Archive for June, 2009
Kids Learn Chinese
Ni Hao! I just came across a few fantastic online articles about the benefits of learning Mandarin:
Why You Should Learn Chinese by Ryan Edward
Why Let Kids Learn Chinese from NewsForNatives.com
Starting young is the way to go! In case you don’t have access to children’s Mandarin classes in your area, check out some of [...]
Spanish Phrases for Children’s Games and Activities
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Childhood is a culture all its own. Kids from around the world enjoy many of the same games and activities. It’s all about play! Play with words as you and your child discover some kid-friendly Spanish words and phrases:
jugar a pillapilla – play tag
leer cuentos de hadas – read fairy tales
llevar a alguien a [...]
Foreign Language Education in the News
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I’ve come across a few interesting articles this week that I’d like to share. Here are some news stories from the world of foreign language education:
Utah leads the nation in public school students learning Mandarin. Not only is there a high percentage of secondary students learning Chinese, but the language is finding its way into [...]
Rainy Day French: Movies for Kids Set in France
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A rainy summer day with nothing to do? Why not take your kids on a trip to France? Make an indoor picnic of baguette, cheese, grapes, French cookies, and sparkling juice, then pop in one of these DVD’s set in France. On some, you can change the language to French if you wish–but don’t feel [...]
Summertime Vocabulary in French and Spanish
The kids are out of school and the summertime fun can officially begin. Learn some useful French and Spanish words for outdoor play:
the pool – la piscine (Fr.) – la piscina (Sp.)
the beach – la plage (Fr.) -la playa (Sp.)
the swings - les balançoires (Fr.) - los columpios (Sp.)
the bicycle – la bicyclette (Fr.) – la bicicleta (Sp.)
Play [...]
Foreign Language Printables, Downloads, and Worksheets: A Subscription Site?
We’ve been busy at Foreign Language House this year. Although we never set out to create teacher downloads, to date we have prepared nearly 150 French, Spanish, and ESL activities, flash cards, games, worksheets and teacher guides. We’ll continue to create several new downloads each month for sale through Lulu.com or TeachersPayTeachers.com.
Got us [...]
Make a Spanish Father’s Day Card
Father’s Day is next week. Get the kids busy wishing Papá a wonderful day in Spanish. Here are some useful expressions for a heartfelt, homemade card:
Feliz Día del Padre - Happy Father’s Day
para - to
de/ desde - from
Mi Querido- my dear . . ..
padre - Father
Papá - Dad
Abuelo - Grandfather
Abuelito - Grandpa
Tío - Uncle
Te quiero - I love you.
Pienso en ti - I’m thinking of you.
Te extraño - I [...]
Secretary of Education Duncan’s Remarks about Foreign Language Study
A few weeks ago (May 2009), Rep. Rush Holt and Secretary of Education Arne Duncan discussed math, science, and foreign language education. Take a look:
It’s encouraging to hear both Holt and Duncan agree that foreign language education must begin early. Here are some of Secretary Duncan’s remarks (to the best of my ability):
“Finally [...]
Kids Tell Why to Learn a Language
You’ve got to see this PSA from the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages for its Discover Languages campaign. These precious kids are just too cute, and their message just too important to miss!
Want to help spread the word about early language learning? Click here to download the following print ads:
Happy Father’s Day in French
Father’s Day is right around the corner. Be sure to wish Papa a Happy Father’s Day in French:
Joyeuse Fête des Pères
Learn how to make a homemade French Father’s Day card for Dad, Grandpa, a favorite uncle, or a special friend. Check out the latest download from Foreign Language House: Make a French Father’s Day Card. [...]
