A friday at LingvaFest – meeting Daniel Hevier and bringing inspiration back to room 204

Last Friday, I had the privilege of spending the day at LingvaFest, a festival dedicated to languages, communication, and the many ways we connect through words. For me, as a Slovak language teacher, it was more than just a professional development opportunity. It was a day that reminded me why I chose this path in the first place: because language is not only a subject to be taught, but also a living, breathing part of who we are.

One of the highlights of the festival was the chance to listen to Daniel Hevier, one of Slovakia’s most respected authors and cultural figures. His talk was both thoughtful and inspiring. He spoke about the Slovak language – how unique and rich it is, and why it is so important for us to pass on its beauty to the younger generations. Listening to him, I realized once again that teaching Slovak is not just about grammar and spelling; it’s about nurturing a relationship with the language, one that will hopefully stay with my students for life.

After his talk, I had the opportunity to get a very special book – a book that Daniel Hevier himself has called his life’s work. He spent six years writing it, carefully shaping it with students in mind. What made the moment unforgettable was that he took the time to sign it, not only for me but also for my students. That small gesture, his signature on the pages, made the book feel like a personal gift to our classroom community.

The book will soon have its place in our classroom library, in room 204. My hope is that when my students pick it up, they will see more than just words on paper. They will see the dedication of a writer who devoted his life to language, and they will feel the connection between literature and their own journey as learners.

For me, the experience at LingvaFest was a reminder that as teachers, we don’t only pass on knowledge – we pass on stories, passion, and the joy of discovery. Language is alive, and when students see it presented with love and creativity, they can begin to experience it not as a school subject, but as a source of imagination, curiosity, and pride.

Leaving the festival, I felt energized and full of ideas to bring back into the classroom. And above all, I felt grateful – grateful for the opportunity to meet Daniel Hevier, to hear him speak, and to carry a piece of his lifelong work into my teaching practice. I can’t wait to share this book with my students and to watch how it inspires them.