"Why do I have to learn Spanish? We live in America!" This question, overheard from a young student after theater club, perfectly encapsulates a common dilemma faced by immigrant families in the United States. How do you navigate a new country while ensuring your children stay connected to their cultural heritage and language? It’s a question that resonates deeply in diverse communities across America.
At SA Bushwick, a school in Brooklyn, New York, this rich diversity is our strength. Our students come from a multitude of backgrounds, with families hailing from countries like Ecuador, El Salvador, Mexico, and Guatemala, creating a vibrant tapestry of cultures. As a theater teacher and storyteller, passionate about children’s literature and playwriting, this student’s question sparked an idea. It was during discussions about celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month that the answer became clear: a play. A play that wouldn’t just celebrate Hispanic culture but would also explore the very question of why learning Spanish, and understanding Hispanic heritage, is so important, even in America.
Inspired, I recalled the Spanish word "Wepa," meaning "let’s celebrate!" It was the perfect title for our project – a vibrant celebration of Hispanic culture and, crucially, a journey into what we Learned In Spanish culture. What unfolded was an inspiring testament to the talent of our students and the dedication of our staff.
Over a month, all 230 students at SA Bushwick, alongside numerous faculty members, collaborated to write, refine, and rehearse a one-hour play. “Wepa” consisted of 24 unique skits, each illuminating different facets of LatinX culture. The students’ creativity blossomed as they developed scenes ranging from a humorous take on a classic Spanish telenovela and the energetic Mexican Hat Dance, to a dramatic portrayal of bullfighting and a poignant rendition of a song from West Side Story. Every student had a role, and through rehearsals during and outside of theater classes, a remarkable thing happened: we all learned in Spanish culture.
This collaborative and creative process became a powerful educational experience. Students weren’t just memorizing lines; they were immersing themselves in the traditions, music, and stories of Hispanic cultures. They learned in Spanish about history, dance, and social customs. The final performance of “Wepa” was a resounding success, a vibrant and joyful celebration of Hispanic culture and our school’s incredible diversity. It was a powerful demonstration of what can be learned in Spanish and about Hispanic heritage when embraced with creativity and collaboration.
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We invite you to explore the photos from our production and join us in celebrating Hispanic culture. Through “Wepa,” we not only showcased the richness of Hispanic heritage but also demonstrated the profound value of learning about different cultures and languages in our diverse American society. It was a journey where we all truly learned in Spanish and about the vibrant Hispanic world.
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