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Kids learn less-taught languages through IU program

By Sara Molina

Posted January 13, 2023

Bridges volunteer teachers kids the word for "book" in Swahili. (Bridges: Children, Languages, World Facebook)

Young students in Monroe County are staying late once a week to participate in activities with IU volunteers, learning different languages and cultures.

The Bridges: Children, Languages, World program is a collaborative effort between the Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies, the School of Education, local schools and their staff to teach less commonly taught languages to students K-6.

“Bridges offers classes to elementary school children… and the classes are seldom taught languages and cultures,” lead director Wes Steele said. “We use students at IU who are highly proficient in these languages, and we connect them with area schools that are interested.”

Volunteers go to schools to make Bridges more easily accessible for young children. The free program happens on weekdays, teaching Mongolian, Swahili, IsiZulu and many more languages.

Read more: MCCSC considers racial equity

Most 45-minute classes typically start with a song followed by a language lesson. They end with a game or activity played in the studied language as a chance for children to practice through engagement.

“We want it to be engaging because we’re working with young children,” Steele said. “We’re also working at the end of the school day where kids are ready to play, they’re ready to not sit.”

Bridges has become something for many kids to look forward to, Steele said, recalling students’ reactions to an instructor playing Turkish melodies for them.

“It was a special moment, they were transfixed,” he said. “I’m not really sure how to explain; it was novel.”

The students are not alone in looking forward to the weekly sessions, volunteers have also benefited from the experience. Bridges consists of undergraduate and graduate students who have a passion for Less Commonly Taught Languages (LCTLs).

According to Bridges’ website, “Everyone benefits: the student teachers acquire valuable teaching tools, and the kids learn a new language.”

Exposing young children to the diversity of the world helps them develop international awareness and curiosity about other cultures, Steele said.

“The world is a really fascinating place, and the differences that we have are oftentimes very superficial,” he said. “When we dig down like there's a lot more that each of these cultures have in common than what separates us.”

Bridges will start classes again Feb. 6, going to the public library, various daycares, elementary schools and local neighborhood learning centers.