Foreign Language Fun

French Songs for Groundhog Day: le Jour de la Marmotte

Published on January 31, 2009 by Diane in Foreign Language Fun, French, Songs

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

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Super Bowl Activities for French and Spanish Learners

Published on January 30, 2009 by Diane in Foreign Language Fun, Foreign Language House, French, Spanish

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

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A Case for Early Language Learning: Higher SAT Scores

Published on January 29, 2009 by Diane in Case for Early Language Learning, Rationale for Early Foreign Language

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

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A Case for Early Language Learning: Better Brains!

Published on January 28, 2009 by Diane in Case for Early Language Learning, Rationale for Early Foreign Language

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

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Motivate High School French and Spanish Learners with Yabla

Published on January 27, 2009 by Diane in Foreign Language Fun, French, Spanish

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

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Spanish Learning Activities for the Super Bowl

Published on January 26, 2009 by Diane in Foreign Language Fun, Foreign Language House, Spanish

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

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Online Spanish Learning Program for Kids

Published on January 23, 2009 by Diane in Spanish

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. Currently, there are shapes, body

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A Case for Early Language Learning: Higher Standardized Test Scores

Published on January 23, 2009 by Diane in Case for Early Language Learning, Foreign Language Fun, Rationale for Early Foreign Language

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

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Half-Off French and Spanish T-Shirts at Whimsical Walney

Published on January 16, 2009 by Diane in Foreign Language Fun, French, Spanish

I’m so sad . . . Whimsical Walney is going out of business Don’t miss out on the amazing 50% off sale. You’ll find adorable, high-quality onesies and t-shirts adorned with world flags or French and Spanish words and phrases, like . . . I’m a firefighter – Soy Bombero I’m a sailor – Soy Marinero

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Teach Your Child Spanish: Boca Beth Giveaway: CONTEST CLOSED

Published on January 15, 2009 by Diane in Foreign Language Fun, Spanish

“Boca Beth! Boca Beth!” is the new chant I’ve been hearing from my boys. I introduced my kids to Boca Beth, aka Beth Butler, via dvd during a 14-hour car ride a few weeks ago. (Oh, how I’m thankful for the new portable dvd player my parents got us for Christmas. What a lifesaver!) Boca