By Cierra Kaler-Jones
“What have you learned about Central America in your classes?”
Students at Dunbar High School (DCPS) in Marlena James’ Spanish class leaned forward in their seats, engaged in reflection after I started the class period with this question. To honor Teach Central America Week, James used the Central America 101 mixer in her classes on Thursday, October 17th as an interactive activity for students to learn about significant figures in Central American history and current events. James and I worked together to support students as they thought deeply and critically about their prior experiences learning about Central America, including listing the seven countries and sharing if they knew anyone from the region. James carefully scaffolded students’ knowledge, as she shared hints about each country and encouraged them to draw on previous classroom conversations, as well as examine the decorated walls that were adorned with a map of Central America and various flags from Central American countries.