HHS Seniors Provide Spanish Exchange for Elementary Students
A group of first and second grade students at Highlands Elementary had the unique opportunity to connect “live” on Zoom with Highlands High School senior Spanish students for a Spanish Exchange in December. The effort was coordinated by HHS Spanish teacher Mrs. Laura Proano and HES librarian Mrs. Laurie Malcolm and computer teacher Mr. Andrew Lynch.
“We wanted to break from the monotony of online learning and spread a little joy for the holidays, especially because online learning and all of the other aspects of this year have been so challenging for so many,” said Mrs. Proano.
With only four days to plan, the seniors collaboratively brainstormed successful strategies for remote learning and working with elementary students as well as the topics that they wanted to teach. The seniors worked in self-selected small groups to operationalize their ideas while Mrs. Proano provided some structure for the lesson, helped them consider options, gave feedback and let them take the lead.
The seniors prepared a lesson for the second graders about el muñeco de nieve (a snowman) and were taught the Spanish word for all of the parts of a snowman. First graders were taught the Spanish words for ten different los animales (animals). The seniors also provided a fun review game and an activity for all of them.
“I’m so proud of my Spanish students,” said Proano. “The first and second graders were so engaged and inspiring! Hats off to the amazing work of Mrs. Malcolm and Mr. Lynch. I’m grateful that the students in our community, including my own, benefit by having them as teachers,” she said.
Please explore the lesson links below as well as the photos and video from this engaging experience!
2nd Grade Lesson: El muñeco de nieve
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1eRaUdKXEGJY1n2G1rP883ALZsgariGlTBdjMR0Bfj-c/edit#slide=id.p
1st Grade Lesson: Los animales
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1LsTonlc3C5Ce6buskPc45DTEciLKhdcTic4uZKN6wDg/edit#slide=id.p