Hispanic Heritage Month is often celebrated by highlighting historical figures and famous people from Hispanic cultures. However, in West Hartford, Connecticut, Spanish teacher Carolina Gieczewski uses this month as a unique opportunity to foster community connections and introduce students to the everyday Hispanic people around them. Through engaging family presentations and cultural activities, Gieczewski brings Hispanic heritage to life in a personal and impactful way.
Bringing the Community into the Classroom
In her Spanish classes at Webster Hill and Bugbee Elementary Schools, Gieczewski goes beyond traditional lessons by inviting parents with Hispanic backgrounds to share their culture and experiences with the students. "In my classroom, on top of the usual targeted lessons for Hispanic Heritage Month, I invite parents who have Hispanic backgrounds to come in and present to their child’s class," she explains.
Although the number of Hispanic families in the community is relatively small, those who participate bring a wealth of cultural knowledge and enthusiasm. This year, a family from Mexico shared stories about their journey to the United States and provided traditional foods for the students to try. In another instance, a visitor from Colombia introduced the children to three different types of Colombian music, followed by a hands-on dance session. "It was fun for the kids to listen to the different rhythms and try dancing the steps," Gieczewski says.
Gieczewski's commitment to amplifying Spanish language and Latin culture is evident in her approach. "I take every opportunity to amplify our Spanish language and Latin culture, so during Hispanic Heritage Month I go all out!" she shares. From daily announcements introducing students to Hispanic individuals in their community to sharing information about cultural interests like soccer and local Hispanic restaurants, she ensures that every student can connect with the celebration.
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Gieczewski aims to emphasize the presence of Hispanic individuals in everyday settings. "I want to highlight the fact that there are a lot of Hispanic people around us," she says. "I want students to see who we are and bring aspects of Hispanic culture to their everyday lives."
The family visits are not only educational but also highly engaging for the students, who show excitement and curiosity by asking plenty of questions. "It’s a great way of connecting students and families and to have a very real celebration," Gieczewski shares. "The district has good online resources, but there’s nothing like having a person in front of you talking about their lived experiences, such as how they came to this country or how they learned English."
Parents who participate also enjoy the experience, despite the challenge of answering numerous questions from eager students. "The parents who come in usually laugh a lot," Gieczewski says. "It’s a little overwhelming when you have 20 students in front of you who want to ask questions at the same time. Many parents do come back again the following year—these students just fill you with love, and that’s the best part of it."
Celebrating Her Own Heritage
As someone who was born in Argentina, Gieczewski also shares her personal experiences with her students. Each year, she presents about her home country, often accompanied by her sons. "I talk about glaciers and the tall mountains covered with snow—things the kids don’t associate with Argentina," she explains.
Since Spanish language instruction in West Hartford schools begins in third grade, Gieczewski makes a point to engage younger students in kindergarten through second grade during Hispanic Heritage Month. She often visits their classrooms to read simple books in Spanish, receiving warm welcomes and plenty of hugs. "They ask when I’m coming again," she says.
To conclude Hispanic Heritage Month, Gieczewski organizes a school assembly that celebrates the diversity of Hispanic backgrounds among the students. The event features a montage in which each Hispanic student introduces themselves, shares their family's country of origin, and speaks about a favorite cultural tradition. Gieczewski also raffles off bilingual books to add to the festivities.
Building Connections Through Cultural Engagement
Reflecting on her role, Gieczewski emphasizes the importance of creating connections through cultural engagement. "The absolute best way to build cultural competence, real awareness, and engage parents in our school life is to bring them into the classroom," she states. This engagement not only nurtures a sense of pride in Hispanic students but also enriches the entire school community.
As Hispanic Heritage Month concludes, Gieczewski’s work leaves a lasting impact on her students. "I open the door to a new world. Because of their age, my students are so willing to enter this new world, have fun with it, and explore. There’s a lot of love and a lot of joy. I only have an hour with them every week, so I work them hard, but the emotional connection that we establish is the best."
Through her innovative teaching methods and community involvement, Carolina Gieczewski not only celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month but also fosters an inclusive environment where all students can appreciate the richness of Hispanic culture and heritage.