This year, middle school students at the Columbia Academy for Learning and Enrichment (CALE) learned they could study one of four world languages. The Grade 5-8 students could elect to study Spanish, French, German, and Japanese. These options were made possible through a new partnership with Mizzou Academy. 

Mizzou Academy offers 23 world languages for study, which are coordinated by World Language Chair, David Prats. Prof. Prats has been instrumental in supporting the middle school language learners at CALE. In addition to facilitating online instruction, this also includes planning and executing monthly learn and play sessions in French and Spanish. He looks forward to these special sessions. “It’s a delight to be in a classroom with students who are full of energy and eager to learn.” says Prof. Prats, “I love the looks I get when I introduce a new vocabulary word and ask them to pronounce it all together. Plus, I get to have fun in the classroom with some of my colleagues!”

Their most recent learn and play session helped students grow their family vocabulary in Spanish and learn more about Dia de los Muertos. 

Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is observed annually on November 1-2. 

Instructional Specialist Lisa Boyer’s first experience with Dia de los Muertos was as a middle school student herself, when her family lived in Mexico. As a 12-year-old, Boyer shares that she thought “it was the absolute best holiday because it brought families together and allowed them to talk and reminisce about loved ones. It was not sad or morbid, but happy, actually.” When Boyer and her family returned to Missouri, they continued observing the holiday. Years later as a new Spanish teacher she also taught her students about the tradition by baking pan de los muertos and creating a classroom ofrenda.

Through the world language partnership with CALE, Boyer got to share this holiday with a new group of middle school students. In addition to online instruction, middle school students at CALE also participate in monthly learn and play sessions facilitated by Mizzou Academy faculty and staff. 

Learn and Play, Sing and Practice.

Before joining Mizzou Academy as our school counselor, Alicia Bixby taught middle and high school French for nine years. Over the years, she has supported our online students with their French studies, but this school year is the first time she has been back in the middle school classroom teaching French in a while. Bixby jumped right in leading students in song and dance. 

The students were eager to follow her lead. Bixby shared that she “…was happily surprised by how much I enjoyed the energy and enthusiasm that the CALE students brought to our class with them.”  

The Mizzou Academy Learn and Play Sessions add texture to students’ language studies by focusing on grammar and culture. Using music, the arts, and games our middle school language students are able to learn through play, practice, and song. 

Executive Director, Dr. Kathryn Fishman-Weaver says these sessions are often her favorite hour of the week.  “We love any opportunity to expand access to courses and support our local students.” says Fishman-Weaver, adding that “Working with Dr. Jill Brown and Dr. Susan Deakins again is the icing on the cake.” The Mizzou Academy team first got to know CALE school founders, Jill Brown and Susan Deakins when they partnered together to mitigate educational disruptions for young learners during COVID.  

“The CALE team is fantastic to work with. They love kids, learning, and trying out new ideas in education. And this,” says Fishman-Weaver, “ consistently leads to laughter, engagement, and innovation.” 
Later this month, the Mizzou Academy team is planning a learn and play session focused on seasons and color vocabulary. In December the students will showcase their language learning with independent projects at their school extravaganza.