Launch Day at SpanOut Learning: Connecting Culture and Language
🎉Launch Day at SpanOut Learning 🎉
🇬🇹 🇸🇻 🇭🇳 🇳🇮 🇨🇷 🇲🇽 🎉 ¡Feliz Día de la Independencia! 🎉 🇲🇽 🇨🇷 🇳🇮 🇭🇳 🇸🇻 🇬🇹
Launch day was a blast! On September 15th, we held our very first public class, right at the start of Hispanic Heritage Month. We celebrated the independence of Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica, as well as recognized Mexico, which celebrates on the 16th!
The kids learned about the symbolism of the torch passing from country to country in Central America and discovered the different ways each nation celebrates its independence. One of the highlights was making their own faroles-lanterns (a Costa Rican tradition our assistant instructor shared from his home country). The kids designed them in the shape of antorchas-torches out of recycled materials, lit them up with battery candles, and then listened to the national anthems of each country.
For two hours, our classroom was filled with learning and creativity. By the end, the kids could point out places where Spanish is spoken, share what they learned about the celebrations, and use their very first Spanish greetings. We played language games to kick off our journey together!
Part of our discussion involved guessing how many countries there are in the world, how many speak English and how many speak Spanish. One student correctly guessed the amount of countries that speak Spanish and felt so proud of himself!
At SpanOut Learning, we believe sharing culture brings communities together, and sharing language creates a more connected world. Our first class was the perfect start to that mission, and we cannot wait to accept more children into these learning experiences!
The torch represents the light of freedom, guiding the way when news of independence arrived in 1821 to Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica.
Learn more by reading the story we used in our class (a simplified history for young kids).
The Torch of Freedom
A long time ago, the countries of Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica were ruled by Spain. But the people wanted to make their own choices. They said, “We want to be free!”
In the year 1821, something amazing happened: the five countries decided to be free and independent. And the best part? They did it peacefully, without big battles. From then on, September 15 became their shared Independence Day, like a giant birthday party for freedom!
Even though each country is special, with its own flag, food, clothes, and music, they are like sister countries who celebrate together.
Every year, people remember independence by carrying the Torch of Freedom. The torch begins in Guatemala and travels all the way down to Costa Rica. People run in a giant relay to share the light. This torch is called the antorcha, and it means hope and freedom.
There was also a brave woman named María Dolores Bedoya. On the night before independence, she ran through the streets of Guatemala City with her lantern, cheering and calling everyone to celebrate. She lit up the night with courage and joy!
In Costa Rica, children keep this tradition alive by making lanterns called faroles. On the night of September 14, they parade through the streets carrying their glowing faroles.
And now, it’s our turn to celebrate! We’re going to make our own faroles that look like torches and run a mini torch relay to share the light of freedom around our classroom.
La Antorcha de la Libertad
Hace mucho tiempo, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua y Costa Rica estaban bajo el dominio de España. Pero el pueblo quería decidir su propio destino. ¡Querían ser libres!
En 1821, ocurrió algo maravilloso: los cinco países se declararon independientes. Y lo mejor de todo es que lo lograron en paz, sin grandes batallas. Desde entonces, el 15 de septiembre se convirtió en su día de la Independencia, una gran fiesta de la libertad.
Aunque cada país tiene su propia bandera, comida, vestimenta y música, son como países hermanos que celebran juntos.
Cada año, se recuerda la independencia con la Antorcha de la Libertad. Esta antorcha parte de Guatemala y recorre todo el camino hasta Costa Rica. Personas corren en relevo para transmitir la luz. La antorcha simboliza la esperanza y la libertad.
También existió una valiente mujer llamada María Dolores Bedoya. La noche antes de la independencia, recorrió las calles de la Ciudad de Guatemala con una linterna, animando a todos a celebrar. ¡Iluminó la noche con su valentía y alegría!
En Costa Rica, los niños mantienen viva esta tradición haciendo faroles. La noche del 14 de septiembre, desfilan por las calles con sus faroles encendidos.
¡Y ahora nos toca a nosotros celebrar! Vamos a hacer nuestros propios faroles!