Love, Language, and Learning

We love it when our teachers collaborate to create enriching educational experiences for our students! Recently, Early Childhood Spanish teacher Cynthia Goodfellow and Junior High Spanish teacher Kristin Jayroe brought their students together to increase their conversational skills and build relationships across campus.

Mrs. Jayroe’s 8^th graders wrote short children’s books in Spanish class which they read to PK and K students. “The class spent 2 days working on their books to read to the young students,” Mrs. Jayroe said.  “They also created activities to go along with their stories. They practiced with their peers before going to Ms. Goodfellow's classes, so they were prepared.” 

Regarding the benefits of this interaction, she added, “In that setting, my students utilize the skills that I have taught them and teach them to the children-basic greeting/salutations, colors, numbers, etc.  This kind of setting makes them feel comfortable, and they know that it is ok to make mistakes in the language.”

Mrs. Goodfellow shared, “Working together is great for my young students because overall their exposure to Spanish speakers may be limited. I often have parents tell me stories about how excited their children are to interact with Spanish speakers and how excited the Spanish speakers are to speak with their children. So, similarly, my students benefit with increased interaction.”

In talking with the Junior High students, it is evident that they are having fun, and they understand the importance of their role as leaders and role models.

“It is cool to work with the little kids because they are learning a new language at a young age, which is really important and can help them in the future,” said SDS 8^th grader Fabian Mujica. “We include activities with the stories so that it’s more fun and it gets them more into it. It goes both ways-we both learn-we are speaking, and they are speaking.”

SAA 8^th grader Scarlet Malone knows that they are doing an important part to create brotherhood and sisterhood across grades. She said, “I love meeting the younger kids and connecting with them, getting more involved in the campus community. We are spending our time and building relationships with them. One day, they will be taking this class that we are in right now.”

To Early Childhood Director Julie Thompson, these shared lessons are invaluable.

“Involving Junior High Spanish classes in activities with ECC children offers several benefits for both groups, particularly enhanced language skills,” Mrs. Thompson said. “Junior High students have the chance to reinforce their Spanish through practical teaching and communication. Simplifying language for younger kids forces them to master their vocabulary.”

It's not just about the language, however, Mrs. Thompson explained, “When they learn together, the Junior High students develop empathy, patience, and communication skills through interacting with young children. These interactions can also build their confidence in speaking Spanish. And of course, the ECC students are thrilled to engage with their new buddies!”