Tag Archives: bilingual

Eight Animals on the Town – Susan Middleton Elya

When I reviewed “Eight Animals Bake a Cake,” I was delighted with the concept of the book, which interspersed Spanish and English words throughout. With more Spanish-speaking citizens in America than ever before, I think it would be very valuable for our children, and ourselves, to pick up some basic words of Spanish so we can communicate with our neighbors. Conversely, these books can be used to teach a few basic words in English, as well. “Eight Animals on the Town” continues the format and tells the story of our animal friends and their trip to the mercado (market). The … Continue reading →

Bebe Goes Shopping – Susan Middleton Elya

We’re learning Spanish as part of our homeschool curriculum, so whenever I see a picture book that combines Spanish and English, I snatch it up to be used for school. “Bebe Goes Shopping” was particularly cute. The text is written in rhyme, with interspersed Spanish words all throughout. The context tells you what the word means, which I love – I like being able to figure it out without having to look it up. Mama and Bebe have gone to the supermarcado. Bebe is in the carrito, looking around for something sweet to eat. As soon as Mama bends over … Continue reading →

Teaching Your Baby a Foreign Language

This is a hot trend and experts agree that if you want your baby to be bi-lingual, he/she must be exposed to a foreign language. Learning a foreign language is not only highly practical (depending on which one you learn), but is also supposed to help develop brains and enhance cognitive development. As someone who speaks two other languages (besides English) fluently, I have to agree. If you want your child to be fluent, the time to start is while they are still in the cradle. Foreign language is incredibly easy to learn the earlier you start. It helps with … Continue reading →

Something to Talk About – Foreign Languages in American Schools

Did you know that more than 200 million children in China study English, a compulsory subject in primary school? How many American children in primary school study any second language at all? If you guessed not many, you are right. There are 54 million elementary school children in the United States. Only 31% of American elementary schools, including both public and private schools, report teaching foreign languages at all. Of those who teach languages, 79% of the programs are just an introduction – they are not designed to help children become fluent in the language. But hey, we can have … Continue reading →