Introduction

ONLINE VS REGULAR CLASSROOMS

With our first online class several years ago, we were skeptical that students could learn very much this way, and thought they'd miss out on a lot of social interaction, as compared to a traditional classroom experience. I've now taught about 50 year-long, online classes, and have learned a thing or two about them. I do not mean for this to sound too smarmy or salesy, but what I have to say about our online classes is true:

First, students who want to learn (which is nearly all Living Waters Spanish students) actually learn more with the online format than in a classroom. This completely surprised me when I began teaching online. 

The reasons are somewhat different for each student, but include (1) the quick accessibility to online resources, (2) the comfort-level students feel when learning from their own homes, and (3) the lack of distraction from other students who might be off-task. Plus, because they are not spending time in a car commuting to class, they have more time to learn the language. To my astonishment, it actually works, and nearly all students learn more online than they could do in a regular classroom. There is the occasional student who does not care about learning, but thankfully he cannot distract the rest of the students who are engaged.

While it's clear that many online classes are poor in quality and students learn little from them, at Living Waters Spanish the classes are dynamic, personable and interesting, all of which contribute to making for a great learning environment. 

In fact, every one of our students who has taken the CLEP test, and very many have, passed and earned college credit while still in K-12 school. Others took the AP exam and got college credit that way. So, they really do learn the language in Living Waters classes.

As for the social aspect of online learning, we've found that students develop real bonds, and every year students befriend one another and make lasting friendships. We discuss interesting and Christ-centered topics nearly every class, and every gets to participate. This leads to deeper and more grounded relationships between students. Overall, the online format is not as good for developing friendships as a regular classroom is, but it still does a lot for this. 

Plus, for those who can manage it, Living Waters Spanish has a couple of mission trips to Mexico, where students and family members spend lots of time together. Those who go on the trips often become lifelong friends.

If you want to find out more about the classes, please feel free to call Marcy Riegg, at 503-715-7227, or more can be gleaned here. 

Hope your family can join us this year :)

Short Videos of Class Dramas

No Preparation Drama: Spanish 1

No-Preparation Drama: Spanish 4

Memorized Bible Verse: Spanish 1

No Preparation Made-up Story: Spanish 1

Pour out your heart like water before the face of the Lord.
Lift your hands toward Him for the life of your young children.
Lamentations 2:19