Meet Kalyn Eith: The Passionate Spanish Teacher Who Makes Learning Fun and Engaging
When it comes to learning Spanish, some students might feel overwhelmed by new vocabulary, tricky pronunciations, or different sentence structures. But for Kalyn Eith, the challenge is exactly what makes teaching Spanish so exciting. Kalyn, the dynamic and enthusiastic Spanish teacher at St. Ann’s, is not only sharing her love for the language but also making it a fun, immersive experience for students from preschool through eighth grade.
For Kalyn, the journey to becoming a Spanish educator started early. She first encountered the language in second grade at St. Ann’s, and by the time she reached college, her passion for Spanish truly blossomed. A semester spent living in Valencia, Spain, deepened her understanding of the language and its vibrant culture. This experience sparked her love for the language in a way that would eventually guide her to teach it.
But it wasn't just the language that drew her in—it was the opportunity to connect with children. Teaching gave Kalyn a chance to combine her love of Spanish with her passion for working with kids, and she knew right away that this was her calling.
At St. Ann’s, Kalyn's Spanish curriculum isn't just for middle schoolers—it starts early! From the preschool students in the Little Branches Wrap Care Program to the eighth graders, Kalyn ensures that every student is exposed to Spanish in an age-appropriate and engaging way.
For the little ones in the Little Branches program, Kalyn introduces Spanish through songs, simple vocabulary, and playful activities. At this early age, the focus is on building familiarity with the language and planting the seeds of bilingualism. The kids might sing along to songs about colors, animals, and everyday objects, helping them pick up the basics while having fun.
As students progress through the grades, Kalyn builds on this foundation, expanding their vocabulary and understanding of Spanish grammar. The curriculum grows with the students, ensuring that by the time they reach eighth grade, they are well-versed in not only the language but also the cultural contexts that shape it. Whether it’s learning how to conjugate verbs or discovering how different Spanish-speaking countries celebrate holidays, every student gets a rich, comprehensive Spanish education that evolves with their age and abilities.
When asked what she enjoys most about teaching Spanish, Kalyn doesn't hesitate. "It's the moment when a student realizes they know a word in Spanish," she says with a smile. For many kids, learning a new language can feel like a daunting task. But when they recognize their progress and experience that "aha!" moment, it fills her heart with joy. Watching their faces go from confusion to understanding is one of the most rewarding aspects of her work.
It's not just about words and grammar; it's about building confidence and showing students that they are capable of so much more than they initially believe. Kalyn loves that she gets to be part of that transformative process, helping students find joy in learning Spanish and opening their eyes to new possibilities.
One of her key goals each year is to expose students to the Spanish language in a way that's enjoyable and low-pressure. For many kids, the idea of learning a language like Spanish, with its different sounds and structure, can be intimidating. But through fun songs, games, and activities, even the most hesitant students begin to gain confidence.
Take, for example, the celebration of Christmas in Mexico. Learning about the unique Mexican traditions that stretch from December 9th to February 2nd left her students fascinated and eager to know more about other cultures. These cultural lessons give students the chance to see how language and culture are intertwined, making learning Spanish feel like an exciting adventure rather than a classroom chore.
Whether she’s working with preschoolers or middle school students, Kalyn’s approach to teaching Spanish remains dynamic and adaptable. For younger students, songs and hands-on activities like crafting sugar skulls or creating luminaries based on Spanish traditions make learning feel like a fun experience. For older students, she delves deeper into grammar, helping them connect their knowledge of English language arts to their Spanish studies, especially when it comes to verb conjugation.
Through all of this, she ensures that no student feels left behind. By adjusting activities and teaching methods to meet the needs of different proficiency levels, she creates an environment where every student can thrive.
For students just starting out with Spanish, Kalyn’s advice is simple yet powerful: "You can do it!" She encourages them to find learning methods that work for them, whether it’s listening to songs, practicing on language apps like Duolingo, or immersing themselves in the language through various online tools. Small, consistent steps—like listening to slow Spanish audio with English translations—go a long way in boosting language comprehension and fluency.
Her classroom isn't just about language—it's about culture too. Kalyn seamlessly integrates aspects of Spanish-speaking cultures into her lessons, often highlighting the rich traditions and unique customs of different countries. For example, her students recently learned about the holiday traditions in Mexico, where Christmas celebrations last over a month! These lessons give students a deeper understanding of how language connects to culture, making their learning experience all the more meaningful.
One of the most common challenges her students face is pronunciation and spelling. But with a little patience and practice, Spanish pronunciation becomes second nature. Kalyn emphasizes the phonetic nature of the language—once students learn the sounds of the letters, they can easily pronounce almost any word they encounter. Through repetition and fun verbal games, her students gradually conquer these challenges.
When it comes to reinforcing language skills, Kalyn is all about making it fun. Her classroom is filled with games like "Scramble," a fast-paced activity where students race to remember and identify words in Spanish. But it’s not all games—music plays a huge role in her teaching style too. One of her favorite resources is "Risas y Sonrisas," a collection of lively songs that help students memorize vocabulary in an engaging way. In fact, one parent shared that their child was singing one of the songs at bedtime!
Language learning doesn’t stop when the bell rings. Kalyn encourages her students to practice their Spanish outside of class, whether that’s through apps like Duolingo or by speaking Spanish at home. Many of her younger students are already impressing their parents with simple Spanish phrases, like telling them their favorite colors or how they’re feeling—proof that language learning can happen anywhere.
What sets Kalyn apart as a teacher? It’s her unwavering commitment to making students love Spanish as much as she does. If a lesson starts to feel dry, she’s quick to mix it up with a fun game or a silly song to re-energize the class. She believes in creating an environment where students feel comfortable, curious, and excited to learn. For her, Spanish is more than just a subject—it’s a way of connecting with the world and broadening horizons.
One of the things Kalyn loves most about teaching at St. Ann’s is the close-knit community. The school feels like a family, and she’s able to form strong, personal connections with her students. This connection allows her to adapt her teaching style to each student’s individual needs, ensuring everyone feels supported. As a long-time member of the St. Ann’s family herself, she is passionate about passing on the values of the school and using her love for Spanish to enrich the lives of her students.
In the end, Kalyn hopes her students take away more than just Spanish vocabulary. She wants them to embrace the beauty of different cultures, the importance of language in connecting with others, and the joy of learning. Whether it’s speaking Spanish at home, dancing to a fun song, or simply understanding a new culture, she believes that every little step brings her students closer to becoming global citizens.
So, if you ever find yourself walking the halls of St. Ann’s, you might just hear the cheerful sounds of students speaking Spanish, singing along to a catchy tune, or sharing their newfound knowledge about a culture halfway around the world. Thanks to Kalyn Eith, learning Spanish is truly an unforgettable adventure.