The Natural Approach (NA), the second ESL methodology we adopted and modified for our Sonrisas Spanish School curricula, was developed by a pair of applied linguists, Dr. Stephen Krashen and Spanish teacher Tracy Terrell. NA is based on the premise that the study of foreign language can be taught and learned in two distinct ways: […]
Illustrating the Importance and Benefits of Learning a Second Language at an Early Age. The following is an excerpt from the introduction to the Sonrisas Spanish School curriculum. It illustrates the importance and benefits of learning a second language at an early age. Development of the Cortex In November of 1965, the respected Canadian neurologist […]
Often times, as teachers, we get so busy that we can find ourselves working in a vacuum trying to figure out everything on our own. This is not good. Teachers are most effective when they are able to collaborate and to receive support from professionals and colleagues in their field. We must remember that there […]
Lately, I have been thinking a lot about the importance of instilling a sense of excitement in students about learning Spanish (or any second language for that matter.) In any subject our jobs as teachers are going to be much easier if our students are excited about what they are learning. In fact, if our […]
Hello elementary Spanish bloggers. I have some exciting news. Sonrisas co-founder, Blue Lindner, has published an article in “Learning Languages” the professional journal of the National Network for Early Language Learning (Nnell). For those of you that don’t know Nnell, it is an invaluable resource for educators, parents and policymakers advocating for K-8 programs of excellence […]
