Mucho Gusto Spanish classes are conducted in Spanish, with minimal English used when necessary to facilitate understanding.
Each session is based around a collection of songs with overlapping themes and vocabulary. Songs include traditional Spanish songs, translations of familiar songs, and those composed specifically to teach Spanish. There is ample repetition of material to encourage familiarity with the language, but we also adapt the songs to introduce new vocabulary as the session progresses. While hearing the language, children make connections as they move their bodies, respond to visual aids such as puppets and pictures, and manipulate simple props. Mucho Gusto participants vary in language background, from parents with little or no prior exposure to Spanish to those who are raising their children bilingually.
The class follows a consistent and predictable structure. Sitting in a circle, we start each class with our greeting song, Buenos dias a todos aqui, followed by finger plays. Next we act out a song using individual sets of felt cut-outs or small toys to facilitate comprehension. Then we are ready to MOVE! We dance and move about the room, acting out songs with our whole bodies, often using scarves, colored streamers, or instruments. After movement, we return to our circle for a closing song using gestures, picture cards, or more felt manipulatives. Finally, we end each class with our goodbye song, Adios, amigos.
It's never too early to learn a second language!
"I've learned more in two sessions of Mucho Gusto with my daughter than I did in high school and college Spanish."
"I speak Spanish at home with my children, but during our three sessions with Laurie, my four year old's use of and interest in speaking Spanish and listening to music in Spanish increased dramatically. Laurie is always very aware of each child in the class and is in tune to what they need and want to hear. When my mom asks what she should get the kids for holidays or birthdays, I always tell her that we want a Spanish class with Laurie! The classes are always a bonding experience for our family."
"The class really made an impression on my 2 1/2 year old twins. Even though they were new to Spanish, they picked up on Laurie's cues and really benefited from the language immersion. They began spontaneously speaking and singing in Spanish at home, and they now ask all the time how to say certain words in Spanish."