Learning English with Patriotism

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Story Published: Jul 2, 2009 at 3:52 PM MST

Story Updated: Jul 2, 2009 at 5:21 PM MST

By Steven Pope

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REXBURG - They don't call it summer school anymore, it's now called the Madison School District Summer Learning Adventure.

The district is helping hispanic students learn English by putting on a patriotic assembly for veterans.

"Many of us served overseas in harms way, putting our life on the line for Democracy. And this is why we did it! For our future, future generations our children and our grandchildren," said Commander Bob Jones of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

And some children need extra help. Many of the Hispanic families in Madison County speak only Spanish at home, and that's why important to keep students practicing English during the summer. The assembly took two weeks of rehearsals, and it's that repetition of song that helps kids retain English.

"I can't even describe it. In fact, I was almost in tears watching the program, there is one little boy who only speaks Spanish plus has a learning disability. I was watching him up there singing," said LaRae Parker, the Migrant Teacher.

Studies show children learning English as a second language perform better when integrated with English speaking students. Kids start the program as early as age 3 to give them a shot at surviving elementary school with the ability to read and write in English.

"It brings me to tears because I know the background and know where they come from," said LaRae.

I asked Ruben Castro, "Did this program, the singing and the words, help you?
Ruben answered, "yes."
I asked, "How did it help you Reuben?"
Ruben answered, "By more words."

Reuben uses those extra words he learns even from these patriotic songs to talk to his friends at school.

Veteran Bob Jones was just elected commander of veterans of foreign wars last week.

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