Provide a range of taster sessions in different languages so students are able to say a simple greeting or write a few words. For example, a mini-lesson in Japanese could focus on how to write your name in Japanese and introduce yourself to someone else. Older students, teachers or invited guests can run these small group sessions. The aim is to whet the students' appetite for more study into the language, so the session should be fun and informal. For younger students, the taster session could consist of learning a simple song.
Individual classes can practice and prepare a performance for the rest of the school. This could be a skit in French, a recital of German poetry, a "Bollywood" performance of Indian dance or Chinese traditional dances. Students need a few weeks to practice their performances. During this time, students can explore the background and history of their chosen performance and learn some basic vocabulary. Each class can put on their act as part of a school-wide show to celebrate a language day.
Invite experts into the school to put on workshops for the students. These could include Flamenco dancing, Indian music or Italian cookery. The workshop leaders could carry out the workshop in a total immersion atmosphere, using only the foreign language. Students should learn a few words of vocabulary related to the chosen task. For instance, in a cooking workshop, the students could learn the Italian words for cut, boil, taste and eat. Other cultural workshops could include learning about Russian literature or Chinese history. Guests can also talk about their experiences of living in a foreign country.
A fashion show, where students design and make traditional costumes for different countries, is another way to celebrate a language day. Another idea is to have older students plan and display a food market, where each class sets out a stall and sells the traditional dishes of a particular country. Schools can even put on a language and cultural quiz where groups of students compete to win a prize. Have students make some arts and crafts with a foreign theme and display them around the school on the day.