American High Schools Teenagers in the USA

Stereotypes What is a stereotype? A stereotype is a popular belief about specific social groups or types of individuals. Stereotypes are standardized and simplified conceptions of groups based on some prior assumptions. For example: “All blondes are dumb.”

Discuss With a partner, discuss what you think high school in the U.S. is like. Name 3 stereotypes of American high schools and/or American teenagers. Do you believe these stereotypes are true? Why or why not? What do you think is the reality?

Discuss Share what you and your partner have discussed with the rest of the class.

American Education System

Bellflower Middle/High School Schedule

Morning Announcements Occur first thing, every morning Pledge of allegiance Moment of silence To give out important information Club meetings Sports games Dances (Homecoming, Prom) Etc.

Morning Announcements Pledge of Allegiance “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

Morning Announcements Most high schools use an intercom system with a speaker in each classroom so everyone can hear the announcements. Some high schools use video, which is broadcast on TV in each classroom.

High School Class Subjects English Math (Algebra, Geometry, Calculus…) Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics…) Social Studies (History, Government…) Foreign Language (Spanish or French) PE (Physical Education) Electives (Photography, Journalism, Art, Music, Cooking…)

High School Activities Clubs Art Club, French Club, Ensemble/Glee Club (singing group), History Club, Latinos Unidos, Korean Club, Surf Club, Drama Club, Dance Club

High School Activities High school sports teams Football (American), basketball, baseball… Teams play against other school teams Rivalries

High School Dances Prom End of the year dance. Most important. Homecoming First dance of the school year. Sadie Hawkins Dance in the middle of the school year. Girls must ask the boys out to the dance! Usually creative. Girls leave clues for the boys.

High School “Cliques” What is a clique? A small group of friends with the same interests. They usually exclude others. Popular kids, cheerleaders, jocks, geeks…

High School Yearbooks A book with pictures of all high school students and school activities that happened throughout the year. Students sign each others’ yearbooks.

High School Graduation Ceremony at the end of your fourth year of high school (12th grade) where you are presented with your high school diploma if you have successfully completed all the requirements.

Wrap Up/Discuss Did you learn anything new about American high schools? What surprised you the most? In your opinion, what is the best thing about going to high school in the U.S.? What is the worst thing? What are some similarities and differences between American high schools and your high school?

The End! Presentation by Anna Athena Reyes for I.E.S. Profesor Tomás Hormigo