Languages for Rockbridge
To promote language and culture study at an early age, Washington and Lee University has implemented a program whereby students in area elementary and middle schools can be enrolled in French, Spanish, German, Arabic, Chinese, or Japanese not-for-credit classes taught by trained student volunteers from the University. The schools themselves determine which language(s) is preferred.
The program, Languages for Rockbridge, began in the fall of 2010 with one Spanish class with eight students and a student volunteer enrolled in the Education Studies course, Methods for World Language. It has since grown to multiple language and culture classes with hundreds of students participating from elementary and middle schools in the Rockbridge area.
HERE'S WHAT WE OFFER
In-person or virtually, students are introduced to ways of communicating in various languages, while exploring cultures from around the world, such as traditions, arts, religions, and histories. Volunteer student teachers use games, songs, short-films, and other fun and engaging activities to promote curiosity for and love of learning and to promote understanding and acceptance of others!
WHICH LANGUAGES ARE TAUGHT?
That depends on the available volunteers and the classroom teacher's preference. In the past, we have offered:
Arabic
Chinese
French
German
Italian
Japanese
Portuguese
Russian
Spanish
WHY LEARN LANGUAGES?
Good question! Through language and culture study, children gain skills and knowledge that are paramount to success in the modern global economy and the interconnected, interdependent world communities.
WHAT'S TO BE GAINED?
Well, did you know, language learning has been shown to: improve student performance; enhance problem solving, critical thinking, and creativity skills; strengthen verbal and spacial abilities; encourage perspective, cultural sensitivity, and tolerance; increase attention, planning, multi-tasking, and memory function capabilities; and provide greater appreciation for the world and its peoples.
Additionally, W&L students who volunteer with LFR are capable of receiving EXP or CBL credits through enrollment in the practicum EDUC 366.
School divisions involved are Lexington City Schools, Buena Vista City Public Schools, and Rockbridge County Schools. Curriculums for each of the languages have been developed by W&L summer research scholars under the direction of Professors Dick Kuettner and Lenna Ojure (retired), both with the Education Studies Program at W&L. For more information on this program, contact Professor Dick Kuettner at kuettnerd@wlu.edu.
SOUND INTERESTING?
Interested in being a part of the Languages for Rockbridge program? Apply here today!