Olmsted Falls High School in Ohio is launching an engaging initiative to enhance language education by collecting postcards from French and Spanish-speaking regions worldwide. The project, titled “Postcards From Around the World,” aims to create an interactive display in the school’s hallways, allowing students to connect with various cultures through tangible correspondence.
Project Inspiration and Goals
The initiative is spearheaded by Jenelle Hughes, the Chair of the World Language Department and a Spanish teacher, who credits French teacher Megan Murphy with the original concept. Hughes explained, “As language teachers, we’re always trying to make connections with other cultures and languages. This project will hopefully spark curiosity about the countries from which we receive mail.”
Hughes emphasized that receiving postcards from distant places can ignite students’ interest in geography and cultural exploration, potentially inspiring them to travel and experience these cultures firsthand. The postcards will serve as a starting point for classroom discussions, allowing students to engage more deeply with global cultures.
Student Engagement and Impact
Upon receiving each postcard, students will add it to a world map displayed on a classroom bulletin board. This interactive element will not only provide a visual representation of their connections but also stimulate discussions about the regions represented. Recently, the department received a postcard from a 2000 Bulldog graduate currently residing outside of Paris with her family. Hughes noted that the French students enjoyed reading the postcard, which was composed in French, and used Google Earth to explore the area.
Senior student Veronika Witkowski expressed her enthusiasm for the project, stating, “I think it’s cool that we’re connecting with people from around the world without even leaving our school.” Another senior, Kaleigh Cangemi, added, “Our city is so small. This project really gives us a chance to connect with real people of diverse backgrounds in a way social media can’t.”
World travelers are encouraged to contribute to this project by sending postcards to: Olmsted Falls High School, Attn: World Language Department, 26939 Bagley Road, Olmsted Falls, OH 44138.
This initiative exemplifies how educational programs can bridge cultural gaps and foster a greater understanding of the world among students.
