During her first year teaching German IV at Hempfield High School (HHS), Lauren Jannotta didn't know what she wanted to do with her curriculum. She was aware that the French students had an Adopt an Escargot Program, which is nationally recognized, so after speaking to one of the French teachers, Jannotta decided to implement a similar program in her German IV curriculum. It's been 18 years since Jannotta created the Give a Gnome a Home Project, and HHS German students are still adopting gnomes.

According to HHS German teacher Stephanie Henrich, it's not a happy scene in the forest as gnomes are losing their homes to deforestation. Every year, a person named the Great Garden Gnome reaches out to the HHS German teachers, asking if they would adopt gnomes and give them new homes. Each gnome comes with its own personality and background, and throughout the course of the semester, the HHS German teachers work the gnomes into daily conversations. Students are required to talk about their gnomes, present about their gnomes, and write essays about their gnomes. The students give their gnomes a name, and some even dress them up. As the students get to know the personality of their gnomes, they're also learning about different areas of Germany. "This project really brings different aspects of German culture to life for them," said Henrich.

In 2018, the Give a Gnome a Home Project was moved from German IV to the German III curriculum, which has allowed the students to learn grammar and enhance their speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. "In levels one and two, we focus so much on talking about yourself, but at some point, the students need to learn to start focusing on others, so it gives them that opportunity as well," explained Jannotta. "And the kids get into it. They have fun and that's exciting for us."

When it comes to learning about prepositions, for instance, the gnomes provide students with context. Henrich noted that the students will do a scavenger hunt of sorts where they take pictures of their gnomes to demonstrate the different prepositions. Some gnomes are on tables, going over bridges, or hiding under beds. The students use their gnomes as opposed to completing a worksheet. "So many things are taught in a vacuum, and language and culture are living and breathing things, so it's just nice to give them that context," commented Jannotta.

Jannotta noted that one year, there was a gnome wedding. The students brought in a red carpet, a cake, and musicians. "It's nice to see when the kids take hold of their own learning," stated Jannotta. "When you don't stick to a book, you can really get the kids involved."

Sometimes, the German III students will communicate with German students with gnomes from Central Dauphin East and West York high schools via Flipgrid. Henrich, Jannotta, and the German teachers from these school districts stay in contact to help each other's programs.

"This project is more than just gnomes. It's a passion because we know that these students are going to go out into the world, and they'll be prepared to deal with other cultures and navigate those situations," said Jannotta.