“Wait… This Isn’t Dora?” Reframing Language Learning in High School

by Paola Valladares

In the high school hallway shuffle, world language classes often get the short end of the scheduling stick. Students squeeze us in between core requirements and electives they feel passionate about—like art or music. Spanish, to many, seems like an “easy A” where we sing the alphabet and watch Dora the Explorer.

But when they walk into my class, I offer more than a language credit—I invite them into transformation.

Even in Level 1, I introduce grammar for those curious about how language works. But from the start, I focus on what really matters: learning another language literally reshapes your brain and opens your heart.

“Bilingualism shapes the architecture of the brain, enhancing executive function and cognitive flexibility.”— Immordino-Yang & Gotlieb, 2017Your brain is like a muscle. Language builds it.

“Second language classrooms that include SEL foster well-being, self-regulation, and collaboration.”— Raikhel, 2025We learn more than vocabulary—we learn how to connect.

“Language learning increases empathy and openness by immersing students in unfamiliar worldviews.”— Rodriguez, 2022