Foreign Language Teaching Philosophy

When the classic children’s book, Green Eggs and Ham, by Dr. Seuss was introduced in an education methods class, I was initially unsure of its connection to teaching. Upon further consideration, though, I found many similarities between the book and education, specifically foreign language education. When I think of the characteristics needed to study a foreign language, I think of persistence and dedication. These two qualities are personified in Sam-I-Am in Green Eggs and Ham. No matter how persuasive Sam-I-Am was, the curmudgeon in the story would not try green eggs and ham. This relates to teaching a foreign language because teachers need to employ different practices into the classroom to gain their students’ interest. This determination is vital to student success in a foreign language. Given the fact that studying a foreign language is usually not offered until the middle school years, some students’ frustration stems from the introduction of new concepts. The more resistant that the adult in the story is, the more persistent Sam-I-Am becomes. Finally, after trust is gained, the cantankerous adult agrees to try the unusual cuisine. This persistence is necessary in education to gain students’ trust and respect. Students may have prior misconceptions about learning a foreign language and I, as an educator, need to gain their trust to dispel any myths. Trust and respect are the basis for a positive learning environment, for both the students and the teacher. Although doubtful at first, I have learned a lot from this children’s book to apply to teaching a foreign language. As a teacher, I need to motivate my students to want to learn Spanish. Persistence is key to this strategy, just as Sam-I-Am realized in Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss.