como se dice

My class is currently in what I like to call the “como se dice” phase. ¿como se dice? means “how do you say” and every day they are thinking of new words and asking how to say them in English.

“miss, como se dice arroz en ingles? (pointing to my lunch)” Rice.
“miss, como se dice enchilada en ingles? (pointing at their lunch)” Enchilada.
“miss, como se dice bonita en ingles? Beautiful.
“miss, como se dice Spiderman en ingles?” hey, don’t laugh- all forms of wanting to learn English words are exciting!

The great thing about this phase is that they are truly excited about learning. Finally, learning English has become the cool thing and not just this thing that the crazy gringa in front of the class is making them do. One of the even better parts about this phase is that it becomes very clear how quickly they learn the information. I teach them something at the beginning of 40 mintues and by the end, they know it. I know this seems simple, but it is thrilling. Seriously.

So when a table of boys asked me today at lunch, “miss, como se dice Superman en ingles?” and I replied with Superman, I couldn’t have been happier as they all giggled gleefully trying to say the name of their favorite superhero in an American accent.