In 2006, I embarked on a remarkable journey as a Spanish faculty member, a path I never thought I’d tread. The catalyst for my newfound passion was Ms. Anuradha Sehgal, a Spanish faculty member from the Department of Germanic and Romance Studies, Delhi University and a client of my brother. Her enthusiasm for Spanish was infectious, and it sparked a fire within me.
With Ms. Sehgal as my mentor, I dived headfirst into the world of Spanish. It wasn’t just about teaching the language; it was about providing a holistic experience. We encouraged students to embrace Spanish beyond the confines of the classroom. Field trips to the Cultural Centre Instituto Cervantes became an integral part of our curriculum, exposing students to the vibrant Hispanic culture and providing hands-on experience.
Our focus shifted towards preparing students for the DELE examinations by Instituto Cervantes, designed to enhance all four language skills: reading, listening, writing, and speaking. This approach ensured a well-rounded proficiency in Spanish, opening up new horizons for our students.
However, like any journey, ours was not without its challenges. Discipline issues arose as the classroom resonated with the energy of a language that demanded passion. Nevertheless, we persevered, knowing that the rewards of learning Spanish far outweighed the hurdles.
Over the years, we witnessed incredible achievements. Students who started as novices blossomed into proficient speakers. Yet, there were still new challenges to tackle. Time constraints and overloaded schedules posed difficulties. We aimed to balance the desires of children, who craved interactive activities, with a curriculum rooted in vocabulary enhancement and concept-based education.
We recognized the generational divide and sought innovative ways to bridge the communication gap. Parents often remained unaware of their children’s struggles, and students hesitated to convey their concerns. Our mission was to create a supportive environment that encouraged open dialogue.
Cracking the 100-mark threshold in CBSE exams remained a common goal, but we also understood the importance of community-based learning. We introduced exposure to exhibitions as a means to showcase the vibrant Hispanic culture. Activities like role-play, songs, movies, jam sessions, and “Ham” sessions became integral to our curriculum. These immersive experiences enriched students’ vocabulary and understanding of the language.
To further engage our students, we introduced cooking activities that brought the flavors of Spain and Hispanic culture to life. Character dramatization allowed students to explore their creative sides and develop language skills in a fun and interactive way.
The journey from 2006 to the present has been one of growth and discovery. Ms. Sehgal’s inspiration, along with the dedication of my fellow educators and the resilience of our students, has transformed our Spanish program. It has evolved beyond the classroom, becoming an adventure without bounds. In the end, we learned that when you ignite the spark of curiosity, learning becomes a journey of endless possibilities, and the Hispanic culture has enriched our lives in ways we never imagined.
