Although Walker has had introduction to Spanish classes at St. John, his language acquisition began accelerating at a rapid pace when he started in the immersion classes at Signature. (I still recall what they told us at SIG on the the night we enrolled in classes. “Don’t choose a language that you think is easy. They’re all hard here.”)
His teacher is from Puerto Rico and she does indeed speak exclusively Spanish in class. Besides grammar and the textbook curriculum, she also includes cultural components in the classroom.
Food and fiestas are two really good ways to motivate students. When Señora Arruffat announced they would celebrate El Día de Los Reyes, Walker signed up to bring la Rosca de Reyes. Three Kings Bread is eaten as a part of an Epiphany celebration. The bread is filled with dried sweetened fruit and the shape represents a crown. There is a baby hidden in the cake which represents Jesus hiding from King Herod. Whoever finds the baby is supposed to host a party held on February 2nd, el Día de la Candelaria, to celebrate the presentation of Jesus in the temple.
Walker suggested this recipe and we made it together.
He packed it up and off he went.
They had a great celebration in class.
Beautiful presentation. On Carolyn’s classes’s food day, there was a snow day – oh no! Her empenadas were still good the next day though.
Mucho Bueno, Walkero. ?