Wednesday, May 17, 2023

May Roundup of Conversation Activities in Spanish




Save this roundup of conversation-practice activities in Spanish from Spanish for You! to teach your middle schoolers. 

This post contains affiliate links.

Using Conversation-Practice Activities to Teach Spanish

When it comes to learning Spanish, conversation practice plays a crucial role in helping your child become proficient in the language. While grammar rules and vocabulary are essential, the ability to engage in meaningful conversations is what truly solidifies language skills. By encouraging your child to engage in regular conversation practice, you provide them with opportunities to enhance their speaking and listening abilities, develop confidence, and gain a deeper understanding of the language. Conversations allow for real-life application, enabling your child to express their thoughts, ask questions, and engage in cultural exchange. So, encourage your child to converse in Spanish as much as possible, whether it's with you, their peers, or native speakers. It's through conversation that they'll truly embrace the beauty of the language and unlock the doors to a world of new experiences.

This month, we're sharing a roundup of great resources from MommyMaestra sponsor Spanish for You! This roundup of free activities is focused on conversation practice and they can be found here on MommyMaestra:



For additional conversation practice activity ideas, check out these great posts on Spanish for You!

Budget-Friendly Spanish Learning Program


Remember! Spanish for You!'s program is geared for middle schoolers and is the perfect choice for homeschoolers and afterschoolers alike because their concepts are carefully divided up into manageable bundles that are available for immediate download from their website.

If this is your first time here, you can find other free samples from Spanish for You! here. There are some fantastic downloads of games and activities for you and your family to enjoy. If you enjoy this activity, be sure to visit the Spanish for You! website where you'll find tons of additional resources for you to help your young Spanish learner!


Monday, May 8, 2023

Hispanic Heritage Studies for Families

 


Dear readers,

Seventeen years ago, my husband's job moved us half way across the country, away from my family and culture. As a result, I found myself struggling to pass on my heritage to my children. I was really, really sad that they couldn't experience the same cultural traditions that I did as a child. I did my best to look for resources and events to share with them, but wasn't having much luck. 

I worried and fretted that they wouldn't learn to love the beauty of their Spanish & Mexican heritage. So when we were thrust into homeschooling (long story that you can read about elsewhere), I realized that maybe the best way to teach my kids was with printable reading passages, activities, games, and more. 

I began researching and writing and designing. I made resources to use with my kids and then slowly began making them available to other families, who I thought might be struggling like I was.

And then, I decided to keep researching and expand my education materials to include other Hispanic backgrounds and cultures, such as Puerto Rico, Cuba, and so on.

These materials have sold really well on TpT over the years. But I've been worried that my resources aren't really reaching their intended audience: Hispanic families. I love that teachers are using them in classooms, but I worry about the families like mine who need access to products that help them pass on their culture and raise children who are proud of their heritage.

Hispanic Heritage Studies

Early this year, a tiny idea found its way into my head. It's been growing, and growing, and growing until I finally decided to just go for it. And just like that, Hispanic Heritage Studies was born. 

My vision for this program goes like this: 

The Hispanic Heritage Studies program itself will consist of themed modules, including:

  • Spanish-Speaking Countries, 
  • Holidays & Traditions, 
  • Food, 
  • Art, 
  • Music, and
  • Historical Figures (actually, these will be broken up into separate modules: Musicians, Artists, Writers, etc.)

Each module will come with a lesson plan and additional resources that you can print, click on, make, watch, etc. all of which help teach the theme of the module. So you can use the lesson plan or just use the printable resources. Whatever works for your family.

Each theme will include learning resources for K-12th and broken down into the following grades:

  1. K - 2nd
  2. 3rd - 5th
  3. 6th - 8th
  4. 9th - 12th
Does this sound interesting to you?

Become a Founding Member

I have already begun assembling my team to work on this program. 

I would love to invite you to join us as a Founding Member. This select group will be the first ones to use my program. And I'm relying on these Founding Members to help shape the vision of this program by telling me what works, what doesn't, and what they'd like to see on it.

As a Founding Member you'll have access with the lowest introductory pricing locked at $15/month or $150 for LIFETIME access, and for all the future bonuses we add, you'll get those, too. These rates and resources are only for Founding Members and will only be available until this Wednesday at 11:59pm CT OR UNTIL we reach the number limit.

I’m limiting the number of Founding Members in order to be able to work with them personally to get feedback. But I already opened it up in our homeschool group and on the MommyMaestra Facebook page and the spaces are filling up. So, if you're interested, please don't wait until Wednesday to sign up. 

If you have ANY questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to me.

Want to learn more about the themed modules and see sample files? You'll find them here.

I’m pretty excited about this program and all that it will have to offer. But I’m most excited about all the children and families who will benefit from it.


Monica

Thursday, May 4, 2023

Capybara Lesson Plans, Printables, Crafts, Videos & More

Capybara Lesson Plans, Printables, Crafts, Videos & More

Discover the fascinating world of capybaras with our collection of capybara lesson plans, crafts, printables, videos, and books. Perfect for homeschool or classroom use.

If you are learning about South America or the Amazon Rainforest, you might want to explore the world of capybaras! These adorable and fascinating creatures are the largest rodents in the world and have a lot of interesting features and behaviors to explore. Here are some resources in English and Spanish to help you learn more about capybaras.

This post contains affiliate links.

Lesson Plans & Activity Packs

  • Rainforest Biome Animal: Capybara  :: Simply Learning Shop
    This activity packet is great for Montessori style classrooms and home lessons. PreK - 1st grade

  • Capybara Unit Study :: Easygoing Acres
    This unit study is meant for elementary aged students and can be adapted to older elementary students. Approximately a 3 - 4 day unit. K - 5th grade

  • If you are on Study.comCapybara Facts: Lesson for Kids 
    Best suited for students in elementary grades. **Note: Study.com requires a membership for full access to their lesson plans.

  • Capybaras Reading Passages Comprehension Activities  :: Top Floor Teachers
    This high interest reading comprehension resource about Capybaras covers nonfiction content standards. These activities are perfect for the upper elementary and middle school language arts classroom. 5th - 7th grades.

  • El Capibara: Capybara MiniLesson and Printable Activities for Spanish Class :: OohLaLlama
    Great for SPANISH LESSONS. Help students acquire high frequency language structures naturally while learning about this friendly, fascinating animal. Student-tested and approved! 2nd through 9th grades

  • Capybaras' Revenge (Current Events) - 3 versions + activities in Spanish :: The Comprehensible Classroom by Martina Bex
    La revancha de los carpinchos is a current event from 2021 in the suburbs of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Due to habitat loss, capybaras have invaded private, gated communities in search of food. This resource features three versions of La revancha de los carpinchos, all written in Spanish: Básico, Intermedio, and Avanzado. 7th through 12th grades




Crafts, Printables, & Activities


  • Capybara Bead Pattern (Coming soon!)
    This adorable pattern is easy to use with Perler Beads or similar brands. 

  • Capybara Coloring Page from Twinkl
    This simple coloring page is perfect for young children.

  • Capybara Jungle Coloring Page Digital Download by BethNewcott
    This fun coloring page is for older students who may enjoy a more artistic challenge.

  • Capybara Masks Printable Color + Coloring by FrozenPirateMasks
    This is super fun and you have the option of printing a full-color mask or a black-and-white version that your kids can color themselves.

  • How to Draw a Capybara :: HelloArtsy
    Super fun activity.

  • How to Draw a Capybara :: How2DrawAnimals 
    Another, more complex how-to video that is better for older students.

  • Capybara Printable Craft :: LearnCreateLove
    Here's a free and crazy cute cut and glue craft that your younger children will enjoy.

  • Capybara Perler Bead Pattern on Pinterest. Looking 

  • Capybara Coloring Book by PaperLand Publishing
    A good collection for older students (tweens & teens) who like to color more complex pages.


Videos


In English:



In Spanish:





Books


Books in English

Alfredo Soderguit

The Capybaras
by Alfredo Soderguit 

Hens and their chicks love their warm, snug home. Life is simple and comfortable in the chicken coop, where everyone knows their place and worries are far away. Until one day, when the capybaras appear. 

To the hens, the capybaras are too big, too wet, and too hairy. They don’t even follow the rules! But it’s hunting season, and the capybaras need somewhere safe to hide. Can the hens learn to get along with their unexpected guests? 

This delightful story shares the importance of opening our hearts to each other, no matter our differences, and the marvelous surprises that can happen along the way. Ages 4 - 8


You're a Good Friend, Capybara

You're a Good Friend, Capybara
by Chronicle Books

This lighthearted ode to friendship is delivered by capybaras, gentle giants who are known for their calm demeanor and social friendships with other animals, from dogs and monkeys to turtles and birds. This gift book features charming photography of these cuddly creatures and their assorted animal companions, paired with sweet advice and odes to friendship, straight from nature's experts. This celebration of the capybara's community, love, and kindness towards everyone—regardless of whether they have hooves, claws, or shells—is a must-have gift for friends of all sizes.

Capyboppy

Capyboppy
by Bill Peet

The true story and adventures of Capyboppy, the Peet family's pet capybara.


I am a Capybara

I am a Capybara
by Michela Fabbri 

A capybara is not a mouse, or a beaver, or a bear, and has all sorts of surprising traits you will soon discover. But while every capybara has teeny tiny ears and a gigantic nose, this endearing capybara happens to love poetry and the opera, and even dressing up as a whale! He speaks candidly about his experiences and feelings, and he likes to find common ground with others, like his best friend, a little bird. Although he may appear to be a tough guy, he still likes cuddles and care. 


Capybara by Megan Borgert-Spaniol

Capybara
by Megan Borgert-Spaniol 

This children's book is part of the "Rain Forest Animals" series and provides an introduction to capybaras for young readers.


The Mighty Capybara: The Fascinating World of South America's Largest Rodents

The Mighty Capybara: The Fascinating World of South America's Largest Rodents
by Elli River

In this comprehensive and engaging guide, you'll discover everything you need to know about these charming animals, from their physical characteristics and behavior to their cultural significance and ecological importance. With in-depth chapters covering everything from the history and evolution of capybaras to their role in the ecosystem, reproduction and family life, and even tips for observing and photographing them in the wild, this book is the ultimate resource for anyone interested in these amazing creatures. Best suited for older students in middle school and up.


Books in Spanish

Los carpinchos

Los carpinchos
por Alfredo Soderguit 


El capibara con botas

El capibara con botas
por Mira Canion

***Language Learner Literature An easy Spanish reader containing just 55 new vocabulary words and English-Spanish cognates. 

Normal capybaras swim well. Carlos is the only capybara in the Amazon Rainforest who can't swim. Things don't look good for Carlos away from the water.


El gran viaje de Capy: La capibara aventurera

El gran viaje de Capy: La capibara aventurera
por Jose Navarro Hernández 

A lo largo de su viaje, Capy descubre nuevos lugares y se encuentra con diferentes animales y desafíos que pondrán a prueba su valor y coraje. Con la ayuda de sus amigos, Capy aprenderá importantes lecciones sobre la importancia de la amistad, el trabajo en equipo y la perseverancia.


Monday, May 1, 2023

Children's Books that Feature Venezuela



This week, we're diving into South America again! This time, we're sharing a roundup of some amazing children's books that feature Venezuela

We know you'll find some of these stories absolutely engaging and want to add them to your home library!

This post contains affiliate links.

Picture Books with Venezuelan Characters

There aren't a lot of Venezuelan-themed children's books that I could find, so in stead of separating them by language (English, Spanish, or bilingual), I'm just listing them all here. 


Dancing Hands: How Teresa Carreño Played the Piano for President Lincoln

by Margarita Engle

I had never heard of Teresa Carreño, the prodigy pianist from Venezuela who began playing the piano as a little girl and composing her own music by the time she was 6. Not only did she play for President Lincoln as noted in this lovely story, but apparently for the famous composers Rossini and Liszt, too!

In Dancing Hands, we learn about Teresa's love of music and how she developed her talent in her homeland of Venezuela. We also read about how she and her family were forced to flee to the United States when Venezuala erupted in a revolution...only to arrive in the middle of the U.S. Civil War. The story goes on to chronicle the events that led to her performing for President Lincoln and his family in the White House.


Roberto's Trip to the Top

Roberto's Trip to the Top (English only)
by John B. Paterson Jr.

Breathtaking vistas and bustling scenes await a boy and his uncle when they ride the teleférico to the top of a mountain in Venezuela.

Up, up, up goes Roberto, aboard a cable car, heading to the top of El Avila. Share his excitement as he sees deep ravines and spectacular views, and meets the people and wildlife that live on the mountainside, on his first big adventure!

Wings and Dreams: The Legend of Angel Falls

by Irania Macías Patterson

The highest waterfall in the world, Venezuela's magnificent Angel Falls, is the backdrop for a newly imagined folktale vibrantly illustrated with full-color original art.

A dark shadow falls over the Pemones Indians as conquerors from the north invade the ancient land. A wise shaman sends young Takupi on a perilous journey to seek out safety for his people in a secret southern land seen only in the shaman's dreams. It's a place where man can touch the soft clouds, grateful eagles carry children on their backs, and rushing waters bathe a scorched and withering land.

Armed with only a few token gifts to protect him, Takupi must face frightening obstacles in his quest. Along the way, he discovers, as everyone must, the depth of his own courage--and his destiny.


Chipi Chipis, Small Shells of the Sea / Chipi Chipis, Caracolitos Del Mar

by Irania Macías Patterson

Nature, sea and wind take on a life of their own in this beautiful tale inspired by authentic Venezuelan family traditions. Original illustrations help tell the story all while introducing the reader to a new language and culture.

La caimana

The Caiman (English version)
La caimana (Spanish version)

When Faoro the clockmaker adopts a baby alligator, he has no idea that someday their story will travel far and wide. But the town of San Fernando de Apure would never forget this kind young man and his adoring alligator, who played with the neighborhood children, took part in Faoro’s wedding, and, eventually, mourned his loss. Now their story is being shared with the world.

In this delightful picture book first published in Venezuela, the author brings us back to her own childhood in Venezuela, as one of the children who used to visit this famous caiman, to tell the story of a man who loved animals and how his friendship with his alligator sparked a lasting legacy.


Venezuela ABCs: A Book About the People and Places of Venezuela


Oil, mangoes, and Angel Falls. International beauty contest winners and the golden legend of El Dorado. Wander inside this beautiful book to learn the ABCs of what makes Venezuela a South American jewel.


Fun Facts About Venezuela




Pair any of these books with my Fun Facts About Venezuela: A Country Coloring Activity. This download is an excellent introduction or supplement to a lesson on Peru. 

It includes a printable map and fact passage! Just have your kids read about a person, place, or thing related to Venezuela, then have them find it on the map and color it in. Available in English or Spanish, it's simple and fun.

This product now contains an added page of additional learning resources to extend the learning with related books, online articles, and videos.

Other Posts You May Enjoy



LinkWithin

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...