CRANBERRY TWP — Parents’ interest in their children knowing another language and its culture has spurred the Cranberry Township to offer a series of classes.

Jason Mentel, parks and recreation facilities/program coordinator, said this is the second year the township will offer languages classes. About 25 children participated last year.

“Only one of the instructors is not native to the area of that specific language,” said Mentel. “The classes consist of playing games, listening to stories and a speaking back and forth between the children and the instructor.”

During the hourlong weekly classes, the children learn the fundamentals of communicating German, Chinese, Spanish or French from instructors from Lingua Stars, based in Ellwood City.

Children from kindergarten through 6th grade will interact with their instructors and with one another through stories, games, songs and activities that are designed to familiarize them with the spoken language and national culture.

Parents receive weekly e-mails from the instructor with suggested guidance about helping their child practice language at home.

• Spanish classes are from 5:15 to 6:15 p.m. Wednesdays from April 17 to May 15.

• French classes are from 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays from April 17 to May 15.

• Chinese classes are from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Saturdays from April 20 to May 20.

• German classes are from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Saturdays from April 20 to May 20.

A program fee of $60 for each class and $55 for Cranberry residents with a Resident Discount Identification Card is due at the time of registration.

To register a child for the course, contact the Cranberry Parks and Recreation Department at 724-776-4806, Ext. 1129, or online at www.cranberrytownship.org/programs.