The sun peeks out over the horizon. The sky is painted in hues of pink and orange. The air is crisp with the smell of fresh bread coming from the local baker. For my kindergarten, a fresh day has begun in our Spanish village.
“!Vamos!” “Vamos!” Her eyes sparkle, as if she is excited about the school day. While walking down cobblestones streets, we hear stories from the past at every turn. Our daily journey to and from school feels like an historical pilgrimage.
The kindergarten itself nestles between ancient stone structures and olive groves. This is a bustling hub of activity. Laughter echoes from the walls. Senora Lopez greets you with a warm, friendly smile. Her warm smile can melt even the hardest of hearts. She greets us with a chirp, and her voice has a soothing tone that sets the mood.
In this classroom, the language is not simply taught. It is lived. Senora Lozada begins the story session with lively Spanish stories. The children are gathered around a colorful mat. The children are captivated by the story about a mischievous forest and a mischievous Fox.
“?Que piensas que hara el zorro?” She invites them to use their imaginations. The hands are raised in excitement, as the guesses are made with Spanish phrases and a mixture of laughter and enthusiasm.
It’s snack time again, and the bocadillos will be ready. They are simple, yet delicious sandwiches sure to satisfy even the most discerning palates. Food sharing isn’t just about eating. It can be about connecting with people over new and familiar flavors.
As I watch them happily munch, I hear the snippets that parents are having outside. The blend of different languages creates a unique symphony. A mother recalls her son’s first flamenco steps he learned at school. Another shares her daughter’s surprise when she recited poetry in English and Spanish.
Arts and crafts are the focus of after recess. Young artists dance paintbrushes across paper, expressing themselves without fear or judgement.
My daughter proudly shows her masterpiece to me. It’s a riot of colors showing what looks like our cat in sunglasses riding on top of a unicorn across space. (Because, why not?). The creative possibilities are endless.