By Lisa Carolin
Beach Middle School’s World Language Club is having its first meeting of the school year on Monday, Nov. 27 from 3:30-4:30 p.m. in the school’s Foods Room.
The club is aimed at seventh and eighth-graders who want to practice using French or Spanish, learn about customs from French and Spanish-speaking countries, and enjoy food from some of those countries. You don’t have to be taking Spanish or French class currently to join.
“In the past our students have celebrated various holidays (Mardi Gras, Christmas, Cinco de Mayo), danced the salsa, merengue, and bachata, made a variety of delicious foods, participated in games kids around the world play, made cultural crafts, and so much more,” said club supervisor Angela Boyer, a Spanish teacher at Beach. “Last spring, we visited a French restaurant in Ann Arbor called Mikette Bistro and Bar, and students had the opportunity to try authentic French cuisine, including escargot!”
Boyer says the activities for this year’s World Language Club will be based on the interests of the students who join. She says that many of the students who have participated in the club do so to learn about customs and cultures different from the U.S., to try new foods, to get a taste of travel, and for the hands-on cultural component to enrich their foreign language class experience.
“It’s fun to see kids trying new things, whether it’s making Croque-monsieur (a French sandwich) or dancing the salsa,” said Boyer. “Our members have a lot of fun, and it’s a great way to make new friends. We’re very welcoming, and we actively recruit new people throughout the year.”
Boyer says that World Language Club offers a unique experience for students different from the traditional extracurriculars offered by Beach.
