¡Hola y Bienvenidos!

Well, well, well... I'm beginning this blog for a few reasons, number one, to keep parents informed on what is going on in Spanish here at ITAV, (because, it's a pretty big deal), and number two, perhaps to give other preschool teachers out there (wherever you are in mystery cyber world) some ideas, because I know it was pretty difficult for me to find some solid resources and information regarding toddler/preschool language teaching! Please keep in mind, I am by no means an expert, but occasionally I stumble upon some great lesson days, where I even surprise myself! Wait, I guess a number three reason for starting this blog has to be that I truly hope to convey to parents what an integral part they play in their child's second-(or third for some) language acquisition. I hope to post some valuable literature I've come across on the topic, and some resources to use at home! I really really want parents to get involved because what ITAV is doing here by beginning a Spanish program is WONDERFUL!!!! Actually, there we have it I'm going to begin this blog with the top 10 reasons why learning Spanish at an early age is sooooooo beneficial! 

For this I'm going to link a Muzzy site... which is pretty funny because I remember growing up with my Gram, she had a Muzzy video in Spanish that I loooved to watch! There was some song about vowels and they run away together on a motorcycle...and they are aliens.. it was great??.. Ha, however, dear parents, please be thankful, that instead of spending demasiado dinero$ in learn Spanish at home products you guys have the opportunity for your kids to do it at school! Please take advantage! 

Uh ohhh, as you might have noticed… I am a bit rambly, but I promise to always bring it back into focus! Bear with me… or hey… skim it… I can’t see you... skim away!!!

Anywho back to Muzzy and the Early Advantage:

Top Ten Benefits of Early Language Learning:

1. Higher test scores

2. Better and more advanced reading skills

3. Greater confidence

4. Gives brains a boost

5. Natural-sounding, native-like accent

6. Greater opportunities for college and careers

7. Bigger view of the world

8. Greater grasp of one's first language—including a bigger, richer vocabulary *
9. Building and keeping cultural connections

10. An all-family activity

 *#8 Quick comment, I have actually had one of our parents come up to me and say, "Wow, since so- and-so started Spanish class, he has been talking a lot more in English, but also in our native language." At first I just chucked it up to coincidence, but nope across the board these are all the comments that I'm hearing... the more you learn in your weaker (second or third) language, the stronger your first language gets!! Today even, Ms. Betsy (Dragonflies teacher) said to me "Wow, I can't believe how much so-and-so talks during Spanish, this is the only time I hear him talk all day!" So in case you are worried that your kids are going to get confused... they aren't!!  

So there you have it. It's super important... if you want more in depth explanations on why just click on the link! Oh! And Welcome/ Bienvenidos to the ITAV blog with me, Ms. Jessie!!! :)