Two of Northside Elementary School’s bilingual staff members recently introduced a book club for Spanish-speaking students. The club is starting as a pilot program led by Jennifer Carranza, administrative assistant and an MCPASD alum.
“This program was inspired by a conversation with Advanced Learning Specialist and Math Specialist Erin Zetes regarding the importance of providing our Spanish-speaking students with dedicated time to read in their native language, especially alongside staff who are also native speakers,” Carranza said.
The club meets weekly, and second grader Joan Gutierrez is the club’s first member.
“Ashly Velez Osorio, our health assistant, and I teamed up to create this opportunity to connect with Northside students and support their literacy goals,” Carranza said.
Gutierrez is reading La Telaraña de Carlota (Charlotte’s Web) with Carranza and Velez Osorio, who are native Spanish speakers.
Gutierrez said his favorite part of the book is the relationship between the main character, Fern, and her pet piglet, Wilbur. He also likes the goose character and thinks it’s funny.
Carranza and Velez Osorio said they’re learning alongside Gutierrez. As all three book club members speak different dialects of Spanish, they sometimes come across words that they need to look up or ask one another for definitions.
In addition to boosting literacy skills, the club is an opportunity to instill confidence and strengthen cultural connections. The club also demonstrates the Cardinal’s Journey foundations of collaboration and communication.
“While we look forward to expanding into a larger group in the future, we’re really enjoying this focused time with a Northsider!” Carranza said.