Author Archive
Le Beret Magique: Using the Target Language in French Class
Most language teachers would agree that it is important to use the target language in class as much as possible. The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) recommends that at least 90% of classtime be conducted in the language. In the past, I’ve used a sign that says “anglais” on one side [...]
Spanish and French Name Tags and Activities
It’s time to go back to school! Whether I’m teaching first graders or high schoolers, I like to have my students create desktop name tags in the first class session or two. I’m very visual, so I need to see name/face to get all of those new names into the ‘ol memory. And in middle [...]
Learn Spanish with Whistlefritz’s Cha Cha Cha CD
My kids and I have been dancing to Spanish this summer! Whistlefritz has just released a new CD–Cha, Cha, Cha! The folksongs and original songs are recorded and arranged by award-winning singer/songwriter Jorge Anaya. What I really love is the feeling of the music. Culture is infused into every beat . . . be it [...]
French Classes for Kids and Adults in Metro Detroit and Online
PinkPoodleFrench.com Looking for French classes in the Detroit area? Be sure to check out my brand new “baby” Pink Poodle French! (Site still in development.) Beginning Fall 2010, I’ll be teaching French to all ages: traditional classes, tutoring, homeschool, immersion cooking, and other special events. My home or yours. If you don’t live in Metro [...]
How to Put YouTube Video onto iPod or iPhone
I decided to write my first ever “techie” post to help teachers use the wealth of authentic materials found on YouTube. I recently began using an iPod Touch and some cheap speakers in my classroom. (I am done with my boxes and boxes of CD’s and cassettes, not to mention the bulky boomboxes of years [...]
Madeline Books: Make a French Connection
Offering a Madeline camp for 5-7 year olds has me more enthused than ever over these classic books by Ludwig Bemelmans. Even my boys are asking to hear tale after tale about the brave little girl from “the old house in Paris that was covered in vines.” Madeline provides a wonderful context and reason for [...]
Toy Story 3 Spanish Theme Song: You’ve Got a Friend in Me
Just got back from watching Toy Story 3 with my family. Hilarious! Loved it! I had to do a quick post here on the ‘ol blog because there was some “foreign language fun” in the film. (I won’t say any more than that!) Check out the new Spanish theme song by the Gypsy Kings: You’ve [...]
Crafts for a French Madeline Camp
It’s time for my French summer camp! Tomorrow I set up my room, and then the fun begins on Monday. This year, I’m offering something new–a Madeline camp for rising K-2. I’m going to use my tried and true French camp program “Passport to French Fun.” My campers always have a BLAST preparing for an [...]
Activities for Kids to Do During World Cup Soccer Games: Free Download
My husband was looking forward to watching yesterday’s World Cup match between England & the U.S. I was looking forward to keeping my boys busy. They are budding soccer fans, but too young to sit and watch a match on TV. Yet they DID, with just a little bit of planning. First, I declared it [...]
Ephesians 4:32 – Bible Verse in English, French, and Spanish
My 5 year old memorized this Bible verse this week for Sunday School: Ephesians 4:32 It got me thinking that a nice Sunday feature to my Foreign Language Fun blog would be a multilingual Bible verse that kids can memorize in English, French, and/or Spanish. Today’s verse is the first half of Ephesians 4:32: Be [...]
