During an English oral speaking activity for second graders, held on August 11, the class of 2B was treated to one of those unplanned magic moments that tend to happen at CAS: two seventh grade leaders joined the class to help guide students through the challenging activity.

Sara Victoria Navas Piamonte and Alejandra Chaparro Sabogal of 7B were on a break from their busy second term exam schedule when they were walking past the windows of the 2B classroom. Having seen the active learning and the excited English speaking happening in the classroom they asked if they could join in.

The 2B students were struggling through a 4-corners speaking activity when Sara and Alejandra entered the classroom. Immediately, the energy and excitement changed. Students were more eager to speak, more excited about the activity, and more focused, as Sara and Alejandra worked their way around the room, asking students questions and offering their support and expertise.

For the second graders, this was an invaluable learning experience. Not only did they have extra support and guidance in English, but they also gained two student mentors to whom they could aspire to be like as they advance in their academic careers.

Interactions, such as this, between secondary and primary students create a stronger community at CAS and serve to enrich the learning of all. Thank you, Sara and Alejandra, for your initiative and spontaneous leadership!