Upper and Lower School Students Participate in Spanish Reading Exchange: Cultivating Language Skills and Connections

Credited by Ruth Malwitz

Upper School students from Josie Paolello’s AP and Honors 5 Spanish classes recently met with students from Ruth Malwitz’ Lower School Library classes to read books together in Spanish. Twelfth grade students chose picture books from the library’s Spanish collection and read them with small groups of students from Jenny Ragghianti’s kindergarten class and Kelly Zemaitis’ first grade class.  “Everyone was all smiles, and the seniors were impressed with the Lower School students’ Spanish skills,” Ruth stated.

When asked about the experience, Skye ’35 said that she enjoyed reading “Eres Tu Mama?” with her twelfth grade partner, Samantha Lee ’24.  

“And I learned how to say chicken in Spanish today!” Kofi ’35 chimed in.  

“I loved being able to interact with Kofi and Skye,” added Samantha, “and to apply what I’m learning to reading with children who are also interested in Spanish.”