Spanish 101: Total Me Language and Cultural Studies

Blanca Suárez, instructor of Spanish 101: Language and Cultural Studies in Spanish, taught the kids of Covenant House Michigan about cultural awareness. This class helped to close the gaps that occur by learning fundamentals of a different language, cultural activities and cuisine. Every day for six weeks, the youth of CHM will attend this class and will learn something new each week.

The first week, students in Spanish 101 had an introduction to Spanish fundamentals such as focusing on gender and language with a focus on nouns used every day. They transitioned into verbs and building expressive sentences the second week, where they applied their knowledge in a game. The third week focused on the continuation of verbs and expressive sentences. Students learned how to make authentic Spanish dishes; two students, Rima and Shatoia made tostadas. The students then explored Spanish language through music across Latin America and the different styles that are present.

One student who took Spanish 101 with Ms. Blanca said, when asked what the most important part of the class was “getting a background on a different culture, learning a different language and of course my teacher,” stated Ladeja. “She keeps me interested.”

Students learned to work together in discussion, debates and in strategizing what they think would be appropriate for the remainder of the course. The youth decided this based on their needs, interests, or questions they have.