Archive for March, 2009
French April Fools’ Day Custom: Le Poisson d’Avril
Did you know that we have the French to thank for the fun custom of April Fools’ Day? It all started back in the 16th century, when King Charles IX adopted the new Gregorian Calendar and New Year’s Day shifted from April 1 to January 1. The first April Fool pranks involved tricking or making [...]
Use of Target Language: Immersion Techniques
I’ve been reflecting a lot lately on my core beliefs as a language teacher. I’m back at grad school, extending my teaching certification to K-12. I’ve come to realize that I have the crucial responsibility of creating a mini-immersion setting in my classroom for the 50 minutes I see my students each day. Every minute [...]
Legend of Queztal CD Giveaway from Wanna Jugar with Migo: CONTEST CLOSED
Tati and Ginny of Wanna Jugar with Migo have done it again. They are offering a giveaway that your entire family will love. Enter for your chance to win a delightful CD by Sue Young. The Legend of Quetzal: Tales and Tunes of Latin America is an award-winning collection of Latin American folktales and songs in [...]
What Foreign Language do You Want Your Child to Learn?
If you are a regular reader of this blog, you know that I am a HUGE believer in introducing kids to foreign languages. Any language is fine by me (although I have a bit of a personal bias for my true love–French!) I would be tickled pink if my kids’ school district offered early language [...]
Happy Birthday Hungry Caterpillar
In case you haven’t heard, March 20 is the 40th birthday of Eric Carle’s classic picture book, The Very Hungry Caterpillar. I’ve used this wonderful story in my French classes for many years. In fact, I have it memorized in French! Sur une feuille, un petit oeuf brille au clair de lune . . . [...]
Spanish Children’s Book Giveaway at SpanglishBaby.com: CONTEST CLOSED
Enter to win a free, autographed copy of “Me Parezco Tanto a Mi Mamá, Me Parezco Tanto a Mi Papá” by Jorge Ramos. Just head on over to this link at SpanglishBaby.com to leave a comment. Contest ends at midnight EST on Sunday, March 22. Buena Suerta
Learn Languages with Highlights Hidden Pictures
I love Highlights Magazine. Not only did I have a subscription as a kid, but to this day I reach for it in the doctor’s office waiting room! My favorite feature was (is) Hidden Pictures. I become completely absorbed trying to find the array of random objects slyly hidden in a larger image. HighlightsKids.com has [...]
Learn Shapes in French and Spanish
My preschooler and I have a new bedtime routine. After he’s tucked snug in bed, he loves it when I use my finger to draw shapes on the palm of his hand. First I’ll say them in English, then French, and then Spanish. We always end with a kiss on the hand! Today in preschool [...]
Visit Boca Beth’s Blog for a Musical Spanish Giveaway: CONTEST CLOSED
Boca Beth has done it again! She’s hosting another cool giveaway that you don’t want to miss. In honor of Music in Our Schools Month, you can win a prize valued at almost $70. I just know your kids will love the Boca Beth maracas! To enter, follow this link to Boca Beth’s blog. Contest [...]
Win a Maria Del Ray CD at Wanna Jugar with Migo: CONTEST CLOSED
Don’t miss your chance to win a fun, culturally rich CD by Maria Del Ray. You’ll love the children’s songs and stories from this Latin Grammy Nominee. To enter click this link to visit one of my favorite new blogs, Wanna Jugar with Migo. Contest ends March 19. Buena suerta Amazon.com Widgets
