Sharing the Language of Learning

Educating newcomers to help themselves provides the knowledge and security they will need to function better in the community, but it can also be a learning experience for students. This article describes an integrated curriculum at Community High School in West Chicago, Illinois, that combines Spanish native speaking (SNS) students and child development and clothing classes to teach about how to access and use the public library. The children and their parents are invited to attend a puppet show that explains what the library has to offer and describes the process of using the facility. To help these newcomers understand the library system, the clothing classes make book bags that are used to show children how to care for books that are borrowed. It is important that the parents and children understand that the books are being loaned and not given to them. Prior to the event, parents are advised to bring proof of residency so that they can immediately get a library card and put it to use. This type of program can provide community service through curriculum goals, and is a good example of a way that educators can collaborate to provide an opportunity for students to use their knowledge and help to educate others in the process.