Festival Edition Spanish Open Class
DHSZ Open Class Ep.10
As the holiday season approaches, our Spanish class is gearing up for a festive and culturally enriching experience that promises to be even more special than before. Following the success of our previous Spanish Open Class, Ms Maria Villaescusa is infusing the joy of holidays into our Spanish curriculum. Get ready for a delightful blend of language learning and holiday cheer!
Decorating the classroom with Language and Creativity
To kick off the festivities, students indulged their artistic side by writing and decorating greeting cards in Spanish. This activity not only sharpened their language skills but also fostered creativity as they express holiday wishes in a new language and share the greetings and warmth with each other.
Festivals Around the World: Spain Edition
The holiday vibe transcends borders, and our students had the unique opportunity to dive into the cultural traditions of Spain. Beyond merely exploring festive customs, they actively engaged in the learning process by practicing linking holiday or winter-related vocabulary with corresponding pictures. This interactive approach allows students to grasp new words more clearly and make meaningful connections to the cultural context. Throughout this linguistic exploration, Ms Villaescusa also fostered an exchange of cultural insights by encouraging students to share our holiday traditions, creating a dynamic and enriching learning environment.
Gastronomic Adventure: Sampling Spanish Snacks
What better way to explore a culture than through its food? Our Spanish class will embark on a delectable journey, savoring an assortment of traditional Spanish snacks, including the whimsically festive Christmas Coal Candy and the delightful almond delights stuffed with turron. From the playful sweetness of the coal-shaped treats to the rich and nutty flavors of the almond delights, these ‘new tastes’ provide a flavorful gateway for students to experience the warmth and essence of local life for the first time!
As introduced by Ms Villaescusa, the Christmas Coal Candy holds a special place in Spanish traditions. In Spain, it's a yearly ritual for every Spanish child to receive a bulk of Coal Candy, a treat that they joyfully lick directly. In our class, Ms Villaescusa adds a touch of holiday magic by scraping the candy and sharing it with all the students to try, “I brought some Spanish treats for them to taste. And that way they not only learn how to say it, but they also understand what these things are.” This shared experience not only brings the class together but also immerses them in the joyous customs of Spain, making our Spanish class a truly festive and cultural celebration.
Unlocking the Roomscape: A Virtual Adventure
In the digital age, our students are set to embark on an exciting online adventure – a Roomscape game with a Spanish twist. This interactive experience will challenge their language skills as they navigate through holiday-themed puzzles, fostering teamwork and problem-solving in a festive setting. “Participating in these cultural activities and helps our students have a better understanding of the world and of other peoples and definitely contributes to their global mindedness,” said Ms Villaescusa.
As we conclude the week’s uniquely festival-themed Spanish class, our students not only refine their language skills but also embark on a journey that transcends linguistic boundaries. Our school, championing the ethos of fostering global perspectives, encourages students to broaden their international horizons. In doing so, we not only cultivate academic prowess but also emphasise the importance of nurturing creativity and celebrating diversity.
The joy of the season resonates not only in their developing linguistic abilities but also in the building of a more extensive community that values collaboration and embraces differences. By merging language, culture, and the festive spirit, we create an immersive learning experience that goes beyond the classroom. We will continue to shape a community where curiosity knows no bounds, and the beauty of diversity is celebrated in every language spoken and shared!
