Spanish in Schools

[sparkles2307]

My kids will be learning German, we are of german heritage and I learned german in school. I see no need to learn spanish, in america ESL (English as a second lanuage) classes should be offered at any school with other language classes.

 

[Lunachick]

The only Spanish I learned I picked up on Sesame Street. I can count to ten, and I think I remeber a few words. That was a long time ago, but I still remember it. Unfortunately, I don't have the patience now..

It's always good to learn something new!

 

[Lucky Ducky]

I took Latin in middle school and loved it but the unfortunate truth is that there aren't many teachers who teach Latin. Latin is the root of all romance languages ( English, Spanish and Italian). Latin sentences are structured most like English sentences. It helps students with their English compostion. I wish it was available here but most years the only language available is Spanish. I'm fine with my children learning it but I do wish they had more options and that it would start earlier. There are no language classes until High School here. I took Latin, Spanish and a little bit of German in my high school years but I grew up on the East Coast and lived in a city with large schools. Here it's different. We live in a small town surrounded by other small towns and all of the students combine in middle school and high school. I'm actually going to start French this year as I return to college. I was planning on continuing with the Spanish but the classes filled up FAST!!! I have to use these audio CDs with my class and I'm going to have my kiddos listen to them too. I hope they absorb it like the sponges they are but we'll see what happens.

 

[verity]

I recently retired from teaching 2nd grade in a lower-income school district -- my Hispanic students were delightful and although their parents were poorly educated (by our standards) they wanted the very best for their children --
this is why they came to the USA ---

Some of the people who are very vocal about 'English only' are the ones who could use a refresher course in English grammar and spelling!

 

[sparkles2307]

My stepmother came here from Nicaragua and she didnt expect us to speak Spanish for her, she went right to work on her ESL classes. If she doesn't understand a word, my dad explains it to her. She also helps out at the schools in their town teaching the Hispanic kids english. I believe in English only, when I went to Mexico I learned rudimentary Spanish out of respect for the fact that I was in their country and I expect the same respect from people coming to this country.
I know things have changed, but even 7 years ago when I was in school there were more kids taking French than Spanish, so again, I dont plan to have my kids learn it, they will learn a language that has historical significance for our family, and once we have all had a refresher in German we plan to take a trip there as a family.

 

[horsejody]

I took French in high school. DD took German, and DS took Japanese. DS then joined the military, and he became a linguist and learned Korean. Personally, my preference would be Russian. It's a beautiful language. My only aversion to requiring students to take Spanish is that I believe it discourages immigrants from learning English.

 

[froggie71]

My kids have "learned" Spanish since elementary school. 2 from kindergarten and the other since 1st grade. (Seems there isn't enough time to fit in a Spanish class in a half day of school). Anyway. I don't think they've learned very much at all. They could never hold any kind of conversation or read fluently. They no a few word. The oldest is now in high school. He absolutely refused to take Spanish because he hates it. Took German last year, but had a scheduling conflict this year and is now taking Italian.
I myself had to take 2 years of a language in HS and 2 in college. I chose French. Thought it was a beautiful language, but couldn't stand my teachers. Never had any use for the language except when doing crossword puzzles. LOL.

 

[JennsPeeps]

Crush #1
Quote:
Crush #2:
Quote:
Learning a language is learning another culture and another way of life, and gives you a window into another way of thinking. America is a great country, and I'm proud to live here. Ours is not the only way. It's surely the best way for many who are living it, but it is not the only or best way to live for the world.

I speak French fluently. I've studied Spanish and Latin as well. Learning other languages is a big part of the reason I am a stickler for grammar: when you learn another language, it forces you to learn your native tongue better.

Until I lived overseas I didn't truly appreciate the incredible burden the American culture places on other cultures just by being the biggest fish in the pond. American culture is shockingly pervasive, ubiquitious, and nearly inescapable.

Now I work in an international office. I help students who are seeking global jobs. Guess what: those who speak at least one other language are the ones who get the most offers.

Everything is global today. I'd be willing to bet that majority of the things you can reach from your computer screen were made in other countries. If you think that refusing to learn another language, shutting borders, and living in a protectionist society will cure what ails the USA, then I'll leave you to your beliefs. I don't share them.

 

[FrizzleFreak]

Hey, I WANT to learn more languages.
And just think, if you knew Spanish, you could hear how the Hispanics are going to take over America!I'M JOKING PEOPLE.
Honestly, during Fair, I learned a lot of Spanish-which was so cool! I could listen to their conversations, and pick up words-and occasionally correct them. "No cabrito. Las ninas para leche. Si, chiquitas." Yes, I know, I have terrible grammar in spanish. Yes, I know, most of my spanish relates to animals that I own. I've never taken a spanish class (well, once when I was 5).
But...I'm sad. Because my language learning options are terribly limited. I could buy the incredibly expensive software, or I could expect my high school to prepare me for college.
ETA: You know what really grills me? The kids that purposefully fail their spanish classes because their parents tell them that Hispanics are no good, stupid, and that they should go back to their own country.

 

[SarahFair]

Quote:
I can read leche on the milk cartons