Middle school students share stories with elementary school learners

At Robbinsdale Middle School, students who speak Spanish at home have the opportunity to take the Heritage Learners course.

Through the course, students work on Spanish reading and writing skills and gain confidence in their cultural identity. As a part of this year’s class, students wrote short stories in Spanish and received a printed copy of their written works.

“Students who come from Spanish-speaking families have great potential to become fluent bilingual adults, an asset that will contribute to their career and college readiness,” said Stacey Kinsella, teacher of the Heritage Learners course. “It’s important that students feel their language and culture are being validated at school.”

Earlier this month, seventh-grade students in the Heritage Learners class visited Robbinsdale Spanish Immersion and Northport Elementary. Students read their stories to younger students at both schools. 

“Students loved the field trip,” Kinsella said. “They had a lot of fun making connections with the younger students and taking on a leadership role.”