East Lake Academy "celebra" Spanish Heritage Day "con los niños"

East Lake Academy held its annual PK3- third grade Spanish Heritage Day May 8, 2014. The PK3- third grades presented a variety of songs highlighting their ability to speak and think using the Spanish language. Spanish Heritage Day was designed to spotlight the cultural knowledge and communication skills of the students. The success of the day is reflected in the pure joy that the children demonstrate simply at hearing the scheduled date.  Sra. Finlayson and Sra. González, ELA’s Spanish teachers, share their knowledge of the Spanish language and culture with the children, creating a love of the language in the students at a very young age.

The program began with both PreK3 & PreK4 students introducing themselves in Spanish and singing a Chilean children’s song and traditional Mariachi song.  Kindergarten performed two dances from the Dominican Republic demonstrating their knowledge of this beautiful island.  First grade focused on Columbia and the traditional music of vallenato by singing “Amor de mi tierra,” by the popular singer Carlos Vives. The second grade fell in love with Cuba and performed the song “Mi tierra,” by Gloria Estefan.  Lastly, the third grade concluded the program with a short play they wrote and an ideal song for the finale, “Vivir mi vida’” by Marc Anthony.

Spanish is a core subject and accelerated at East Lake Academy, taught in the communicative approach beginning in Pre-K3.  Eighth grade graduates complete a Spanish 2 High School level program.  East Lake Academy is dedicated to the highest level of academics along with character, faith and apostolic formation. For more information or a tour of East Lake Academy contact the Admissions Director, Elizabeth Simutis at 847-247-0035 or esimutis@eastlakeacademy.org.