But add music, movement, and a splash of global colour? Suddenly, they’re all in.

The introduction of dance into multicultural days for schools combines work and play. As a result, it’s a fun and powerful way to get them started with language learning without even realising they’re learning.

What’s more, today’s Bollywood and flamenco sessions for schools are a far cry from the days the boys squirmed about holding hands with the girls. Because we’ve had Strictly Come Dancing since then, making dance cool again.

Why Dance Works at Multicultural Days for Schools

 Children learn best when they’re engaged, active, and enjoying themselves. For these reasons, dance ticks the following boxes:

• Boosts memory – Movement helps anchor new vocabulary
• Grows confidence – ‘In the moment’ participation
• Improves focus: – Dancing can intensify concentration
• Encourages expression – Ideal for children finding their voice in a multicultural, multidimensional world

Think of it like language learning without the worksheets.

Flamenco and Bollywood Examples

 These two cultural dance styles are prime examples of bringing language and culture to life in the classroom:

• Flamenco from Spain – The rhythmic clapping, stamping and expressive movement originated in Southern Spanish culture. Its amalgamation of music, song and storytelling is a brilliant way to introduce Spanish sounds and rhythm to young ears and minds.

• Bollywood from India – Its high energy, expressive and personality packed vibe blends styles like bhangra, hip hop and jazz. Every movement is part of a story, making it ideal for exploring language through music and emotion. What better way to celebrate Diwali or Eid in class?

But there’s more going on here than throwing shapes.

Shake Up Your KS1 Language Lessons

 At la Academia, our dance sessions bring more than fun routines to multicultural days for schools. Think:

• Recognition and repetition of new words
• Connection of language with cultural experience
• Excitement of learning something new, without fear of otherness 

Get in touch to turn up the volume on confident, curious, culturally aware learners. And take our word for it. Pupils willingly learn more dancing their way around the world than sat at desks.

So, think again if you think traditional Spanish lessons in school are the be all and end all of language learning for little learners. Because classrooms are suddenly becoming micro-episodes of Strictly, with dramatic Paso Dobles, swishy skirts, and those crucial flamenco arms.

Here’s why flamenco sessions deserve a perfect 10 score in your syllabus. 

Put Your Spin on a Cultural Classic with Serious School Appeal

 Flamenco originated as singing and clapping in sun-soaked south Spain, 200+ years ago.

Since then, it’s developed into an artistic explosion of Spanish guitars, foot stamping, hand clapping, finger snapping, and Mediterranean attitude.

In short, it’s colourful, loud, lively, expressive, and the opposite of sitting still, wrangling vocab and grammar during routine Spanish lessons in school.

Is it any wonder both kids and staff adore it – and the results it ignites? 

Flamenco Takes Spanish lessons in School to a Different Level

 Flamenco is both fun and genuinely good for children. It:

• Improves flexibility & confidence
• Boosts concentration
• Reduces stress while encouraging creativity

And when you weave it into Spanish lessons? Y listo!

Moreover, it supports and promotes the following language learning, cultural and personal benefits: 

• Better memory and intonation, thanks to rhythmic clapping and movement
• More natural speaking practice with the use of dance related vocabulary
• Active learning, helping pupils connect Spanish words to real actions
• Deeper connection to Spanish heritage
• Improved confidence and self-expression
• Higher engagement than traditional textbook learning

 What Teachers Are Saying

 Here’s what a recent la Academia client had to say about our flamenco dancing for schools:

“We really enjoyed our Spanish culture workshops. The children loved the music, the festival atmosphere, and meeting someone native to Spain. It was a great day!”

Flamenco might just be your new favourite lesson plan too.

Get in touch with us if you’re curious about bringing a burst of Spanish culture and language learning confidence to your classrooms.

From Argentina with Love

“My name is Silvi, and yes, I’m a proud Argentinian!” Silvi kicks off our chat with a bright smile. “As a native Spanish speaker, teaching at la Academia feels like sharing a piece of home with each of my students.”

Her psychology degree gives her a distinct edge in the classroom. “It’s amazing how understanding the mind helps me connect better with my students, whether they’re kids or adults. Building those relationships is the cornerstone of effective teaching.”

Silvi’s Secret Sauce for Teaching Spanish Lessons

Silvi’s teaching mantra? Fun! “If you’re not enjoying the process, you’re not really learning,” she insists. And it shows. Her classes are always filled with laughter and energy.

Quickfire Q&A with Silvi

We threw some fun questions Silvi’s way to get to know her a little better:

• What’s your favorite food?
  • “Empanadas! They’re these delicious Latin American pastries that I could eat every day.”

• What’s your go-to activity?
  • “I love going for long walks with my husband, our dog Bella, and friends. And, of course, travelling and soaking up different cultures.”

• How do you unwind after a busy day?
  • “Cooking is my therapy. And if I’m not in the kitchen, you’ll find me lost in an audiobook.”

• What’s your favourite thing about teaching?
  • “Sharing my passion for languages and seeing my students reach their goals. It’s the best feeling!”

• Tell us a fun fact about you!
  • (Laughs) “When I talk fast or get angry, I slip into Spanglish. And trust me, you’ll know I’m serious if I start swearing in Spanish!”

Silvi’s zest for teaching Spanish lessons at la Academia or in schools and nurseries is infectious. Her enthusiasm lights up the room. So, what are you waiting for if you haven’t had the pleasure of Spanish lessons with Silvi yet? Get in touch, sign up for one of her classes, and experience the joy of learning Spanish with a generous sprinkling of enjoyment!

That’s the enchantment of multicultural days to supplement traditional language learning in primary schools. So, what exactly are they, and why are they so powerful?

Engage and Inspire Beyond Traditional Classroom Learning

Picture donning a beret and munching on croissants while saying “Bonjour” with a flourish. Voilà! It’s a French-themed day, enabling your young students not just to learn about France in textbooks, but to experience its charm firsthand.

Dive Into Different Cultures, Languages, and Traditions

There’s more to multicultural days than getting a taste of foreign cuisines, (although that’s a major perk!). These fantastical days are interactive experiences. For example, a Spanish-themed day gives your pupils a captivating opportunity to shake maracas and try their hand at flamenco dancing, besides tucking in to a cheeky churro or several. It’s like a Spanish fiesta igniting your assembly hall! Olé!

Discover a Whole New Way of Thinking and Connecting with People 

If you’re still wondering, “Why should my school team up with a leading local language school for these epic adventures?” Well, think about this… Language is like a magical key that unlocks the door to a whole new world. Accordingly, imagine equipping students to chat with new friends from across the globe, not just in English, but in their own native language? Plus, they’ll gain a treasure chest of knowledge about different countries – from the food they eat to the games they play.

So, it’s time to rally the troops if your primary school hasn’t yet experienced the joys of multicultural days. They’re like mini celebrations sprinkled throughout the school year, where your children become global explorers, indulging their natural curiosity, and preparing to conquer new cultural frontiers.

At La Academia, we currently offer multicultural days in primary schools in Spanish, French, Chinese, Italian and Russian. Why not get in touch to give your intrepid pupils a unique insight into the country itself, as well as the language.

Here are six inspired reasons why collaborations of this nature are reimagining the delivery of modern foreign languages in primary schools:

1. Multicultural Days: A local language school can help primary schools to organise multicultural days, celebrating the rich diversity of languages and cultures. Children can immerse themselves in Chinese, Italian, French, Spanish, and Portuguese traditions, fostering an appreciation for different cultures.

2. Language Curriculum Teaching: With ongoing skills shortages in the teaching arena, a reputable local language school can step in and provide language curriculum lessons on an outsourced basis.

3. PPA Cover: Primary schools often face challenges in providing effective PPA (Planning, Preparation, and Assessment) cover for teachers. But some local language schools offer this service, ensuring that language lessons can continue seamlessly while regular teachers clear their necessary admin.

4. Consultancy Services: Non-specialist teachers might feel less confident in delivering language lessons when lacking in guidance and resources. But, collaboration with a leading language school empowers teachers to overcome these challenges, and improve the overall quality of language education.

5. After School & Lunchtime Clubs: Enlisting the services of a local language school can make it easier for primary schools to offer after school or lunchtime Spanish and French clubs. These extracurricular activities create an engaging environment where children can practice their language skills in a fun way.

6. Flamenco Workshops: An impressive language school might have access to cultural resources, such as flamenco workshops. These interactive sessions introduce children to the colours and vibrancy of music, dance, and the traditions of Spanish-speaking countries, adding a dynamic and immersive element that brings language to life for little learners.

With a new school year just around the corner, why not get in touch with us, at La Academia, to reinvigorate your language delivery with one of our native and fun teachers? With over 20 years of experience teaching in South Manchester, our qualified teachers bring innovative and engaging learning to your small students.

MFL became mandatory at primary school levels in 2014, for –

• KS1 – 5-7 year-olds
• KS2 – 7-11 year-olds

But surprisingly, Ofsted’s subject lead for languages Michael Wardle has witnessed a very mixed bag of results. He explained, “…given that many pupils should have been leaving Year 6 with four years’ worth of language study, it was disappointing to see how many schools were barely out of the starting block with their curriculum.” 

It’s a conundrum for many primary school teams, given the well-reported shortage of language teachers in the UK. But, finding an effective solution doesn’t have to be so challenging with trusted supplementary help at hand.

3 Brilliant Primary School MFL Boosts to Try 

Forming a meaningful partnership with a well-reputed local language school has the potential to resolve your MFL issues, and keep them resolved, with –

• Term time after school and lunch clubs to reinforce and amplify your school hours curriculum

• Multicultural days that provide engaging and memorable experiences to students, bringing language learning to life with national foods, music, singing and dancing

• PPA cover during periods of temporary skills shortages, e.g. when you’re recruiting to replace a teacher who has left, or the provision of specialist MFI support on a more semi-permanent basis

Michael Wardle has seen many instances of external supplementary help significantly boosting MFL standards in primary schools, concluding that, “… where a specialist teacher visits the school, class teachers practised what has been taught during the week in between languages lessons”.

At La Academia, our primary school MFL teachers are all experienced language teachers of KS1 and KS2 groups. So, if know you’ve still got work to do around MFL, get in touch to arrange a free lesson to try us for fit –

• Telephone – 0161 4911444
• Email – info@laacademia.co.uk

Sources 
Supporting Foreign Languages in your School: A guide for governors in primary schools, Association of School and College Leaders
Languages in outstanding primary schools, Michael Wardle, Ofsted

The World Atlas states, “Spanish is the most spoken language of Argentina. This fact can be accredited to the history of the country as a Spanish colony and the widespread use of the language at independence. Today, the vast majority of the population, 40.9 million, speak this language.”

Argentina; famous for its tango, its fine wines, Evita and… ‘the hand of God’!!!

When we caught up with Silvi for this month’s In the Staffroom, there was plenty of reminiscing about Argentina, where she grew up speaking the Spanish language natively.

Q  Silvi, hi! It makes a change to chat with one of our Spanish teachers about a different country than Spain. We’re looking forward to you telling us more about Argentina.

A  Hola! Yes, I was born in Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina.

I’m the middle one of three sisters. Always fighting with both! Sisters! And Latin American spark! It’s a fiery combination.

As most people who leave their own country to live somewhere else, the most memorable memories are all around food. I have lovely memories of growing up in warm and sunny Buenos Aires.  My early recollections are all around “fiestas” with my massive family, or “asados ” (barbecues) with friends.

I can still recall the tastes and smells of spending new year with the family around the pool, eating watermelon and ice-cream as a child with cousins, aunties, uncles and grandparents.

Q  Do you still manage to spend any time in Argentina these days?

A  Sure. We go every couple of years. I’ve passed my love of Argentina to the next generation. Even though my children are grown now, if we decide to go back to Argentina, both my children won’t miss it. And it’s great to see the family and all our friends who are still there.

Q  We all have an attachment to our home countries. But what makes Argentina so special for you?

A  I love the weather, the sunshine. It’s very rare to have a rainy day in Argentina, and if you do have one, you just stay in. Imagine if we did the same in Manchester? We’d always be stuck inside; we’d never leave the house!

And I adore Argentinian food! The empanadas, the alfajores, de dulce de leche… I can keep going on forever…

Q  La Academia is probably best known for teaching the Spanish language. Do you have a particular field of expertise?

A  I teach Spanish to the mini ones at La Academia. I love interacting with them and teaching them through songs, puppets, stories… they absolutely love it!

I love teaching adults, too, we all become great friends. I’ll occasionally tell them about some of the pickles I got in to because of the English language when we arrived here 20 years ago. I could write a book. But some of my tales are too embarrassing to share publicly!

Q  And when school’s out, what keeps you busy?

A  I love going for long walks with my husband and the dog, seeing friends, going for meals out and I especially love travel, going on holidays to different places every time.

At La Academia, our children’s language courses are often the beginnings of lifelong love affairs with Spain, thanks to Silvi’s fun and engaging teaching methods. Get in touch for more details about course schedules and availability.

Source
What Languages Are Spoken In Argentina? Amber Pariona, World Atlas

Season after season, Strictly captures the imagination of the new generation of would-be Aljažs and Katyas.

The flagship family entertainment show has single-handedly moved things on a long way since boys cringed about having to hold hands with girls for the Gay Gordons!

The Guardian reported – “Children are taking up dance lessons with such enthusiasm that the activity is now second in popularity only to football in Britain’s schools. The number of pupils choosing dance has risen 83% in four years, according to research by the Arts Council. A third of those are boys”.

The article concludes boys have been, “…Spurred on by role models such as Darren Gough, the England cricketer who was the first male winner of BBC1’s show Strictly Come Dancing.”

That’s great news. It means there’s no shortage of boy partners for the girls to choose from when they’re treated to flamenco for schools.

One of our amazing clients at St Margaret’s Primary School in Whalley Range told us “The children loved it!”

In addition to dancing, flamenco for schools has other benefits that students are enjoying themselves too much to even realise, such as –

·        Interactivity – Flamenco for schools bring Spanish language learning to life in an interactive and fun way.

·        Engagement – Students are more engaged when they fully buy in to something different and more exciting than one-dimensional learning.

·        Culture – Special culture days about Spain are completed to perfection with the addition of flamenco sessions, (followed by a tasty paella).

Flamenco isn’t a Strictly dance in its own right. But students recognise the flamenco they’ve seen every time the dramatic Paso Doble is performed.

John Whaite and his partner Johannes Radebe, Tilly Ramsay and her partner Nikita Kuzmin and Tom Fletcher and his partner Amy Dowden have served up sensational examples this season.

Elegant and strong flamenco hands are integral to the Paso Doble. When couples get them right it’s guaranteed to be FAB-U-LOUS and not a DANCE DISASTER, DAH-LING.

At La Academia, our wonderful, fully qualified teacher Rios is in demand for flamenco in schools year-round. He’s even more in demand during Strictly season when half the county goes dance mad.

Have you supplemented your students’ learning with the delights of dance yet?

Source

Huge rise in boys taking dance lessons, The Guardian
https://www.theguardian.com/education/2009/mar/15/school-sports-dance

Schools continue to be more multi-cultural and diverse. As a result, progressive Trusts, headteachers and their teams are keen to embrace and leverage the melting pot of awe and wonder that comes with having a student base from many and various countries.

In addition, they’re recognising it’s no longer a big wide world their primary and junior students are growing up in.

So, they’re finding it enriching and expansive to use expert and credible KS1 and KS2 language support services for supplementary learning, such as –

• Special culture days that celebrate the Chinese language, French, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish or even Russian.
• Regular Spanish and/or French clubs.
• After school and/or lunchtime Spanish and/or French Clubs.
• Flamenco classes and clubs.
  

But the benefits of KS1 and KS2 language support don’t begin and end with broadening the horizons of 5-11 years old students.

There’s More to External KS1 and KS2 Language Support than the Joy of Language Learning

Schools are enlisting external KS1 and KS2 language support to help them plug gaps caused by the ongoing shortage of language teaching talent on the market.

Teach First explains –

“In an increasingly globalised world, the ability to speak additional languages can provide a major career boost for school leavers. But…There is also currently a shortage of modern foreign languages (MFL) teachers in schools across England. New Spanish and French teachers are particularly needed…”

At La Academia, all our team members are fully qualified teachers who can provide supplementary KS1 and KS2 language support and cover PPA with our lessons.

We’re so convinced you’ll love our KS1 and KS2 language support services we’re offering schools the opportunity to try a MFL taster lesson on us for free!

Get in touch today to arrange your complimentary try-before-you-buy session at –
T – 0161 491 1444
E – info@laacademia.co.uk

Sources 

Help lead a revival in modern foreign language teaching, Teach First
https://www.teachfirst.org.uk/teach-languages

PS. One to tell parents of 7-11 year-olds about – KS2 CHILDREN’S SPANISH FOR BEGINNERS GROUP (YEAR 3 TO YEAR 6) EVERY TUESDAY AT 5.00-6.00PM AT THE LA ACADEMIA SCHOOL IN CHEADLE

Places available immediately!

She recently found time to join us for the latest edition of In The Staffroom, getting you up close and personal with the team members that make the school a special place.

Miryam is always a bundle of energy. (Our Spanish language students who have shared a classroom with her can testify to this.)

She happily shared some wonderful stories with us, about teaching languages to refugees and pilots, navigating the pandemic away from home, and her ongoing passion for the Spanish language.

We hope you enjoy our chat with Miryam as much as we did.

Q. Tell us about your childhood memories of growing up in Spain?

 A. Spain is a paradise island. I was so lucky to be born and raised there.

It’s known as “La Mancha”, Don Quixote’s land, where the legendary Cervantes character had all his adventures. He even fought against windmill-shaped giants in his attempt to win the heart of his beloved Dulcinea.

I spent my childhood surrounded by olive fields and helping my family in their grapevines.

I can still clearly recall spending the warm days and nights with my friends outside, riding our bikes and swimming. The weather was always in our favour.

It was idyllic. But, as I grew up, there was a part of me that needed to discover new places. I felt the urge to get out of my comfort zone. I wanted the challenge of different cultures, languages and lifestyles.

Besides wanting to make my mark on life, there was also a seismic economic crisis. 47% of the younger generation was unemployed, (but let’s not kill the magic!).

Q. We know you love going back to Spain as often as you can. How’s the past year been, not being able visit home due to travel restrictions?

A. It’s always been great to go back and spend some time with my family. But this last year has been different inevitably.

Covid-19 brought confusion, drastic changes to daily routines, reclusion and losses in many aspects of life. Living in a foreign country, you find yourself not only stuck at home, but also isolated from your family and your roots.

It’s been a year and five months since I was last in Spain and saw my family. The situation is improving now thankfully. My plans to go to my cousin’s wedding in October will come true, ¡crucemos los dedos (fingers crossed).

Q. How different do you find English and Spanish culture?

A. I love EVERYTHING about the Spanish culture. Our cuisine, (when I say ‘our’ I mean my Grandma´s). The weather. The amazing landscapes.

And the people… Spaniards are open-minded and always happy to chat, to ask how your day is going. Conversation happens naturally, even with people you don’t know.

I still remember the first time I tried having a conversation with somebody on the bus here in the UK. He was clearly horrified and thinking to himself, “Why is this girl with a strange foreign accent asking how my day is going, what does she want from me?”.

So, tip #1 in the UK, just communicate with “Sorry” or “Are you alright?” without expecting an answer.

Q. Back to the Spanish language. You’re teaching it now. What other ways has it impacted your life?

A. I was awarded an Erasmus Scholarship at University back in Spain. It gave me the opportunity to finish my degree in Modern Languages Philology at the University of Vaasa in Finland.

When I was there, I learnt about innovations happening in education. The experience encouraged me to finish my studies with a Postgraduate degree in Applied Linguistics and Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language in Spain.

I have extensive experience in English and Spanish language teaching, and a genuine passion for helping other people enrich their lives with languages.

A career highlight so far was being involved in a volunteer programme teaching literacy to refugees for Fundación CEPAIM. It’s a Spanish organisation that supports migrants and asylum seekers. I feel very fortunate I could provide students with the skills they needed to make a profound change in their lives.

My last job in Spain was English and Spanish language teaching for the Superior Aviation School, teaching pilots until the end of September 2019.

After moving to the UK, I started working at La Academia. I teach the Spanish language in primary schools and nurseries, as well as to mixed-ability groups and individuals.

Q. You’re such a whirlwind. Do you manage to get any time to yourself that doesn’t revolve around the Spanish language?

A. This probably sounds a bit nerdy. But I’m completing a postgraduate degree in Forensic Linguistics just for the love of it. It really amazes me how communication can change everything. More precisely, in criminal investigations, the expertise of a linguist can make all the difference.

Apart from that, I’m a normal 26-year-old. I love hanging out with my friends, travelling, playing the trumpet, taking care of my little kitten, trying English craft IPAs and training in the gym.

Has our chat with Miryam about the Spanish language and Spain sparked your interest in returning to the classroom?

If so, there’s yet another of our 6-week Spanish language for beginners courses starting on Thursday 17^th June at 7.00-9.00pm.

Back by popular demand, it’s just £85.00 to join remotely on Zoom. Or £120.00 for in-classroom learning at La Academia.

There are just a few places left. Get in touch to secure yours now so you can experience the joy of the Spanish language for yourself.