Radio show helps Hispanics learn English and more

     Virginia Smith, a member of Lanier UMC in Cumming, is reaching the Hispanic community in Gwinnett with her new radio show, English With Energy. Smith plays the role of Superteacher who rushes in to help language learners who are struggling with English or American culture. 

        Listeners of all levels of proficiency in English call in and practice English with her. She also teaches the cultural mores of the United States so that her audience can live more comfortably and with more acceptance from their American neighbors. Her show airs at 7:30 a.m. Sundays on La Mega, 96.5 FM.

      Smith also created an English/Spanish class, Juntos, (together) where Americans and Hispanics work together to teach and learn each other’s languages. These weekly classes use bilingual children’s books, writing activities, as well as speaking opportunities. 

       Smith began and ran these Juntos classes at Sugar Hill UMC for a year and a half. Her idea and materials are being used under the leadership of Laura Lytle a member of the UMC in North Augusta, S.C. These unique classes are wonderful opportunities for churches to bring to church both Americans and Hispanics who may not attend otherwise. 

      If any church has a community with both Hispanics and Americans and would like to reach out to both groups, Smith will train others in running a Juntos class. The leaders of the class do not need to be professional teachers.

      For more information, contact Virginia at virginiatsmith@hotmail.com or call 770-316-1054.