Sometimes the juxtaposition of things can provide for the best learning experiences. Take for instance La Porte High School’s French Club chat held at Mucho Mas on Wednesday, March 20. The club, dedicated to speaking only French and delving into French culture, always allows for one trip to the popular fresh, organic Mexican restaurant in La Porte.
The French chat held at a Mexican restaurant may seem odd, but is in fact a cross-cultural learning experience.
French club president Abbi Fryer explained, “It is a great group of kids, and a fun way to practice French and appreciate an additional culture.”
The club entered the cafe after school and ordered their tasty delights in English, and from then on it was all French chatter. Over plates of rice, beans, nachos, burritos, tacos and tofu the club members discussed school, summer and France.
The purpose of the chat is to truly appreciate and enjoy what every culture has to offer. Foreign language in high school allows students to learn and understand a culture different than their own. Why not amplify the learning experience and add another culture to the equation?
Member Jon Tanksley said, “I love French culture, language and food, but I especially love speaking French over a plate of Mexican food. You can get a jumbo plate of nachos and enjoy them with 30 friends. Who gets to do that?”
This is just one of the unique experiences the French Club offers to enrich the learning of its members. Any student enrolled in high school French looking to further their learning beyond the classroom is welcomed to join.
The club will continue throughout the year with breakfasts full of French goodies, chats at additional local cafes such as Temple News Agency, and even a match of one of France’s favorite pastimes patanque.
Club sponsor and French teacher Joyce Koselke explained, “We call this our international outing. It is another chance to the students to soak up the French language with a twist.”
Bon appétit!