Comments on: Back to School with a New Perspective

By: Tommy

Tommy — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 17:01:27 +0000

Susan, it’s so inspiring to see the enthusiasm you bring to your teaching! I love seeing teachers who consistently look for new ways to get their students excited about learning, whatever the subject may be. Playing Monopoly in Spanish is such a great idea! Especially the penalties for speaking English. I also think it’s great that you’re exposing your own kids to art and culture, like taking them to the LACMA.
When I was learning Spanish in junior high, my parents went to a Spanish bookstore and bought me classic fairytale books in Spanish. I had Los Tres Cerditos, Caperucita Roja, and a few others.
Keep up the great work!

By: Tomoko

Tomoko — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 08:22:15 +0000

You are such a dedicated teacher, Susan.
I wish we had such wonderful native English speaking teachers in Japan.

By: Sean

Sean — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 05:22:31 +0000

Proof positive that language learning takes place when it is natural, rather than “forced” through rote memorization or regurgitation. Like language itself, lessons should be fluid and flexible. Mainstream educators should adopt ideas like these.

By: Joan

Joan — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 02:19:57 +0000

What lucky students you have!
Thanks to Spaniglish Baby raffle I have a copy of Diez Deditos and my daugher, students and I can bailar con Juantio tambien. Thank you Spanglish Baby!
Thank you for sharing these wonderful ideas, Susan!

By: Erin

Erin — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 15:38:59 +0000

Yes, yes, yes!! When I taught English as a Foreign language overseas, I found that the kids’ regular lessons were just dull, dry, boring repetition. I encouraged the teachers I worked with to have the kids play games and sing songs, and the difference in their attitude was astonishing, and the speed at which they learned (because they were relaxed and happily enjoying the lesson) vastly increased. To me, it’s the same concept as exercise — if it doesn’t feel like exercising, I can enjoy it (like swimming or walking the dog), and therefore do a better job at it than if I think of it as drudgery. Same goes for learning. If the kids are enjoying the lesson and think of it as a game, they are much more relaxed and more likely to soak the language in, rather than being “forced to study Spanish.” Teaching about the culture that surrounds the language is so important too! Your students are very lucky!

By: Reyna

Reyna — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 14:28:16 +0000

I have had the opportunity to spend time with Susan in our bilingual mommy group. On several occasions she has hosted activities at her home and I am amazed at th creativity she uses to teach her boys Spanish. She has a wonderful array of music and books. If I were in high school again I would love to take her Spanish class…she’s an amazing educator.