Spanish

October began with songs of the alphabet in Spanish with a fun focus on vowel sounds. We had so many insightful conversations about the differences between Spanish and English. They made a lot of connections between the two languages and thought the differences were funny and weird too!

They learned galleta salada (salty cracker) and galleta de coco (coconut cookie). We started using equity sticks with mi nombre es (my name is) on them. We also reviewed the days of the week with a few different songs.

Then we tried to learn a hand washing song that went to the tune of La Bamba. “Yo me lavo las manos. Yo me lavo las manos con jabón, y un poquito de agua”

After that we began learning about Día de los Muertos through sharing what they already knew, books and videos. It was so exciting to make the calaveras de azúcar (sugar skulls). They measured, mixed, molded, practiced vocabulary and had a fabulous time with the tactile nature of the project. The following Friday we decorated them, and last Friday we met with the 3rd grade and Valerie to share more stories and create our altar. We watched a video on the authentic way to make papel picado (cut out paper) and then they made their own to decorate the altar. Thank you to those of you who added to make the altar special. All photos are below, followed by a final note.

It has been so very much fun to have this class for a whole hour this year, and I adore each and every one of these creative, lively kids. Since this coming Friday will be my last with the first grade until the spring, we will review some of what we have done throughout these 8 weeks, and I also hope to make a Mexican cookie with them since their favorite word continues to be galleta!!!!!!