Lakeview Bulldogs have an astounding field for languages and clubs. Bulldogs offer language classes such as Spanish and French and up to 3 years of it.
Madam Hartley and Mark Swinning enjoy teaching their language with passion. Swinning’s Spanish classes always have a fun demeanor and have positive feedback. Hartley’s students claim she’s very bubbly and makes her classes very interactive. She teaches you well and is very efficient with her usage of class time.
High School Spanish teacher, Mark Swinning gained interest in Spanish during high school and went on to pursue it: “I took 3 years of Spanish in high school. I majored in Education with a specialization in Spanish at Ohio University. I did a study abroad in Veracruz, Mexico at the Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey.”
Swinning considered teaching Spanish a privilege: “I really like how the language flows and thought it would be a fun and rewarding way to make a living.”
Not only is Spanish fun to learn, but it can help you out in many future situations. Swinning added, “Students will become more marketable when they start job searching because employers want people with a diverse background. Students will be able to travel to more places in the future and use the language to buy things and get around the area.”
High School French teacher, Madam Hartley expresses her upbringing in the language: “I was first exposed to French as a child. I lived on the French/German border, and even though I learned German from my neighborhood friends, my family would often go to France. It wasn’t until high school, where I took four years of French, that I actually learned the language well. Since learning a language is an ongoing process, I continued to sharpen my skills with five years of college French and through decades of travel to France and Quebec.”
Hartley goes on to say why she chose to teach French, “I love the idea of working with young people and sharing my love of French language and culture with them. I welcome the opportunity to broaden students’ horizons, prepare them for the future, and have a positive influence on their lives.”
Students know her as bright and energetic. She always makes interactive activities to get students engaged in learning.
Hartley also finds that learning French can help you in future situations, “French is spoken in over 40 countries and territories on five different continents. For that reason, it is extremely valuable for those who plan to travel for work or pleasure. I have had many students over the years continue their language studies in college and go on to careers in business, teaching, government, and even charity or missionary work. I also get emails from former students who are thrilled to travel to France, which is the most popular tourist destination in the world.”
She again emphasizes the importance and contribution learning French contributes to society. “Even those who never travel to a French-speaking country benefit from my class. Learning a language helps with English communication skills and critical thinking. It also opens students to new horizons, introduces them to world cultures, and sparks interest in areas such as the arts, literature, or even sporting events.”
Even though the class requires a lot of effort, Hartley still manages to keep her class as fun as possible, “I require a lot of my students because you can not learn a new language without hard work, studying, and lots of practice. However, I try to meet them halfway with educational games, activities, and cultural events to break up the monotony and help all types of learners acquire new information and skills. The most popular day in French, ironically, is one where I don’t teach. We make crepes on February 2 for a French holiday called Chandeleur, and we learn about French culture while celebrating.”
Both Spanish and French will be holding clubs to further students’ interest and involvement in the language of their choice.
Swinning exclaims, “Spanish Club will start this year when football season ends. We will play games, eat food, paint, and learn culturally appropriate information about the Spanish-speaking world.”
Spanish club is coming up very soon as our football seasons nearly come to an end. Feel free to participate and learn more about Spanish Culture.
Hartley is also excited to host French Club, “Yes, French Club meets on the third Thursday of the month and is open to current and former French students. Popular activities include Fall Fest, Crepes and a Movie, game night, our winter holiday party, a scavenger hunt, an art challenge, and our annual Mardi Gras/Kings’ Day celebration.”
Students interested should definitely sign up when the time comes to do so. Lakeview language classes are fun yet inquisitive. I encourage all students to look into taking a language or furthering their knowledge by joining a club.
