¡Hola!
Yesterday we kicked off our very first Spanish class – part of Wellness Cafe program of Elaine Bacon Literacy Program and supported by Keweenaw Community Foundation.
Nineteen people showed up, curious, a little nervous, and very ready to try something new. By the end of the session, the room felt lighter. There was laughter, movement, and that good kind of energy you get when people realize, “Oh… I can actually do this.”
From the start, Estela (our amazing teacher) made it clear: this class is not about memorizing grammar rules or stressing over verb tenses.
Instead, we’re using a language acquisition approach. That means learning Spanish the way humans naturally learn language—through songs, movement, listening, repetition, and play. Less thinking about the language, more feeling it.
And it worked. People were moving, singing, responding, and participating without the usual pressure of “getting it right.” No one was put on the spot. Everyone was included. Our first song that we learn is “Los pollitos dicen pío, pío, pío.”
With 19 enthusiastic participants and one very cool teacher guiding us, this first class felt like a strong and hopeful beginning. There was curiosity in the room, but also comfort—like we’re building something together, not just attending a class.
We’re excited to continue this 6-week journey and see how confidence and connection grow week by week.
Take a peek of our tarea (homework):
¡Gracias a todos y hasta la próxima!
Elaine Bacon Literacy Program 