Research shows that learning a second language boosts problem-solving, critical thinking, and listening skills, in addition to improving memory, concentration, and the ability to multitask. Children proficient in other languages also show signs of enhanced creativity and mental flexibility. Though many take language classes as teenagers, studies show that the human brain is most primed for language learning before the age of seven. There is a steep drop off inability to retain language later in life. Children who learn another language at a young age use the same part of the brain to acquire that second language that they use to learn their native language.

Basic Spanish with Dora the Explorer Self Paced is an extremely basic Spanish class for young learners. This class has NO LIVE MEETINGS  but will contain video lessons posted on the class page each week. Students will be asked to record them selfs saying the basic words and phrases taught in that class. These videos can be posted on the class page and can only be seen by myself and those enrolled in the class. I will reply to each video with encouragement and correction if need be. In this class, students will learn and practice greetings every week. (Hello. How are you, I am fine, I am great, I am marvelous). Each lesson students will learn and practice everyday words and phrases like: yes, look, let's go, we did it, very good and thank you.

Lesson 1 focus: Greetings
Lesson 2 focus: Family member's names
Lesson 3 focus: Numbers 1-10
Lesson 4 focus: Colors

Each class will start with a short song and an introduction to the words in the Dora stories to follow. Learners will listen to an adventure packed Dora stories and interact with the characters and learn how Spanish words are used.  Each story will have new words to learn like: boat, or door.  Learners will be having so much fun they won't even realize they are learning. This basic Spanish class is where fun and learning go hand and hand. 

After watching the lesson video I will post a few shot (5-10 second ) review video with the words/phrases focused on that week. I will ask that each student make their own videos (5-10 second) repeating the words/phrases found in the review video. 

Contrary to popular belief, young children are not confused by the introduction of multiple languages at the same time. Not only do they naturally navigate multilingual environments, but acquiring a second language early in life primes the brain to learn multiple other languages, opening a world of opportunities for later on. Children who are exposed early to other languages display more positive attitudes to the cultures associated with those languages. The experience of learning a language introduces them to the world in ways they might otherwise not have experienced.

Come join me and explore the world of Dora and the Spanish words she uses. Adios!