A New Twist on Simon Says...

Tots love this game in English so why not put a twist on it and say it in Spanish instead--or any language other than their pimary language for that matter :o) Cali enjoys Spanish & Flemish. The rules are still the same but try these sayings instead:

Simon dice (see-mon dee-say) = Simon says

toque su (toe-kah soo) = touch your

nariz (nah-ris) = nose

ojo (o-ho) = eye

oreja (oh-ray-hah) = ear

boca (bow-kah) = mouth

mejilla (may-hee-yah) = cheek

mano (mah-no) = hand

estomango (es-toe-mah-go) = stomach

rodilla (row-dee-yah) = knee

codo (co-dough) = elbow

dedo (day-dough) = finger

zapato (sa-pa-toe) = shoe

Flash Cards

I got 4 packs of learning flash cards at Target for less than $2 each, and the pack includes 55 cards in each pack in various shapes, numbers, colors, foreign language, etc. I got a Spanish set that includes the Spanish phrases, animals, colors, numbers and all the English translations. I then walked over to the photo album section and scored 3, 4 x 6 albums on clearance for $1 each. I placed the cards in the albums for safe keeping and a fun way to learn, as it acts as a mini-book :o) (I love it because it keeps the cards all organized and in one place)Cali LOVES the Spanish album and says all the words and phrases so well!

MUZZY!!

As my husband and I talked more and more about foreign languages we decided it would be beneficial to invest in a program for Cali that would help her learn a new language in a new way. Muzzy was the first thing that came to our mind because we both knew it was a cartoon type of show and it had lots of repetition. I am proud to say that when Muzzy arrived on April 14, 2011 Cali was more than thrilled to get it going on the television. We haven't even had it a month and she already speaks & copies the show. I highly recommend investing in Muzzy!

Limit television time

I highly suggest you limit your baby/toddler/preschoolers television time, they need to be more engaged in learning activities and less time watching television. In our home we do not have cable. We have streaming netflix and dvd's.

If they are going to be watching a dvd, go to the the setup options and select a different language. My 2.5 year old has watched Barney in Spanish so many times she sings along with him, as well as when she is just out playing she will sing in Spanish. Introducing a foreign language to an infant/toddler is important in brain development. I feel so blessed because my husband is from Belgium, and has taught Cali all of her body parts in Flemish as well as small sayings. I am learning as she learns as well.

Tip of the day..Limit television time and select a different language while watching movies at home.