Everyone may have been speaking in a different language, but the big smiles on the children’s faces communicated their greeting clearly.

The Spanish immersion class at Rorimer Elementary School welcomed two educators from Shanghai on Monday. The children chatted with the Chinese teachers as they toured the La Puente campus in Rowland Unified School District.

“They asked how we linked the Common Core curriculum with our Spanish immersion classes,” said Principal Liz Leon. “They were very interested in the children’s interactions in our classrooms.”

Leon said the Shanghai educators were surprised when students trooped to the front of the class to lead a discussion. In China, teachers always lead any discussion.

“We explained that this was important to help our young students learn how to become critical thinkers,” Leon noted. “If they never lead the class, they’ll never learn to think independently.”

The guests from mainland China are touring the Rowland Unified School District as part of a educational exchange. Later, two Rowland educators will spend time in China.

Xiao Fang Xu is a vice principal at a Shanghai high school. She is responsible for more than 1,000 students.

Zhi Ying Zhu is an education trainer in a Chinese teachers’ college.

“With our dual immersion program, they’re learning two languages,” Leon explained. “They are listening, speaking, reading and writing in academic Spanish.” Click HERE for entire story!