Celebrating Language, Culture and Connection: Inside AZVA’s Spanish Club

For students at Arizona Virtual Academy (AZVA), learning Spanish is about more than vocabulary words and grammar lessons. It’s a chance to build confidence, engage with classmates and celebrate the cultures and traditions that help shape Arizona’s communities. 

That spirit comes to life each week through AZVA’s Spanish Club, a virtual gathering where students in 3rd through 5th grade can practice their skills in a relaxed environment. 

The club meets every Friday in the K12 Zone and typically brings together 15 to 20 students. Some are learning Spanish as an additional language, while others already speak it at home. 

“Spanish Club gives students the space to practice their skills in the language, since Spanish is an optional course for our grade levels,” said AZVA teacher Ms. Alma Preciado. “We also have quite a few Spanish-speaking students who are excited to chat in a more relaxed setting.” 

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month 

From Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, National Hispanic Heritage Month recognizes the histories, cultures and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans. In Arizona, Hispanic culture has played an important role in shaping the state’s history, traditions, arts, businesses and communities, giving the celebration special significance. 

For AZVA’s Spanish Club, Hispanic Heritage Month gives students a chance to connect language lessons with the people and cultures behind them. 

Throughout the month, students learn about Hispanic heritage while sharing what makes their own cultures, families and traditions special. These conversations highlight the many backgrounds, experiences and traditions represented within Hispanic and Latino communities. 

The discussions also reflect an important part of the AZVA experience: helping students engage with their peers beyond regular coursework. Although AZVA students learn online, clubs and activities offer ways to build friendships, explore interests and create a sense of community. 

Building Confidence Through Language 

Learning a new language can feel intimidating, particularly when it comes time to speak it aloud. Spanish Club helps make that experience a little easier. 

Topics change from week to week, giving students different ways to practice conversation and strengthen their skills without the pressure of a traditional classroom assignment. 

For Ms. Preciado and Spanish Club co-teacher Ms. Gabriela Mallett, one of the most rewarding parts is watching students support each other. 

“We hope that the club gives students a safe space to utilize the language they may already speak at home, or gain confidence in the language they are learning,” Ms. Preciado said. “Learning languages can be a bit scary, but our bilingual students are very good at providing encouragement and sharing their knowledge. It’s very cool to see new learners brave enough to try pronouncing new words or showing off what they remember from previous sessions.” 

The peer-to-peer support benefits students at different skill levels. Spanish-speaking students can share their knowledge and experiences, while those newer to the language can practice speaking and become more comfortable using what they’ve learned. 

Connecting Students to Arizona’s Community 

Spanish Club goes beyond learning another language. It encourages students to be curious about different cultures while giving Hispanic and Latino students a place to celebrate and share aspects of their heritage. 

That connection is particularly meaningful during Hispanic Heritage Month, but it doesn’t end when the celebration does. 

Through programs like Spanish Club, AZVA students can learn from each other, celebrate what makes their families and communities unique and discover the confidence that can come from trying something new. 

Interested in AZVA? Families can enroll throughout the year. Learn more by visiting our enrollment page. 

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