Did you know one of the greatest benefits of play-based learning is language development. Play-based activities allow children to learn new words and practice their language skills in a non stressful situation. It also allows them to learn the meaning and structure of new words while applying them to their new language.  This is why I use play based learning my learners!  

In this relaxed, fun and play based class youngest learners will learn basic Spanish vocabulary as we make shapes, animals, seasonal figures, guess and play with different colored playdough each week.

If you do not already have play dough,  you will need 3 to 4 ingredients to make your own dough- salt, flour, water and either colored drink mix or food coloring or another type of dye to color your dough. A recipe is supplied in the supply list for you to make your dough ahead of time.  It would be great to have some fun cookie cutters or play tools on hand to roll out the dough, make shapes, letters, numbers, any cutters of your choice.  These are not necessary but will aid in the fun! 

Each class is structured as follows
1. How are you/welcome song? 
2.We will learn the colors of the dough in Spanish
3. We will learn some basic vocabulary in Spanish as we play with our dough and try to guess what Sra. West is making. 
4. Sharing time/closing song
Students are invited to make my secret project of the day or create their own playdough creations. 
5. Some vocabulary or bonus sheets may be provided after class.

Most Preschool aged students are in the preproduction stage of foreign language development. This stage can last six months or longer. During this stage, students have no spoken skills. They have minimal comprehension and listening skills and often utilize gestures like nodding, pointing, creative activities or drawings to explain themselves. Therefore you will find my approach to teaching this age group will include a lot of repetition and play so that students do not even realize they are learning.   I will provide as much Spanish as possible with less and less English as the class time goes on so that students feel comfortable. Learners do not have to speak or share if they aren't ready.  

I look forward to meeting your learner in class! 

Sample schedule may include the following
Week  of August 2nd- learn Spanish colors and words for sunshine, flowers, so on
Week  of August 9th- learn Spanish colors, sea animals
Week  of August 16th learn Spanish colors, pets
Week  of August 23rd learn Spanish colors, animals
Week  of August 30th spanish colors and outside tree/ apples
Week  of September 6th colors and water animals
Week  of September 13 colors and house pets
Week  of september 20 colors and zoo animals
Week  of September 27 colors and forest friends
Week  of October 4th colors and pond animal
Week  of October 11  fall themed
Week  of October 18 Fall themed
Week of October 25th Halloween themed
Week  of Nov 1 Breakfast foods
Week  of Nov 8 Lunch/Dinner Foods
Week  of Nov 15th Thanksgiving 
December: Artic animals and Holiday decor
January 3rd: Winter themed
January 10th- Winter themed
January 17th- Winter themed
January 24th- Winter friends
January 31st-  pets
February 7th- Farm friends
February 14th- figures with hearts 
February 21st- forest friends
February 28th- aquatic friends
March 7th- aquatic friends
March 14th-transportation
March 21st- transportation
March 28th- Spring themed
April 4th- Spring themed
April 11th- garden themed
April 18th- garden themed
April 25th- garden animals
May 2nd-  insects
May 9th- insects
May 16th- in the sky
May 23rd- I can fly
May 30th- Friday summer fun
June- Summer fun 
June 12th- pond animals
June 19th- beach days 
June 26th- garden foods and friends
July 1st- Sunny days
July8th- lake friends
July 15th- sweet treats
July 22nd- zoo friends
July 29th- zoo friends