Second and Third Language Learning

Here in the United States, there has become more of an effort to start introducing a second language to children at an earlier age. 

The Center for Applied Linguistics has done much research in the area of second language acquisition and young children. Let me first say that I have tremendous respect for C.A.L., as when I was teaching at a Spanish immersion school, we worked on several collaborative projects.

They are very dedicated and know their stuff. 

Based upon their research, they came up with a list of what the US can learn from its friends in Europe, with the following list being their key findings:

Start language education early. 

Conduct long-term research. 

Provide stronger leadership. 

Identify how technology can improve language instruction. 

Develop appropriate language assessments. 

Designate foreign language as a core subject. 

Take advantage of the sociolinguistic context.

Their research focused on how the United States can learn from the framework for learning a second language in a school setting, not in a home setting, nor in a Montessori setting. 

It would be interesting to see what results they would find if they were to ascertain second language learning in the home or in a Montessori inspired home. Their framework focuses on oral language assessments, which might have to have a place in second language learning, but what about if the child is learning in a more authentic context? We do not test children in the home as they are beginning to speak...we can figure out that they are picking up language based upon informal interactions with our children, not tests.

What if the child begins to learn a second language while doing everyday tasks / practical life, such as while cooking, helping around the home, and reading with Mom or Dad? 

My one concern is that their recommendations seem to point to the idea that foreign language should be designated as a  core subject. This might be necessary in the scope of public schooling, for if it is not designated as a core subject, then they might not be able to find money to pay for the programs. However, in the context of our home, and more specifically, in the context of our homeschooling, second language learning kind of flows throughout the learning process. 

But as far as actual instruction, for my little ones, it works well for us if it is more of an enrichment rather than a core subject. 

Maybe that will change as the boys get older, or as we have more money to hire someone who is a native speaker, it would be possible to think of foreign language as a core subject, but for now, we do either Spanish or French or both as the interest and need arises...if we have materials for certain concepts, then I will put them out on the shelves as work. 

Integrating technology for second and third language learning has many possibilities, as does doing interactive videoconferencing projects with penpals from other countries. this would work for us, as we already participate in various penpals projects, ePals projects, and continents swaps. 

But again, for us, this will be outside our Montessori mornings.

If the boys request to do either Spanish of French, then I will get out something for them that has an oral language component, as well as an auditory one, but this is not something that we necessarily do everyday.

Integrating the little bits of a second and third language seem to work best for us when we are reading together, doing simple household tasks, such as laundry or dishes, etc. I do not test them on their second and third language proficiency in this casual setting...I could see a place for such testing for proper placement in a class when they are a little older, though...

The boys are developing an appreciation for other cultures, and for right now, that is more my goal. 

They love learning about languages spoken in other countries as they are looking through continents boxes, or when we do a continents swap. 

Big Bro especially likes looking at materials printed in a foreign language and comparing and contrasting the word in another language to a word in English. 

Brain based research seems to really support learning a foreign language in early childhood, so it is something that we hope to better address in the near future. Wish that I could somehow get some grant money to do a more formal program in the near future, but am not sure if grant money for such a thing even exists for a homeschooling family or for a homeschool co-op.

The big issue is that although I have a fair understanding of Spanish and French, and can do a decent job reading those languages, my fluency is not there, not is my mastery of a proper accent. While I fully support the Montessori principle of teaching a child to teach themselves, a child normally would be picking up language from a native speaker from before birth...they would already know their mom's voice as wee infants, and would not be starting language with learning colors and numbers. 

To make it a successful situation for child to acquire a second or third language for themselves is going to require some outside help, by way of classes and native language work. 

Ideally, I would love to do some sort of immersion program or else weekly class sessions with native speakers, both for myself and for my sons. 

But that is not something that is available to us at the moment, so what we are doing includes using simple board books and readers, several auditory programs, simple bilingual and trilingual games and activities...but again, most of them are outside the boys' normal Montessori work period, unless it is something very simple. 

But, in case any of you are also trying to figure out how to include a foreign language into your Montessori inspired homes, or into your homeschools in general, whether or not you subscribe to the Montessori Method in your homeschooling, wanted to give you some snippets of what seems to be working for us n our home. 

You may also want to contact the National Network for Early Language Learning

The Center for Applied Linguistics also featured information on their collaboration with the University of Iowa through the group, Ñandutí.

Well, I have included some shots of some of the resources we are using at the moment. I also have some additional shots in my Flikr photos, so if this topic interests you, you may want to look through these too.

This book is great for beginning readers. It encourages independent learning and has very clear, well done pages. We also love using Rebecca Emberley's board books, several Spanish activity kits, and Puzzibilities wooden puzzles.

Some of the activity books with accompanying CDS or DVDs were materials I found at Target. We also have picked up a few things for foreign language learning on visits to Epcot (We are Florida residents so we tend to go to Epcot on a somewhat regular basis, making it a good place to find materials for language learning and for continents box items.)

The Puzzibilities bilingual puzzles are made of wood. they are very thick, sold puzzles. The top of the puzzle piece features the words for the item in both English and Spanish. when the child removes the piece, the word is spoken in both English and Spanish by a native sounding Spanish speaker. We found these neat puzzles at the store, Tuesday Morning, back when we were living in Virginia.

 

Oh, Majestic Monarch Butterflies, Where are You? Haven't Spotted You Yet...

Clip Art Courtesy Karen's Whimsy  Public Domain Images...thank you to Karen's Whimsy.

Well, the migration from Mexico to all points North is taking place now. The orange, black, and white beauties have been spotted in Texas and Louisiana and are making their way to the Sunshine State.

Excited, as that means any day now, we should see some making their way here.
Their migration depends on Milkweed and if I am correct, there are milkweed plants nearby our home...so hopefully, we will be able to either see some butterflies or to spot their eggs on the milkweed.

Big Bro has been very interested in creepy crawlies and fiesty flyers, as we are referring to them.
Little Bro, well he's kinda interested...likes the idea of butterflies much better than some others, such as bees and ants. Hopefully, learning about butterflies will make him more curious and less afraid of insects. He had a bit of a scare last year with ants, as a few of them managed to find their way to the inside of his life jacket. He had taken the jacket off to use the potty and when he put it back on, the ants went to town and really tore up his back! So, we have not really mentioned that ants and butterflies are both insects, as I worry that he might become afraid of butterflies...and that would just be sad, as butterflies are so beautiful. 

I have done butterfly projects with children before, but usually, it has involved raising Painted Lady Butterflies from eggs in a classroom setting.

Following the Monarch Butterfly Migration Project is going to be something new and interesting.
The website, Journey North has a wonderful set up for children. The pages include a Teacher's guide, booklets, slide shows, web cams, life cycle information, seasonal information (as it relates to the Monarchs), and a very neat collaborative project called Symbolic Migration.

Their deadline to participate for this school year has passed, as the project follows the fall migration to Mexico rather than the Spring migration to the U.S. and Canada.

But since the Monarchs are making their way to Florida soon, I figured that I would at least mention the fall project and hopefully get some photos of butterflies that we will be able to save and to send in the fall.

Clip Art Courtesy Karen's Whimsy  Public Domain Images...thank you to Karen's Whimsy.
Karen's Whimsy also has many other lovely butterflies pictures here.

Each child that participates is to make a flat butterfly, preferably out of recycled paper. There are several other requirements and the project s open to homeschoolers as well as children attending school outside the home, whether private, Montessori, public, charter...you name it.

Here s a video link about the region in Mexico where the butterflies like to hang out for the winter:
Video: Mexico and Monarch Butterflies

I have several free printables related to butterflies that will work great in a homeschool or classroom. Just have to get them to link so hopefully, will get these posted over the weekend when Dear Hubby is here to give me some computer help if / when  I need it...

In the meantime, here are some neat links related to butterflies, with some  of them containing free printables related to butterflies:

 Mama Jenn's Butterfly Matching
Mama Jenn explains how they made their matching activity into a file folder game. You could also use this format, which seems to work just great on its own, or you may want to make it into a Montessori work, using the laminated butterflies on a tray, and then, preparing a control of error chart for the child to refer to when they have matched the butterflies.

Butterfly Art Project, using bingo dabbers from Mommy Moment
A neat butterfly art project was featured here as part of their Work of Art Wednesday.

Montessori three part cards for Butterfly life cycle from Montessori Mom
These cards feature the Black Swallowtail butterfly. Make two sets if you want to do them as three part cards.

Printable Animal Cards: Butterflies

Florida Butterfly Garden video
This was featured in the Gainesville Explorer.

Cornell Box Sample, made by a Montessori Student at the Rogers  Park Montessori School
This was made by a student from the 6-9 classroom. Features various things found in nature, including part of a butterfly. For more information on modern artist, Joseph Cornell, or to learn about Cornell boxes, click here.

Jolanthe's Homeschool Creations 
Jolanthe gives a description of what her family has done with respect to butterflies. Reading her blog entry might also give you some ideas.

 Life Cycle of a Butterfly

Monarch Butterfly Paper Airplanes
For all of the children who love to make paper airplanes...these are really beautiful and fun to take outside.

Nature Detectives
This website is out of the U.K. It features a variety of nature activities, including some butterflies of Europe cards and coloring sheets. If you happen to live in Europe or if you are planning a trip to Europe in the Spring, there is a neat sheet to keep track of the butterflies you spot. 


Crafty Crow Butterflies Art Projects
All kinds of cool art projects related to butterflies, some just for fun...some more as Montessori work.

Butterflies of the World by Montessori Mom 

My Monarch Butterfly Garden by Tom Lears
A lovely video with nice accompanying piano music.

C is for Caterpillar
Another neat work from Confessions of a Homeschooler.

Concertina Fold Butterflies Free Printable from Kids Craft Weekly

The Emergence of a Monarch 

How to Make a Butterfly Garden by Montessori Mom
Great idea on how to make a container garden that will attract butterflies. We are going to try this...will post photos to let you know how it works for us...

Butterfly World for Kids
This lovely park is in Coconut Creek Florida. This link made especially by them for their young visitors features a picture of butterflies, as well as a coloring book.

Neat Monarch butterfly organization
(MonarchWatch.Org) with lots of links

Art Projects from Butterfly School
This site has some neat art projects related to butterflies, including making the butterfly life cycle using different pasta shapes.

Butterfly Website
Features all kinds of links, including video clips, photos, clip art, lessons for young children, arts and crafts ideas.

Great list of books and butterfly kits from Shining Dawn Books , Nature Explorer

The chart below is directly from the Journey North Symbolic Migration Project website and gives you a quick overview of the steps involved in participating in the project...let's just say that we can't wait to get to participate next fall but will make our own impromptu version of making symbolic butterflies once we see them around our neck of the woods.

You will print, make, and mail these 4 pieces to send your symbolic monarchs to Mexico:

Spring Work in the Sunshine State!

This is a book called Creep! Crawl! by Karen Pixton.
Can I just say that I love this book?

The illustrations are beautiful and very child friendly. The book is made out of something that feels either like rice paper or Tyvek, if you have ever felt that.
The illustrations are collages placed on what looks to be almost watercolor backgrounds.
Even though the book is intended for babies, I bought it because the artwork and layout are so nice.
It is a wordless book, and has so many possibilities.
As far as work, you can use the pages as story starters and let your child select a page to write about.
You could use the pages as three part cards for little ones by attaching Velcro dots to the pages with words for each little creature...
You could have older children sort the creepy crawlies into different categories, such as arachnids / insects, etc. or by pattern (stripes, spots, etc.)
You could also use these to inspire children to make their own creepy crawly collages.

There are two other books in this series: Flutter! Fly! and Wiggle! March!
If I can find these two in the store, I will be purchasing them as well.

This is one of my favorites from the book...a very cheerful caterpillar...love the eyes and the eyelashes...Little Bro is usually afraid of insects and having him use this book is great, because the artwork is so inviting.

Here is another...notice the beautiful background for the grasshopper.
Think that this book is such an awesome addition to our current garden themed collection of books.

This work uses a 1 to 20 number line and tiny little clothes pins. They can choose to do a pattern to make the number line, but they do not have to make a pattern.

Here are the clothes pins...so tiny, cute, and colorful!
They also provide both Big Bro and Little Bro great fine motor clipping practice.
These insect cards are actually cards that are intended to be used with a pocket chart.
This is a finger puppet from IKEA.
Another finger puppet from IKEA.
Another finger puppet from IKEA.

This is a Spanish work on our shelf. There is a little reader called El Puntito.
After reading the story, they have to spell the words with the Spanish magnetic letters, similar to the idea of a movable alphabet, but they are in green and orange instead of red and blue. I tried to find red and blue ones, but could only find this color combination for Spanish. Actually, I think it has worked out for the better, as it is easier to distinguish if you are spelling a word n Spanish or English depending on the colors you are using...
Cover of El Puntito by Natalie Whitney. Found this at a consignment store.
These are word cards for In the Garden. I took the sheets and made them into three part cards.
This is the illustration that goes with In the Garden. This works well as a starter for writing or as a card to use to encourage discussion about gardening.

Some lovely flowers for our yard. Gotta love Gerber Daisies!
Big Bro picked out the yellow ones...

Little Bro picked out the red ones. Since they each selected a different color, they get to be resposible for watering their color of flower in our yard. I will water the other ones.

This is a very cool 3D wooden puzzle.
The insects stick out from the background almost like knobs.

It is FINALLY starting to feel like Florida again.

We had a record cold winter season for our state, and although compared to many other places, it still was bearable.

But what was hard to deal with was to see so many of our plants and trees take a nose dive from the cold temps.

Everything was dull, dried out, moldy, brown, blackish-gray, and just not very nice to look at in our yard.

Well, luckily, the weather has turned around just in time for Spring and now, things are starting to perk up a bit. Yippie!

We have planted some new flowers, have purchased a power washer and Dear Hubby has worked very hard to make everything look clean and beautiful once again.

We also have some new sunny work on our shelves to go with the theme of Creepy Crawlies and Fiesty Flyers in the Garden.

Seeing the colors both in our home and outside just makes everything feel so alive again.

Thought that some of you might enjoy seeing these cheery photos, along with some of the descriptions of the work on the shelves.

Happy Spring!

Solar System Work - An Easy Art / Science Project Great for the Montessori Classroom or Homeschool Environment

This is Big Bro's Solar System project (on its side to fit the screen).
Will write out directions and will make a template for you to use with your children.
As far as materials, you will need:
Black heavy poster board, glitter spray, foil, glue, permanent markers, templates for the planets and the sun.
This is a closer shot of his project. the permanent markers worked great on the aluminum foil. Gave this work a neat effect.
Here is a little glimpse of some of the projects and space themed things in Big Bro's room.
Big Bro's reading shelf, on top of his night stand. The shelves contain space books, Magic Tree House books, a few Bible stories, and some bedtime story collections.

These are some of the books on his shelf. Mostly at his independent reading level, although some are a little easier than where he is at with his reading...but some books he is not willing to part with just yet...


This Alphabet of Space Book is put out by the Smithsonian. Has a CD and a cool poster that goes with the book.
Found these plastic mats but cannot remember where...may have been Target, but not sure... in three languages: English, French, and Spanish. This is the front of the mat...
This is the back side of the mat.


Big Bro loves to learn about the Solar System and anything and everything that goes along with that...so much so that he wanted the theme of his bedroom to be space and then, he threw in robots for good measure.

Since he enjoys reading and learning about space so much, instead of having books related to this theme in our classroom, they are stored in his bedroom.

Yesterday, at his homeschool co-op, they happened to make a neat Solar System project.

Thanks to Ms. Traci, I will share the directions with how to make this project. I am going to make a template for you for this...will post the template later...

Thought that some of you might enjoy seeing this and the templates of how to make this with your children.
Also, thought that I would share some links to other websites and blogs about the solar system.

Here are two with great ideas to go with the space theme with young children:

Solar System Art Projects by Mrs. Strange's Second Graders
Really well done and easy to use. Click on the photo of the child made project and the directions and materials needed to make the project pop up. Very cool!

Lapbook Lessons has some great free printables related to the Space Shuttle theme.

Homeschool Share also has a neat lapbook on Space.


Enchanted Learning Astronomy Crafts
Enchanted Learning requires that you pay for these...but even looking at the main page will give you some good ideas for free.

NASA has a neat interactive page full of activities for children.
Very fun and educational!
NASA Kids Club

Big Bro at Bodden's Monkey Business in Roatan

.

Random Photo Friday - Little Bro

Animal puzzles and naming in English, French, and Spanish
Fruit and veggie -color sort: English, French, Spanish color words
Selecta Puzzle
Stacking Work

First Day of School! First Day of School!

Yes, we were all excited this morning, as this officially the beginning of the school year for us.
Even though we are homeschooling, it was suggested to me to do some things to make the day stand out from the rest, so we did the following:
1. Big Bro and Little Bro still wanted to have backpacks, some new shoes, and folders. We also have decided that when we have to go out somewhere during the so-called regular school day, that we will have uniforms of sorts...blue polo shirts and khaki shorts. So, today, since it was a special day, the boys had their new uniforms on, I was sporting a new outfit (a casual dress and jacket instead of a tee and shorts or jeans).
It did seem to start things off on a very good note, I must say...
Both boys wanted chocolate chip pancakes, which we normally do only on the weekends once in a while, but sure...we had those, too:)
Big Bro had selected Spanish for his first work this morning...vocabulary puzzles and a CD of Spanish music for children.
We all got to listen to the music while they did their work.
Little Bro selected a fishing game work and did that quickly, as he wanted to get into the groove with maracas and danced to the music. So, he danced and sang and the morning was a nice one.
We read the story, Timothy Goes to School, and we discussed how his school is different from our school. Big Bro even suggested that it was too bad that they didn't have uniforms on at his school like we do today because then, the other kid wouldn't have picked on him, because they would have all been part of the group in the same outfits.
Big Bro decided to use our version of a Spanish movable alphabet and spelled out the puzzle words.
Then, he moved on to drawing a picture of himself on his first day of school.
Little Bro worked on doing a work involving opening and closing containers with zips, snaps, and screw tops. He loved this, as I had filled each container with a few of the plastic sea creatures.
He then lined up all of the sea animals and seemed to enjoy himself.
Big Bro then worked on a page from the Spanish in the Kitchen Program we are going to use this quarter. He wanted to make something so we made some chicken noodle soup and he helped to chop, measure, pour, and stir. He seemed to love doing this. Little Bro then got into the cooking mode and helped with cleaning and prepping some nice gala apples for our snack.
Little Bro finished off with doing some Play Doh time.

All in all, a nice way to start the official year!

Little Bro's Day - Counting Sea Life, Reading and Singing Songs

Little Bro had a busy morning...as usual, he was up and at 'em this a.m. and got right into doing his sea life counting work. He used sea life manipulatives and organized his work by either placing the sea creatures to the right or to the left and then set them up pretty much like addition problems..."one here and none here gives you just one"..."none here and two here gives you two"...and so on.
He then had fun counting in English, then Spanish, and then French. 

He then wanted to listen to the Smithsonian Sea Life alphabet book on CD with headphones, but Big Bro wanted to also be able to hear it, so they went without headphones.
Little Bro listened to the songs and followed along in the book, although he occasionally got up to dance a little to the music...very sweet to see him doing this.
He loves music and sometime just can't help himself but to listen to the rhythm of his feet!
All of the music and reading made him in the mood to sing other songs.

We have been working on the Continents Song and the Days of the Week Song.

Little Bro also had a blast at IKEA with his buddies. He is so excited, as he is so close to being tall enough that they generally let him come into the playroom.

Both boys love climbing on the rock wall and jumping into the ball pit.
Since our IKEA here is so new, they seem to keep it exceptionally clean.

Makes for a fun, different sort of playdate. We all adore their wonderful chocolate mousse cake too. We split a piece three ways...delicious!