Book Review: ¡Toma la palabra!

Ok, so I’m a teacher. A bilingual teacher. I speak both English and Spanish fluently. I have a degree in Chemical Engineering, but ALSO, a Master’s Degree in Bilingual Education. I have been in education longer than I was ever in engineering. Fifteen years, to be exact. And I’m GOOD. I am a really good teacher. Yes, I’m bragging, but it’s true.

My district gave me this book to read over the summer and I have to say…. if you are in the business of educating children who speak Spanish as their first language, no matter where they are: READ THIS BOOK!

For years other teachers and administrators have asked me what is the secret to my success. And I tell them. I tell them what I do. I tell them how I run my class. I tell them what’s behind my method. I do. Really, I’ve tried to share what I know. And I have helped other teachers, I have helped them be better and by doing that I feel I am helping even more children… BUT, I have never EVER read a book that has all those secrets IN IT.

It’s all about believing in the students, setting high expectations, not over-praising them, challenging them, knowing what they need, why they need it and when they need it. It’s about knowing about their struggles in and out of their class room. It’s about connecting them to the real world in order to find value in their learning. Because, like I tell all my students every year, it’s not just about  “Why are you here?” Sure, the answer is: To learn… but “Why do you learn?” My students know… You learn to become happy and productive citizens. It’s all about you and the world. It’s not about the world giving to you. That is not going to make you happy.

I believe this book is the beginning of something great for the future of bilingual education.

I will meet Monica Lara this August, and I will most definitely ask her to sign my book if I can. She’s my new hero. She’s spreading the right message through her book and she’s not afraid to do it.

cheers!