Union City Spanish Students Put Their Lessons Into Motion

By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
 
Union City, Tenn.–Union City High School Spanish students put what they’ve learned into motion.
 
A series of 20 “skits” memorized and performed by those in Beth McManus’ classes were performed recently and showcased extensive Spanish vocabulary in all tenses.
 
Students in Spanish II were required to write and present a 10-minute skit in Spanish by memory. They chose their topics, which included things such as a scene from the movies “Sing” and “Bird Box,” as well as family vacations, wedding proposals and prom scenarios.
 
There were 15 groups of students with anywhere from four to six students per group, with a total of  15 skits prepared.
 
After students in Spanish I heard what the students in Spanish II were doing, they asked McManus if they could write skits, too.
 
“One thing is for sure, if a student is interested in learning in a specific way, the answer should always be, ‘Yes!'” McManus said.
 
The teacher’s Spanish I classes focused on vocabulary and basic sentence structure using present tense.
 
And because those students are studying sports as they relate to Spanish-speaking countries, each group of five to six students was given a sport to present before other classes and some faculty members.
 
They drew both group applause and proud kudos from McManus and widespread laughter from all those in attendance to watch the skits.
 
“Hands-on learning has proven to be an effective form of teaching/learning time and time again,” McManus added. “If you ask my students, they will tell you that their confidence has been elevated and their speaking skills have been strengthened. As their teacher, I am proud of how far they have come.
 
“To produce 20 skits with 93 students who were given two weeks from start to finish was a challenge. As I told (Union City High School principal) Mr. (Jacob) Cross, there is not one task that I have set before my students at UCHS that they were unable or unwilling to meet.
 
“These students can do anything. They have been primed for success and are excelling daily here at UCHS. I’m so excited for their futures. “
Photo by Mike Hutchens.