Spanish and Cultural Studies Class Added to Middle School
Spanish I as an 8th grade elective became a reality this year.
Teacher Kathi Melo said that in just the first week of school, students were already using what they had learned to communicate with people of the Spanish culture.
“The joy this brought to the students was precious, that they were speaking in another language and were being understood,” she said.
Melo said that it is a documented fact that beginning foreign language instruction at an earlier age also helps develop advanced levels of proficiencies in other languages and acceptance of other cultures.
Her hope is that this class prepares them for missions someday as well.
“We are created specifically for a purpose, to share the Word of God and be a light of Jesus,” she said. “When students are equipped with the knowledge of God’s Word and are able to speak to a person in their language, imagine the lives we can change!
“We are finding out that we do not have to travel very far to be a missionary; sometimes the opportunity is right in our own front yard.”
She added that starting Spanish in the 8th grade allows students to complete their language requirement early, which opens the door to take a variety of the new electives offered in the Upper School.