After surveying families, we learned that an overwhelming majority wanted their Explorers to have exposure to a World Language. This year, we were thrilled to welcome Ms. Nicci to the Atlas team to teach Spanish to all PreK–5th Grade students!
Every Explorer now attends Spanish as part of their Related Arts rotation, participating in an introductory course once every four days. Ms. Nicci brings incredible energy, creativity, and passion to her teaching. Her interactive lessons incorporate music, art, games, and pop culture references, making language learning both engaging and fun.
Take a look at how Ms. Nicci is already inspiring a love of learning in her Spanish classes:
Q: What inspired your love of learning languages, and how did that journey lead you to teach Spanish?
A: My love of learning Spanish came from a desire to explore other cultures and I was fortunate enough to have great teachers that made learning a joyful experience . I have a background in Special Education and STEM but I continue to be presented with opportunities to teach Spanish to children which is the perfect way to share my love of the language and bond students to a love of learning.
Q: How do you help students develop a genuine curiosity and excitement for learning a new language?
A: I make Spanish relevant by connecting it to the students interests as well as mirroring some of the lessons that they are learning in their other classes.
Q: Can you share a moment when you saw a student fall in love with learning, either Spanish or something new about themselves, through your class?
A: A common experience is when students have a breakthrough moment, which usually stems from the confidence boost that they get from connecting a previous lesson to whatever we are doing that day. You can see the excitement when they realize that " I know this!".
Q: How do you continue to nurture your own love of learning as an educator?
A: I nurture my love of learning by allowing the students' curiosity to guide my research and learning and I am always seeking new themes and projects to bring language into the classroom.
Q: What’s one creative or unexpected way you make learning Spanish fun and meaningful for your students?
A: I enjoy connecting language to science, math, and art. A cross disciplinary approach brings Spanish into their natural world rather than treating it as a separate, isolated subject.
#MOLovesLearning #MOChartersWork #WorldLanguage #HandsOnLearning #LoveOfLearning