Language important in all phases of education

The importance of learning a second language cannot be underestimated.

Numerous research studies have proven the cognitive benefits from studying a second language.

One article in the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) maintains, “Foreign language learning is much more a cognitive problem solving activity than a linguistic activity. Studies have shown repeatedly that foreign language learning increases critical thinking skills, creativity, and flexibility of mind…”

Cindy Kleyn-Kennedy

This news likely comes as no surprise, this being the reason why most high schools offer foreign language electives to better prepare students for university language requirements.

Clovis High School has offered Spanish and French for many years, and at one time we offered German. What you might not know, however, is that CHS also offers Japanese, now in its third year.

This unique class is taught by Hisano Richeson, native Japanese speaker, born in Nagoya, Japan. Married to an American, Richeson has resided in the U.S. more than 20 years, in various parts of the country, coming to Clovis several years ago when her husband took a teaching position in higher education.

Dropping by Richeson’s Japanese classroom was a remarkable experience. The 23 students were interactively speaking Japanese; singing and writing Japanese; even writing Japanese symbols in the air in response to Richeson’s questions and prompts.

These students were totally immersed in the lesson and, obviously, eager participants. They were having fun in the classroom.

Toward the end of the period, the entire class headed for the computer lab in the library. Tagging along, it was fascinating to watch them arrive and settle in quickly to the language website they were working with.

As students neared completion of their tasks, I sat next to sophomore Arianna Jackson and junior Anna Weimer and asked them about their Japanese class.

Arianna immediately began explaining the three character systems in detail, simultaneously pulling up various web pages to illustrate her descriptions.

Anna chimed in with additional information, but before long, I had to stop them because they had lost me in the process.

To my amazement, l later learned this was a first-year Japanese class.

As we walked back to class, students chattered among themselves about various points in Japanese, discussing correct usage, or other grammatical concerns.

“Sensei” (the manner of address for “teacher”) shared other classroom projects they’d been doing. Richeson’s pen-pal project was popular; in fact, she’d just mailed her students’ hand-written letters to Japan.

As class finished, many of the students lingered, joined by others for the after-school Japanese club, called their “Anime Club.” One newcomer arriving for the meeting — senior Allyson Holdridge — explained some of the plans as she generously shared snacks she’d brought with arriving students.

How gratifying to see students so thoroughly enjoying learning, particularly with such a difficult subject. Albert Einstein had the right idea: “It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.”

Cindy Kleyn-Kennedy is the instructional technology coordinator for the Clovis Municipal Schools. Contact her at:

[email protected]