Bienvenidos primavera! Welcome Spring! Always a busy time of the school year, spring is a great time to take stock but also kick learning into high gear. The basement of the Grange is always lively and loud on Spanish days with active learning happily taking place. In our different groups, we continue to sing, write, move, create, and of course speak, all in Spanish.

Perhaps by now, you've heard about some of my puppet friends who help out in Spanish classes. After teaching Spanish for years, I now have quite a collection. From animals to aliens and lots of characters in between, my puppet friends are beloved not only by me but more importantly, by your children.

"Papito" is a large orangutan puppet and is by far the most popular puppet among all grade levels. You'd probably never guess, but there is something very special about interacting with a student via orangutan. Puppets are simply fun to play with. However, when a 2 1/2 foot tall, fuzzy orange orangutan becomes a key instrument for teaching, the term "trying your hand" at a foreign language takes on a whole new meaning and learning becomes magical.

Children of all ages, but especially the youngest ones, interact and engage with puppets freely. They talk to them as if they are real and I've simply disappeared! Students answer a puppet in Spanish seemingly without hesitation and with great anticipation. When children use their own puppets individually, they inadvertently become more willing to take the necessary risk to practice their oral Spanish. Feelings of intimidation, hesitation, and fear of speaking in front of a group slips away as a puppet voice and ego takes over.

This spring, I am looking forward to more of the magic that happens as your children continue along their Spanish journey. The students of GFS are outstanding and continue to do outstanding work in Spanish. As always feel free to contact me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Better yet, if you ever want to come "try your hand" at Spanish alongside your child, please do!

In friendship,
Maestra Barbara