v 3 issue 44: All Around The World

All Around The World

Fun items from around the world as well as an easy ways to teach a second language.

Cover by Timothi Jane Graham








1 Definitely a site to be visited! With books like "The Tear Thief" and "My Daddy is a Pretzel", Barefoot Books has an eye for choosing children's literature with quality art, heartfelt stories, and purposeful messages. This is where you will find "The Whole World" book and sing-along CD that made it to the "O-list"...special not only because of its message & green tips, but also because 10% of proceeds go to global conservation.

2 A great find from Zid Zid is the Explore the World Wall Panel. Like its counterpart from below (the cape and mask set!), it is made in Morocco and available at Design Public. Little ones beware, this may put the travel bug in your ear.

3 Boogaloo dolls are the newest creation from bla bla kids. Colorful and cheery, these seriously silly dolls are hand-knitted by Peruvian artisans with great pride. Each one is as fabulous as its quirky name!

4 With the help of Boca the hand puppet, learning Spanish becomes playtime fun. The Boca Beth Set is chock full o' goodies to get kids moving, dancing, and playing their way to the benefits of speaking a second language. Don't forget to sign up for the free e-newsletters to enhance the learning and the fun!

5 Straight from Germany, this seesaw from TAU is swell. Waterproof birch veneer cutouts are packed and shipped in the sheet of wood they were cut from. Just pop the pieces together and watch a seesaw come to life through assembly. Spunkysprout.com.

6 Organic pride and cotton are tucked into a shirt of exceeding quality here at Little Marmara. Whether you pick the camel, the stork, or the lion, feel safe knowing you are buying a shirt which reflects fair trade and respectful creation.

7 Is it a bird? a lion? an elephant? No, it's a Zid Zid Kid Mask and Cape Set. Choose from an animal print on one side or the super star on the other...these reversible masks and capes do double duty for extra playtime fun.

Cleaning Tip:Found magic marker on the couch? Try Hair spray to remove magic marker from surfaces.
Green Tip:Wash clothes in cold water…Using cold water saves a significant amount of energy. Clothes last longer and colors stay brighter. Line drying clothes saves even more energy.
Organizing Tip:This sounds very simple, but not many moms hang up their keys…lost time by searching for keys (not to mention the frustration!) could be spent playing with your kids or organizing the junk drawer. Find a stylish hook to hang near the door and save the last minute frantic run around.
Time Saving Tip:Plan your meals in advance! By planning your meals for the week you will save time and money at the grocery store. Not to mention the stress of coming up with a meal on the spot. Also save time by avoiding the grocery store during peak shopping times (11a-1p and 5-7p). You may want to even consider grocery delivery, it’s not as expensive as you think when you consider gas expense.

The Gift of Language Learning For the Families of Today
We are all fairly savvy to the fact that we live in an increasingly global society in which our neighbor is from Ecuador, our colleague is from France and the person who teaches our child is from Sweden! We realize as adults how difficult it is to learn a new language after our youth, but we keep reading that it is the perfect time for our own children to begin the language learning!
Time & Newsweek ran feature articles years ago about the window of opportunity for second language learning being between birth and ten years old. Experts agree that while a child is learning one word for an item, it is just as easy for his young brain to learn a second word for the same item.
Several studies out of York University show that children who receive instruction in two languages score twice as high on language tests than their monolingual peers. These studies also prove that these bilingual children read sooner and demonstrate advanced problem solving capabilities. (Dr. Ellen Bialystok, 2001)
Finding a fun and easy way to bring the language learning into your daily routine is often the challenge. Once-a-week classes just aren’t enough. The key is to find multimedia products that use a bilingual format for introducing the language to children ages birth – ten that encourage interaction. Find CDs for the many car moments you share and DVDs that incorporate your children’s various learning styles.
Experts agree that the two languages should be presented in a bilingual format for young children who are still acquiring skills in their native language. Meaning the new language should be presented in a seamless bilingual format alongside the child’s native language. This allows for better retention, higher self esteem and fun for the entire family as they learn together!
This year give the gift of a second language journey that is easy and fun for you and your children. Sing, dance and play together as you enjoy learning each new word on the path to becoming bilingual. Prepare your child for successful travel through our very global society and for what is sure to be a very diverse future.
About the Author: Beth Butler is the founder of the Boca Beth Program – a fun bilingual product line that makes it easy to introduce Spanish to young children. Gather your family around your computer, and sample the Boca Beth bilingual music and movies for free at bocabeth.com Call toll free 877.825.2622 or order online today!