Archive for January, 2009
French Songs for Groundhog Day: le Jour de la Marmotte
In North America, all eyes will soon be on the lovable groundhog. February 2 is Groundhog Day, or as they say in French-speaking Canada, le jour de la marmotte. Will he see his shadow–son ombre? Let’s hope not. I don’t think I can take another six weeks of winter!
French learners can sing a song or two [...]
Super Bowl Activities for French and Spanish Learners
Are you ready for the Big Game? I love the excitement of Super Bowl Sunday: the food, the friends, the commercials . . . oh, yeah . . . and maybe the game, too. I suppose I leave a little something to be desired as a football fan. Still, the Super Bowl is a great [...]
A Case for Early Language Learning: Higher SAT Scores
The graduate paper continues . . .
Here’s the third installment of the Case for Early Language Learning series. In my research, I tried to zero in on a topic that might perk the ears of school administrators: test scores. I’ll let the data, facts and figures speak for themselves:
Elementary language programs allow for long sequences [...]
A Case for Early Language Learning: Better Brains!
Here’s the second post in my Case for Early Language Learning series. For me personally, this is the number one reason I want my kids to learn a second language.
Early language learning leads to denser brain development and higher cognitive ability. Several studies indicate that learning a second language as a child increases cognitive ability. [...]
Motivate High School French and Spanish Learners with Yabla
I just introduced my high school French students to Yabla. Yabla is this really cool online video program for French and Spanish learners. You watch current news, entertainment, or music videos in the target language with subtitles. There’s an interactive dictionary, and even “back” and “slow” buttons. After watching the videos, students play a pretty [...]
Spanish Learning Activities for the Super Bowl
My talented Spanish colleague at Foreign Language House has just published one of the most unique, amazing mini-units I’ve ever seen. It’s a numbers and conversation packet about Super Bowl XLIII – 43.
What better way to teach, learn, or practice Spanish numbers than with Super Bowl activities? Numbers practice is always necessary, but can be [...]
Online Spanish Learning Program for Kids
My 6 year old has a new favorite web site! We just discovered Foreign Language Friends, an online Spanish learning program. Not only is it fun, but language is introduced in a natural, effective way. Here’s how it works: First, you choose the theme you want your child to explore. [...]
A Case for Early Language Learning: Higher Standardized Test Scores
I’m hoping my little blog isn’t going to feel too neglected these next few weeks. I’m taking a graduate course on elementary foreign language methods. As you can imagine, I’m wildly enthused about every shred of information I’m learning. But graduate work sure is different when you’ve got high school papers to grade, kids to [...]
Spanish Lessons for the Inauguration of Barack Obama
Foreign Language House is pleased to announce a special download to teach novice-level Spanish learners about the historic inauguration of Barack Obama on January 20.
In the U.S.: Spanish Inauguration Unit for Spanish I & II Levels for All Ages
Outside of the U.S.: Spanish Inauguration Unit for Spanish I & II Levels for All Ages
Here [...]
Teach About Barack Obama’s Inauguration in French Class
Foreign Language House has just published a new download to teach novice-level French learners to talk about the historic inauguration of Barack Obama on January 20. Here are some of the vocabulary words students will use as they describe the event:
Inauguration = l’investiture (f), l’inauguration (f)
The United States = les États-Unis
President = le président
Vice President [...]
