Hello Lower Elementary Parents,
Distance learning is a wonderful option at times like these and there are some great online programs that can allow the students to continue to practice their Spanish learning at home. Using a digital application allows your child to hear and practice the language, similar to what we do in class, and does not require you as parents to be fluent in Spanish.
The site I highly recommend is duolingo.com. It is a free language app that several of my students and parents have used over the years. I had a chance to talk about the app with the Upper Elementary students last week and several of them already have an account and love it.
If you do not have an account already, go to the site, duolingo.com, and create a profile for your child. Choose the Spanish language program option. Your child can use their own email to set up an account; or, if they do not have a personal email, use your email to set it up. Once you are in and have created the profile, my suggestion is to start with the beginner option and have fun!
I recommend the students work on Spanish for the same amount of time they spend with me in class each week! Obviously, if they want to do more that is great. Keeping a log of when they are practicing Spanish will give them a sense of accomplishment and help each student keep track of their work.
If you would like to keep their daily routine as close to what they have at school, below is the schedule of the days and time I spend with the students:
Lower Elementary:
Pine/Walnut Monday & Tuesday for 30 minutes each day.
Chestnut/Olive Wednesday & Thursday 30 minutes each day.
If you have any questions or want more ideas for how to keep your child engaged, please reach out to me. I am available via e-mail to answer any questions you may have.
Best,
Andrea Santin
Primary, Lower and Upper Elementary Spanish Teacher
asantin@vmschool.org