Children of immigrants often have trouble fitting into North
American culture. Language is at the heart of the problem. Some
children of immigrants reject their native language and culture
in hopes of fitting in. Parents are concerned that different
generations in the family may not be able to speak to each
other. They are left with a balancing act of preserving
language, while joining the American melting pot. About 20
children bubbling with energy gather in a brightly decorated
classroom at the end of the school day. Spanish and English
words fly around the room. A couple adult volunteers try to give
instructions in Spanish. This is Owatonna's Club Latino, an
after school program for children in grades 1-8. It's a place
where children gather once a week to be reminded of their roots.
They make pinatas and other crafts, eat Mexican food and play
games that help them practice their Spanish. Consuelo Contreras,
who helps organize the group, has a 10-year old daughter.
Speaking through a translator, she says he