By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
Practicing what they’ve learned in Kristen Parks’ ESL class turned out to be a ‘sweet’ deal for a handful of Union City High School students recently.
A trip to Bizinka Bakery downtown, where students made their own cookies, provided them with real-world experience as they continued to refine the communication and listening skills taught by Parks in the English as a Second Language setting.
It marked the second such trip for Parks’ classes, who spoke glowingly about the benefits of the exchanges between Bizinka owners and students.
Parks said the experience not only helped students develop skills taught in her classes but also built confidence in using English in public situations, while also encouraging cultural exchanges.
“Field trips like this help students build confidence using English outside the classroom while connecting language to everyday life,” Parks insisted. “It also introduces students to local businesses and forms community connections.
“As always. Lena and her staff provided a friendly environment where students could learn a new skill, observe authentic communication, and enjoy a shared multicultural experience together.
“It was a really fun hands-on way to learn language while enjoying Bizinka’s tasty treats.”