Master calls a number in German, mark it off! Four in a row wins!
Ninja Number Reminders
11 = elf 12 = zwölf
20 = zwanzig 30 = dreißig
Pattern Rule:
"One-and-Twenty" (einundzwanzig)
Kalender Crew Teacher Plan Kalender Crew
Lesson 5: Dates & School Life
Duration
45 Minutes
Learning Targets
Express days, months, and specific dates in German.
Format dates using the European style (**Day.Month.Year**).
Contrast German school schedules with local ones.
Success Criteria
Correcty format 5 historical dates in European style.
Interview 5 peers and find their birthdays in German.
Identify 3 differences between German and US school days.
The REISE Framework
Phase 1 RALLY
Hook: "The School Swap" (7 mins)
Analyze a real German school schedule (Stundenplan). Why do most classes end at 1:00 PM? Where is the cafeteria? Students compare this to their own daily routine.
Teaching Tip: Use the slide showing a typical 'Gymnasium' schedule.
Phase 2 EXPOSE
Input: Days, Months, Dots (12 mins)
Introduce the days of the week and months (many are cognates!). Explain the punctuation: In Germany, we use dots, not slashes (e.g., 24.12.2026).
Note: Dates use ordinal numbers (1st, 2nd) which end in -te or -ten.
Phase 3 INTERACT
Collaborative: "Birthday Calendar" (15 mins)
Students receive a **Birthday Tracker**. They must walk around and ask: *"Wann hast du Geburtstag?"* (When do you have birthday?)
Goal: Find at least one person born in each season (Frühling, Sommer, Herbst, Winter).
Phase 4 SUMMARIZE
Timeline Sort (5 mins)
Write 5 holiday names on the board. Students must work in teams to put them in the correct calendar order (January to December).
Phase 5 EXIT
Personal Date Card (5 mins)
Students write one full sentence: *"Mein Geburtstag ist am [Tag].[Monat]."* in the European format.
Required Materials
Stundenplan Slides
Birthday Tracker Sheet
Holiday Sort Cards
Kalender Crew Slides Kalender Crew
Dates & School Schedules
The German "Stundenplan"
Rally
Zeit Fach 08:00 Mathe 09:45 Pause (Snack) 11:00 Deutsch 12:30 Musik 13:15 HOME
Spot the differences!
School ends by 1:30 PM.
Lunch is eaten at home.
Sports are outside school!
The European Way
Expose
USA
12 / 24 / 2026
Month / Day / Year
GERMANY
24.12.2026
Day . Month . Year
In Germany, we use DOTS, not slashes!
The day comes first, just like in most of the world.
Birthday Tracker
Interact
Classroom Mission:
Find classmates born in different seasons!
Ask them:
Wann hast du Geburtstag?
Frühling (Spring)
Sommer (Summer)
Herbst (Fall)
Winter (Winter)
Timeline Sort
Summarize
Quick! Put these in order (Jan Dec):
Oktober Februar Dezember März Juli
My Birthday Card
Exit
Write this on your Exit Card:
Mein Geburtstag ist am ...
Use the European Format (Day.Month.Year)!
Kalender Crew Birthday Tracker Geburtstagskalender
Birthday Tracker
Ask your classmates: "Wann hast du Geburtstag?" and record their responses below. Try to find at least one person for each season!
Season (Jahreszeit) Name Datum (Day.Month.Year) Frühling (Spring) Sommer (Summer) Herbst (Fall) Winter (Winter)
European Format: DAY . MONTH . YEAR (e.g. 24.12.2026)
Klima Check Teacher Plan Klima Check
Lesson 6: Weather & Seasons
Duration
45 Minutes
Learning Targets
Use weather expressions (**Sonne, Regen, Schnee, Wind**).
Identify appropriate clothing for different seasons.
Perform basic Celsius to Fahrenheit conversions.
Success Criteria
Link 4 weather types to appropriate clothing items.
Accurately convert a given Celsius temp to Fahrenheit range.
Present a 30-second weather forecast for a German city.
The REISE Framework
Phase 1 RALLY
Hook: "Celsius Shock" (7 mins)
Show the current temperature in Berlin (e.g., 18°C) and your hometown (e.g., 65°F). Ask students: "Which city is hotter?" Discuss why the world uses Celsius and learn the basic 'rule of thumb' for conversion.
Phase 2 EXPOSE
Input: Wie ist das Wetter? (10 mins)
Introduce key vocabulary: *Es ist sonnig, Es regnet, Es schneit, Es ist windig.*
Phase 3 INTERACT
Collaborative: "Weather Forecast" (15 mins)
In pairs, students act as news anchors. They are assigned a German-speaking city (Zürich, Vienna, Hamburg) and a set of weather icons. They must write and perform a brief forecast.
Tip: Use a "green screen" (green poster board) for added fun!
Phase 4 SUMMARIZE
Seasonal Sort (5 mins)
Rapid fire: Teacher names an item (e.g., "Handschuhe"). Students point to a season sign (Winter!) on the wall.
Phase 5 EXIT
Check for Understanding (5 mins)
Question: *"Wie ist das Wetter heute?"* Students must write one sentence describing the actual weather outside the classroom.
Required Materials
Celsius vs Fahrenheit Slides
Weather Forecast Scripts
Clothing Flashcards
Klima Check Slides Klima Check
Weather & Celsius Wonders
The Celsius Shock
Rally
Your phone says 20° in Berlin...
20°C
Hot or Cold?
"In the US, 20° is freezing. In Germany, 20° is a perfect t-shirt day!"
Pro Tip: The Quick Check
0°C Freezing (32°F)
10°C Cool / Jacket (50°F)
20°C Nice / Room Temp (68°F)
30°C Hot! (86°F)
Wie ist das Wetter?
Expose
Sonnig
Sunny
Regnerisch
Rainy
Verschneit
Snowy
Windig
Windy
Weather Forecast
Interact
Live from Germany!
Prepare a 30-second forecast for your city.
The Script:
"Hallo! Heute in Berlin ist es sonnig und warm (22°C). Tschüss!"
Quiet on Set... ACTION!
Seasonal Sort
Summarize
Jacke
Sonnenbrille
Regenschirm
Handschuhe
Point to the correct season as the teacher calls them out!
Current Conditions
Exit
Wie ist das Wetter heute?
"Heute ist es __________."
Description + Temperature!
Klima Check Weather Forecast Scripts v2 Wetterbericht
Weather Forecast Script
Anchor Script Template
Hallo! Heute in
Stadt (City)
ist es
Wetter (Weather)
und die Temperatur ist
°C
Zahl (Number)
Ich trage heute
Kleidung (Clothing)
Tschüss!
Wetter (Weather)
sonnig regnerisch windig verschneit warm kalt
Kleidung (Clothing)
meine Jacke meinen Schal meine Handschuhe meine Sonnenbrille
Draw your Forecast Icons Here
Klima Check Clothing Flashcards Kleidungskarten
Weather & Clothing Flashcards
die Jacke
(The Jacket)
die Sonnenbrille
(The Sunglasses)
der Regenschirm
(The Umbrella)
die Handschuhe
(The Gloves)
Teacher: Cut out these cards for the **Summary Station** activity. Students can use them to match clothing items to the correct seasons (Winter, Sommer, etc.) or as visual prompts during the weather forecast role-play.
Klima Check Clothing Flashcards v2 Kleidungskarten
Weather & Clothing Flashcards
die Jacke
(The Jacket)
die Sonnenbrille
(The Sunglasses)
der Regenschirm
(The Umbrella)
die Handschuhe
(The Gloves)
Teacher: Cut out these cards for the Summary Station activity. Students can use them to match clothing items to the correct seasons or as visual prompts during the weather forecast role-play.
Geschmack Entdecker Teacher Plan Geschmack Entdecker
Lesson 7: Food & Dining
Duration
45 Minutes
Learning Targets
Identify staple German foods (**Brot, Wurst, Käse, Kartoffeln**).
Understand the 'Abendbrot' tradition and its cultural significance.
Learn basic dining etiquette and polite phrases (*Guten Appetit!*).
Success Criteria
Categorize 10 German foods by meal type (Frühstück, Mittag, Abend).
Design a 3-course 'Speisekarte' (menu) with correct German names.
Explain 1 etiquette rule used during German dining.
The REISE Framework
Phase 1 RALLY
Hook: "The Bakery Tour" (7 mins)
Show images of a German bakery (Bäckerei). Challenge students to count how many different types of bread they see. Explain that Germany has over 3,000 types of bread!
Phase 2 EXPOSE
Input: Staples & Abendbrot (12 mins)
Introduce vocabulary for common German staples. Focus on **Abendbrot** (Evening Bread) – explain why dinner is often cold, consisting of bread, meats, and cheeses.
Teach etiquette: Keeping hands on the table (not in lap), saying *"Guten Appetit!"* before eating.
Phase 3 INTERACT
Collaborative: "Design a Menu" (15 mins)
Partners create a **Speisekarte** for their own imaginary German restaurant. It must include a Vorspeise (Appetizer), Hauptspeise (Main), and Nachtisch (Dessert).
Extension: Price the items using Euros from the previous lesson!
Phase 4 SUMMARIZE
Food Review (3 mins)
Ask: "What was the most surprising thing about a German dinner?" and "Which bread looked the best?"
Phase 5 EXIT
Etiquette Rule (5 mins)
Students write down one specific etiquette rule they learned today that is different from their own culture.
Required Materials
Visual Tour of a Bäckerei
Menu Template (Speisekarte)
Food Vocab Sorting Sheet
Geschmack Entdecker Slides Geschmack Entdecker
Food, Bakeries & Abendbrot
The 3,000 Bread Wonder
Rally
Brot
Kuchen
Brezel
Kaffee
Willkommen in der Bäckerei!
Bread is the soul of Germany!
Germany has over 3,000 unique types of bread. It's a UNESCO cultural heritage!
die Bäckerei
The Abendbrot Tradition
Expose
Abendbrot
"Evening Bread"
Most Germans eat a cold dinner consisting of:
Sliced Bread (Brot)
Cold Meats (Wurst)
Cheeses (Käse)
Lunch is the hot main meal. Dinner is for light, social snacking!
Design a Speisekarte
Interact
Create your own German restaurant!
Plan your three-course menu on your worksheet:
Vorspeise (Appetizer)
Hauptspeise (Main)
Nachtisch (Dessert)
Speisekarte
Restaurant Concept Area
Dining Like a Pro
Summarize
Magic Phrase
Guten Appetit!
"Enjoy your meal!"
The Hands Rule
Keep your hands on the table, not in your lap!
Proper Style
The Flavor Recap
Exit
What was the most surprising thing you learned about German food today?
"Today, I learned that..."
Geschmack Entdecker Menu Template Speisekarte
Deutsches Restaurant
Vorspeise
€
€
Hauptspeise
€
€
€
Nachtisch
€
Eine wichtige Tischregel (One Dining Rule):
Rhythmus Rebellen Music Teacher Plan Rhythmus Rebellen
Lesson 8: Music & Cognates
Duration
45 Minutes
Learning Targets
Identify different genres of German music (Classical, Pop, Folk).
Recognize **Cognates** (words that look/sound similar in DE/EN) in song lyrics.
Learn about traditional instruments (Alphorn, Accordion).
Success Criteria
Successfully identify 10 cognates in a provided lyrics sheet.
Correcty match 3 musical genres to their characteristics.
Explain why cognates are "language shortcuts" for learners.
The REISE Framework
Phase 1 RALLY
Hook: "Silent Disco Stations" (10 mins)
Set up 3 audio stations (or play 3 clips):
Phase 2 EXPOSE
Input: Lyrics & Cognates (10 mins)
Distribute a simple lyrics sheet (e.g., "99 Luftballons" or a folk song). Explain **Cognates**. Model how to spot them (e.g., *Sonne* / Sun, *Haus* / House).
Phase 3 INTERACT
Collaborative: "Lyric Detectives" (15 mins)
In pairs, students highlight all cognates they can find in their lyrics sheet. They then try to translate the "general idea" of the chorus based only on the cognates.
Phase 4 SUMMARIZE
Genre Gallery (5 mins)
Show images of instruments (Alphorn, Violin, Electric Guitar). Students match them to the correct genre station from the Rally.
Phase 5 EXIT
Preference Check (2 mins)
Exit Question: "Which genre of German music did you prefer and why?"
Required Materials
Audio Clip Playlist
Cognate Lyrics Sheet
Instrument Matching Cards
Rhythmus Rebellen Slides Rhythmus Rebellen
Music, Genres & Cognate Clues
The Three Wonders
Rally
Classical
Bach & Beethoven
The legendary historical foundation of German culture.
Modern Pop
Cro & Namika
Cool beats, modern rhymes, and global pop stars.
Volksmusik
Folk & Tradition
Yodeling, accordions, and pure Alpine heart.
The Language Cheat Code
Expose
Kognate
"Words that look and sound almost the same in two languages!"
Haus House
Shortcut Unlocked!
Over 60% of English words have Germanic roots. You're practically a pro already!
Lyric Detectives
Interact
Your Mission:
1 Scan your song lyrics sheet.
2 Highlight every Cognate you find.
3 Guess the meaning of the chorus!
Snippet Preview:
"Die Sonne scheint,
Instrument Match
Summarize
Which genre uses the Alphorn ?
12-foot wooden horn
A. Classical
B. Modern Pop
C. Volksmusik
Genre Verdict
Exit
Which genre did you prefer and why?
"I liked the ________ station because..."
Rhythmus Rebellen Lyric Detective Worksheet v2 Lyric Detective
Cognate Clues & Songs
Listen to the song clips. Read the lyrics below and Circle or Highlight every Cognate (a word that looks or sounds like English). Then, decode the vibe!
Song 1: Folk Tradition
Mein Haus ist in den Bergen.
Song 2: Modern Pop
Ich habe ein Problem.
The Cognate Decoder
German Word (from lyrics) English Meaning Vibe Check Musik Music Identical!
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What Is The Vibe?
Based on the cognates you found, what do you think Song 2 is about?
Rhythmus Rebellen Instrument Cards v2 Instrumenten Match
Lesson 8: Music & Genres
Set 1: Die Instrumente (The Instruments)
das Alphorn
die Violine
die Gitarre
das Akkordeon
Set 2: Die Genres (The Genres)
Volksmusik
(Folk Music)
Klassik
(Classical)
Pop / Rock
(Modern Pop)
Matching Activity Rules:
Teacher: Cut out both sets of cards. Students must pair each instrument card with its matching genre card.
Rhythmus Rebellen Instrument Cards v2 Instrumenten Match
Lesson 8: Music & Genres
Set 1: Die Instrumente (The Instruments)
das Alphorn
die Violine
die Gitarre
das Akkordeon
Set 2: Die Genres (The Genres)
Volksmusik
(Folk Music)
Klassik
(Classical)
Pop / Rock
(Modern Pop)
Matching Activity Rules:
Teacher: Cut out both sets of cards. Students must pair each instrument card with its matching genre card.
Rhythmus Rebellen Instrument Cards v3 Instrumenten Match
Lesson 8: Music & Genres
Set 1: Die Instrumente (The Instruments)
das Alphorn
die Violine
die Gitarre
das Akkordeon
Set 2: Die Genres (The Genres)
Volksmusik
(Folk)
Klassik
(Classical)
Pop / Rock
(Modern)
Matching Activity Rules:
Teacher: Cut out both sets of cards. Students must pair each instrument card with its matching genre card.
Leinwand Kultur Art Teacher Plan Leinwand Kultur
Lesson 9: Art & Architecture
Duration
45 Minutes
Learning Targets
Analyze the meticulous detail of Albrecht Dürer’s sketches.
Identify the principles of the **Bauhaus** movement (Form follows Function).
Create a personal symbol inspired by German artistic icons.
Success Criteria
Identify 3 key features of Bauhaus design in photos.
Draw 1 nature symbol using Dürer’s "extreme detail" technique.
Explain the meaning of "Form follows Function" in own words.
The REISE Framework
Phase 1 RALLY
Hook: "Spot the Difference" (10 mins)
Show a high-quality photo of a rabbit vs. Albrecht Dürer’s "Feldhase" (Young Hare). Can students tell which is the photo? Discuss the "German obsession" with detail and precision in art.
Phase 2 EXPOSE
Input: Dürer to Bauhaus (12 mins)
Transition from Renaissance precision (Dürer) to modern simplicity (Bauhaus).
Phase 3 INTERACT
Collaborative: "Symbol Sketch" (15 mins)
Students design their own **Personal Sigil** (logo). They must choose one of the two styles:
Phase 4 SUMMARIZE
Art Critique (3 mins)
Pair and share. Students show their symbol to a partner and the partner must guess which "German Art Wonder" inspired it.
Phase 5 EXIT
Design Feature (5 mins)
Question: "What is one key feature of Bauhaus design that you see in modern products today (like Apple or IKEA)?"
Required Materials
Dürer vs Photo Comparison
Bauhaus Color Palette Samples
Sigil Design Worksheet
Leinwand Kultur Slides Leinwand Kultur
German Art: From Detail to Design
The Master of Detail
Rally
Feldhase
"Young Hare" by Albrecht Dürer
Imagine drawing every single strand of fur with a tiny brush. This was Dürer's obsession!
Precision
"Nature is the source of all art."
Albrecht Dürer was the first artist to use a Sigil (Logo) for his name!
AD
The Bauhaus Revolution
Expose
Form follows Function
"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication."
Color
Shape
Use
The Artist's Sigil
Interact
Design Your Personal Logo!
Style A: Dürer
Extreme Detail, Nature-Focused.
Style B: Bauhaus
Geometric, Simple, Primary Colors.
Work Area
Modern Magic
Summarize
i
Apple Design
Clean & Functional
IK
IKEA Logic
Simple Shapes
The Bauhaus school in Germany changed the look of the modern world!
Bauhaus Check
Exit
What is one key feature of Bauhaus design?
"A key feature of Bauhaus is __________."
Think: Shapes, Colors, or Purpose!
Leinwand Kultur Sigil Worksheet Sigil Studio
Dürer vs. Bauhaus
Style A: Dürer
• Microscopic detail & Nature-inspired
• Fine lines and realistic shading
Style B: Bauhaus
• Geometric shapes & Primary colors
• Bold, simple symbols & Practical use
My Personal Sigil
Masterpiece Workspace
Explain your design choice:
Dürer Influence
Bauhaus Influence
Festschmaus Teacher Plan Festschmaus
Lesson 10: Holiday Traditions
Duration
45 Minutes
Learning Targets
Explore unique German holiday traditions (**Schultüte, Nikolaustag**).
Identify typical items and foods found at a **Weihnachtsmarkt**.
Compare and contrast local holiday traditions with German ones.
Success Criteria
List 5 specific items found at a German Christmas Market.
Accurately compare St. Nikolaus vs. the US Santa Claus in a diagram.
Explain the purpose of a 'Schultüte' for first-grade students.
The REISE Framework
Phase 1 RALLY
Hook: "The Giant Cone" (7 mins)
Show a photo of a German child on their first day of school holding a massive paper cone (**Schultüte**). Ask: "What do you think is inside? Why do they get this?" Reveal the tradition of "sweetening" the start of school.
Phase 2 EXPOSE
Input: Winter Wonders (12 mins)
Focus on **Weihnachtsmärkte** (Christmas Markets). Show images of wooden stalls, Lebkuchen, and nutcrackers.
Phase 3 INTERACT
Collaborative: "Holiday Comparison" (15 mins)
Partners work on a **Venn Diagram** comparing their own winter holiday traditions with German ones (e.g., Santa vs. Nikolaus, dates, food).
Phase 4 SUMMARIZE
Holiday Wishlist (5 mins)
If you could visit a German Christmas Market today, what would be the first thing you'd want to buy or eat? Share with the class.
Phase 5 EXIT
Adoption Reflection (3 mins)
Exit Question: "Which German holiday tradition would you want to adopt for your own family and why?"
Required Materials
Weihnachtsmarkt Slides
Holiday Venn Diagram Sheet
Schultüte Template (Optional)
Festschmaus Comparison Venn Worksheet Holiday Traditions
Name:
Think about your own winter holiday traditions (e.g., Christmas, Hanukkah, Winter Solstice) and compare them with the German traditions we discussed today (Nikolaustag, Weihnachtsmärkte, Schultüte).
My Traditions
German Traditions
Both
Unique to my culture
Shared customs
Unique to German culture
Reflection Question
Which German holiday tradition would you want to adopt for your own family and why?
Festschmaus Slides Festschmaus
Holiday Traditions & Magic
The Giant Magic Cone
Rally
Schultüte
A First Day Tradition
"To sweeten the start of life at school!"
Inside this giant cone, you'll find sweets, toys, and school supplies. No first day is complete without one!
Imagine getting this on your first day!
Christmas Markets
Expose
City centers transform into magical villages.
Wooden Huts & Local Crafts
Lebkuchen (Gingerbread)
Traditional Moravian Stars
Weihnachtsmarkt
A tradition since the 1400s!
Nikolaustag (Dec 6th)
Put your boot outside the door!
"If you were good, St. Nikolaus fills it with oranges, nuts, and chocolate tonight!"
Wait, so who is Santa Claus then?
Boot Check!
Holiday Comparison
Interact
Create a Venn Diagram!
1 List traditions from your culture.
2 List the German traditions we learned.
3 Find the overlap (Both)!
BOTH
Spot the Similarities!
Market Wishlist
Summarize
If you visited a Christmas Market today, what would you buy first?
Lebkuchen
Handmade Toy
Star Lamp
New Traditions
Exit
Which German holiday tradition would you want to adopt for your own family?
"I would love to adopt __________ because..."
Shima Explorers Teacher Plan 世界
Shima Explorers
Lesson 1: Geography & Islands
TABI Routine 45 Minutes
Learning Targets
● Locate the 4 main islands of Japan.
● Map Japan globally (neighbors & oceans).
● Identify major climate differences.
Success Criteria
● Label Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu.
● Name the capital and 2 climate zones.
● Identify the Sea of Japan vs. Pacific Ocean.
Phase 1 TUNE
Tune-In: Visual Hook (7 mins)
Display side-by-side photos: **Snowy Sapporo** (skiing, ice sculptures) vs. **Tropical Naha** (palm trees, turquoise water). Ask students: "Are these in the same country? How is this possible?"
Phase 2 ACQUIRE
Acquire: The Archipelago (15 mins)
Introduce the "Main 4" islands. Use the mnemonic: **"HOKKAIDO is North, HONSHU is Main, SHIKOKU is Small, KYUSHU is South."** Show Japan’s location relative to Korea, China, and Russia.
Phase 3 BRIDGE
Bridge: Island Selection (13 mins)
Students receive the **Island Map Worksheet**. After labeling, partners discuss: *"Based on the climate hook, which island would you live on and why?"* Encourage mention of geography (mountains vs. coast).
Phase 4 INSPECT
Inspect: Check-Out (10 mins)
Distribute the **Geography Exit Ticket**. Students must name the four main islands from memory and label the Pacific Ocean on a mini-map.
Preparation Checklist
Geography Slides
Island Map Worksheet
Geography Exit Ticket
Shima Explorers Slides SHIMA EXPLORERS
Geography Wonders
Lesson 01 TABI JOURNEY
A Tale of Two Cities
Tune-In
Sapporo, Hokkaido
"Ice sculptures and sub-zero wind..."
Naha, Okinawa
"Palm trees and coral reefs..."
Are these in the same country?
The Archipelago
Acquire
The Big Four
1 Hokkaido (North)
2 Honshu (The Heart)
3 Shikoku (The Smallest)
4 Kyushu (The Gateway)
Quick Fact
Japan is made of over **6,800** islands!
Your Discovery
Bridge
Which island would you live on and why?
Nature
Cities
Weather
Island Atlas Worksheet Island Atlas
Map of Discovery
Explorer:
Date:
Passed
1 Label the Main Islands
Outline of Japan Archipelago
Climate Clues
Record two things you noticed about the difference between Northern and Southern Japan:
North:
South:
Global Mapping
Which body of water is on the EAST side of Japan?
Explorer Reflection
"Based on our 'Tune-In' today, which island would you choose for your expedition home base? Why?"
Island Inspection Exit Ticket EXIT TICKET
Island Inspection
Lesson 1: Geography
Name:
Sekai no Hakken
1. Name the four main islands of Japan:
A
B
C
D
2. What is the capital of Japan?
3. Sketch the Pacific Ocean in the correct relative position:
I feel like an expert explorer:
Reigi Rituals Teacher Plan 礼儀
Reigi Rituals
Lesson 2: Greetings & Etiquette
TABI Routine 45 Minutes
Targets
● Use basic greetings (Ohayou, etc).
● Distinguish formal/informal bows.
Success
● Perform 3 bow angles accurately.
● Greet a peer vs. Sensei correctly.
TUNE
Bowing Battle (8 mins)
Video hook: Two people meeting. Ask: "What are they saying without words?" Define Reigi as the invisible thread of respect.
ACQUIRE
Angles & Vocab (12 mins)
Explicit instruction on 15° (Casual), 30° (Polite), 45° (Deep). Connect to times of day: Ohayou, Konnichiwa, Konbanwa.
BRIDGE
Speed Greeting (15 mins)
Social Scenario Simulation. Students rotate through 5 cards (The Mayor, Your Puppy, The Baker). Must pick correct bow angle + greeting phrase.
INSPECT
Exit Logic (10 mins)
Students identify the "Aggressive Eye Contact" mistake and match 3 bowing degrees to social ranks. Review "Back Straight" rule.
Greeting Slides
Bowing Guide
Lesson 2 Exit Ticket
Reigi Rituals Slides REIGI RITUALS
Greetings & Bowing
Lesson 02
Show of Respect
Tune-In
Postures that Speak.
REIGI (礼儀)
Japanese etiquette is about social awareness. How do you signal respect before you open your mouth?
Wait
Respect
Bowing conveys rank and sincerity.
The Geometry of Bowing
Acquire
15°
Eshaku
Friends / Daily Hello
30°
Keirei
Standard Polite
45°
Saikeirei
Deep Respect
Bridge: Talk
Bridge
Practice Social Cues
Scenario 1
Meeting your best friend's grandfather for the first time.
Scenario 2
Arriving late to your Sensei's class and apologizing.
"Pick the right angle + the right greeting phrase!"
Inspect: Check-Out
Inspect
Mastery Challenge
"Match 3 rankings to their correct bow degree on your Exit Ticket. Watch your back!"
Bowing Etiquette Guide Bowing Guide
Posture of Respect
Expedition Atlas
15°
Eshaku
Friends / Peers
30°
Keirei
Standard Polite
45°
Saikeirei
Deep Respect
The Golden Rules
No Eye Contact: Look down at your toes. Eye contact is considered aggressive!
Hands: Men keep hands at sides. Women cross hands low in front.
The Pause: Hold for a second at the bottom. Do not rush back up!
Back: Keep back straight. Bend from the waist, not the neck.
Instructor Stamp
Ritual Certification Complete
Date of Session
Moji Magic Teacher Plan 文字
Moji Magic
Lesson 3: Japanese Writing Systems
TABI Routine 45 Minutes
Learning Targets
● Distinguish Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji.
● Identify loan words vs. native Japanese.
Success Criteria
● Categorize 5 words into correct systems.
● Write name in sharp Katakana.
TUNE
The Decipher Hook (8 mins)
Challenge students to read Katakana flashcards: "Kamera" and "Koohii". Reveal that Katakana is the "Guest System" for imported words.
ACQUIRE
The 3 Systems (12 mins)
Contrast Hiragana (native/rounded) vs Katakana (loan/sharp) vs Kanji (meanings/complex). Teach Top-to-Bottom stroke rule.
BRIDGE
Trace & Tell (15 mins)
Partner activity: Air-trace Katakana characters from the reference sheet. Practice writing phonetic names in Katakana.
INSPECT
System Sort (10 mins)
Exit Ticket: Students categorize 5 mystery words into the correct Moji system. Peer check for stroke direction precision.
Writing Slides
Moji Reference Atlas
Moji Magic Slides MOJI MAGIC
Japanese Writing Systems
Lesson 03
The Decipher Challenge
Tune-In
"You already know these words... you just have to see through the 'magic'!"
カメラ Camera
コーヒー Coffee
KATAKANA
The system for "borrowed" words!
The Three Pillars
Acquire
あ
HIRAGANA
Curvy & Soft
For native Japanese words and grammar.
カ
KATAKANA
Sharp & Simple
For foreign names, places, and loan words.
木
KANJI
Meaning Symbols
Symbols from China that represent meanings.
Bridge: Talk
Bridge
Trace & Tell
Partner Mission
1. Air-trace a Katakana character.
2. Partner identifies it on the chart.
3. Why do we need Katakana for names?
Inspect: Check-Out
Inspect
System Sorting
"On your Exit Ticket, categorize the 5 mystery words into their correct writing systems. Good luck!"
Writing Systems Reference Chart Moji Reference
Writing Systems Atlas
Expedition Guide
Hiragana
あ
"Native & Soft"
● Rounded strokes
● Native vocab
● Grammar words
Katakana
ア
"Foreign & Sharp"
● Straight lines
● Foreign names
● Loan words
Kanji
木
"Concept Symbols"
● Complex symbols
● Whole meanings
● Idea symbols
The 3 Laws of Moji
Top to Bottom
Left to Right
Horizontal before Vertical
Teacher Verification
Stamp Book Record
Katakana Name Practice Sheet Katakana Canvas
Name Translation Practice
Name:
The Mission
"Because you are an explorer from another land, your name will be written in the **sharp & blocky** system: Katakana. Use the reference grid to translate and practice."
1. My Name (Phonetic English)
2. My Katakana Translation
3. Master Trace
力タカナ
Write your full name here in large Katakana strokes.
I used the correct stroke order
My strokes are sharp, not curvy
Katakana Name Practice Sheet v2 Katakana Canvas
Name Translation Practice
Explorer:
Katakana Reference Guide
ア a
イ i
ウ u
エ e
オ o
カ ka
キ ki
ク ku
ケ ke
コ ko
サ sa
シ shi
ス su
セ se
ソ so
タ ta
チ chi
ツ tsu
テ te
ト to
ナ na
ニ ni
ヌ nu
ネ ne
ノ no
ハ ha
ヒ hi
フ fu
ヘ he
ホ ho
1. My Name (Phonetic English)
2. Katakana Characters (One per box)
3. Master Brush Stroke
Large Name Freestyle Workspace
Correct Stroke Order
Sharp Blocky Lines
