Spanish-English Bilingual Education

Washington Elementary school is 90% Hispanic. I went to the 2nd grade students' class, whose mother tongue is Spanish and who study English as a second language. At first, I introduced a Japanese childrens' song, "Abraham" with a dance, which made us relaxed and cheerful. Then, I taught them how to count from one to ten in Japanese, using English. Of course, it was difficult for me to talk to them in English, but the teachers explained what I said to them in Spanish, which was helpful to me. In addition, the students were very obedient and positive, so the students raised their hands as they finished one Japanese form, "Hiragana", like "ichi(1)", "ni(2)", "san(3)", one by one. They were so curious and friendly, so they asked me lots of questions, like "How can I say XXXX in Japanese?" Some of them can speak English, because their parents are from speaking English area. Finally, they gave me pictures written by them. There are them and me in the pictures. Some of the students wrote a short letter on the back side of them. I'm so happy to teach them Japanese and to interact with them. I learned so many things from this experience. It was a good experience for me, because my dream is to be a language teacher. dream has become stroner since this time. I appreciate such a wonderful opportunity. (by Rie)

Middle class students in Washington elementary school were so powerful and curios. When I introduced myself in front of the class, students listened to me seriously. However, when I asked them if they had questions, most of them raised their hands and they asked me how I say ～ in Japanese. Sometimes, they asked me in Spanish. Therefore, I could also learn some Spanish words. However, I can’t remember them.… Moreover, they asked me how to write their name in Japanese. Some students were interested in Japanese culture or nature. Others know Japanese cartoon. I was very pleased with them! (by Sarasa)

This school’s rate of nationality was about 8 (Spanish speaking students) : 2(English speaking students).  The lesson was held in small classes and children were leaning English with songs, conversation between their friends and teacher and so on….  There was a special class for advanced students and they were learning about Japan too. Also, there was a class called “Special”, (they call the disability children “special”).  The teacher in this school can speak more than one (English or Spanish) language.  Every child was friendly, shy, docile and adorable. The 1st grade is mostly is Spanish, and they slowly move the classes to 50-50 Spanish-English. In the 6th grade class, the students were mostly fluent. (by Mari)