Franklin High School’s World Language Department recently partnered with Lincoln Street School to give second graders an interactive introduction to Spanish.
Members of the high school's Spanish National Honor Society (Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica) planned and led an interactive lesson focused on greetings, simple conversational language and colors.
The high school students designed materials, rehearsed their lesson and incorporated visuals, movement and structured interactions to make the experience engaging and accessible for the second graders.
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| Franklin High School Spanish National Honor Society members recently visited a second-grade classroom at Spring Street School to provide a Spanish lesson. (Photo Courtesy Franklin Public Schools) |
The Massachusetts World Languages Curriculum Framework’s Lifelong Learning Standards encourage students to use language beyond the classroom, engage with their community, and build intercultural understanding. That was exactly the mission of the Spanish National Honor Society's visit to Lincoln School
“By teaching younger students, our high school students move beyond using Spanish simply to meet academic requirements; they use the language as a vehicle for service, leadership and authentic communication,” said Laura Evans, Director of World Languages at Franklin Public Schools.
The project benefited students at all levels. Second graders gained early, positive exposure to a world language and increased cultural curiosity while interacting with high school role models who demonstrate the value of multilingualism. Meanwhile, the high school students practiced authentic language use and strengthened leadership and public speaking skills.
The Franklin High chapter of the Spanish National Honor Society has 65 members who complete meaningful service hours each year to promote Spanish language, culture and multilingualism in the community.
"I want to thank Laura Evans, Laura Keenan, and our entire World Language Department for creating opportunities that extend beyond the high school classroom," said Dr. Tina Rogers, Assistant Superintendent for Teaching & Learning. "This opportunity allowed our high school students to step into a leadership role and give back to younger students in a meaningful way. Cross-school collaboration is powerful for our district, and this visit is a strong example of that."
