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Let
the Children Guide You By Amber Goslee I began my lessons in Spanish earlier this year. I
learned simple things--numbers: pretty much 1-10, some colors: rojo, azul,
amarillo, blanco, negro, verde; items: pencil, book, sun, shoe, shirt;
people: teacher, children. You see, I had the opportunity to be a visiting
teacher in a bilingual kindergarten class in southern San Diego. All of
the children spoke Spanish, a few spoke English, and most understood, but
did not speak, English. The parent helper spoke only Spanish, I spoke none.
What choice did I have but to learn a little Spanish? Well, I didn’t
have to, that certainly is true, but why not? At first, I was really nervous. What
might happen if they are trying to tell me something and I can’t figure
it out? What if I need to tell them something and they can’t understand
me? The parents who stuck around for a while after bringing in their
little ones are watching me. Do they trust that their children will
be okay with me? As I read their names, they giggle. As I try
to explain what I want them to do, they giggle. It was little Roberto’s
first day of school and he didn’t understand me, so said his mother, who
stuck around longer than the rest translating for him on this first day.
Will he cry when she leaves? What then? I followed the teacher’s directions and read aloud
two stories: The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Jump, Frog, Jump!
They enjoyed each one and as they slowly chimed in and became more engaged,
I felt more secure, and, well, I think they too felt more comfortable.
The parents inched their way out the door. Was it because they felt
confident that their children were going to be all right, or did they have
places to go, or both? Each of the rotating groups read another story with
me and with the extra time we reread one of the stories we had read earlier.
It was during this time that my Spanish lessons began. I asked them
to be los maestros (the teachers) Although my parent helper didn’t speak English or
really understand much of what I said, she was a terrific help. Aside
from working with her group as the teacher had planned, she was able to
communicate with the children, especially helpful to Roberto who was unfamiliar
with the routine, and assisted in other ways throughout the day, helping
it to run smoothly. We didn’t have much difficulty understanding
one another as I initially feared, for gestures worked well, and sometimes
the children even helped. I listened when she spoke, and I learned. I will continue to learn Spanish as I live and teach
here in San Diego, but I will never forget my first lesson. They
were superb teachers and I, la studiante, had a blast! |
and
teach me some Spanish. My five year old instructors were delighted
to do so. At first, they waited until I pointed to something.
Then, they began to point and tell. I soon became overwhelmed and
was thrilled that they too were exhibiting so much enthusiasm!