I have been learning Spanish over the better part of my lifetime.  I first became enamored with the language in 7th grade and was inspired to learn more at every opportunity.  I took classes throughout junior high school and high school, and eventually took 3 semesters at the college level.  Unfortunately, all of these classes were grammar based language instruction, the method so typically used in public schools today, and the result was that I had memorized many words but my vocabulary was constantly slipping away.  I understood the way the language worked, but I was not fluent.

A friend told me of his experience with Sendero school of language in Boise.  I investigated and found that the philosophy of this language school was to mimic the language acquisition process that all children go through to learn their first language - through immersion, involvement, and interaction.  This means that all speaking in the class is done in the language being learned.  Learning comes naturally, easily, and with a great amount of fun.  This is the learning philosophy embraced by Boise Elementary Spanish as well.

I took several classes from Sendero and noticed an amazing and immediate improvement in my Spanish language ability.  I have been in pursuit of the Spanish language via this immersion method ever since.  Through classes, cultural events, travel, and personal interaction, I am a much more fluent Spanish speaker today. I have taught Spanish now for more than 8 years, and I continue to learn through my teaching and other pursuits. In addition to Spanish, I am starting to learn Mandarin Chinese through our own program!

As co-director of Puentes, I am excited to be offering Spanish and other languages to children and adults in our community. I believe that The Natural Approach, TPR Storytelling, the High Scope Method, and other immersion methodologies and pedagogies that we incorporate in Puentes Language Programs are very effective and efficient in helping students learn. I love teaching and am happy to be offering the opportunity for others to discover the experience I have had learning Spanish. Language learning is a journey!

I hope to see you in one of our classes soon!

Scot