This year, Jamesville-DeWitt High School’s Spanish Honor Society and Spanish Club have partnered up to present Café Español, a monthly gathering in which all students are invited to practice their Spanish conversation skills in a low-pressure environment.
The format changes each month to keep things fresh. For example, in January, students discussed “Would You Rather” questions about winter activities, while attendees in February role-played real-world scenarios like ordering at a restaurant or asking for directions.
Students enjoy provided food and drinks, which makes the atmosphere more relaxed and less like a class.
“Watching students converse with peers of all levels has been the best part,” said Sra. Slade, advisor to both clubs. “The more advanced students serve as excellent conversation guides and teachers for the younger ones, and it reinforces language skills and face-to-face conversations in an increasingly digital world.”
The next session will focus on speaking and listening comprehension. Students will take part in a fun activity where one person describes a picture in Spanish and the other person will draw what they hear. That will take place on Wednesday, March 25.