My Dual Language Update

As many of you may know, Joseph is learning Spanish in a Dual Language Program provided by his school. This has been a wonderful experience so far with a thankfully easy transition to kindergarten. He is asking me more and more each day how to say certain words in Spanish. About a month ago, we started him in piano lessons. Yesterday I was helping him with his theory homework. He was learning about the difference between piano and forte. I explained to him that these words in music are another language - in fact, they are Italian words. I went on and explained that there's not just Spanish and English in this world. There are many languages including Italian which is the language used in music. So on we went writing p and f next to the appropriate pictures of yelling children, napping baby and so on. Tonight when I was putting him to bed he asks: What other languages are there? So I say there is Japanese, Chinese, French, Italian and many many more.  So he asks: How do you say high five in French?  (High five being part of our bedtime routine.) I state that I don't know French hardly at all like I know a lot of Spanish. I say I only knew a few words in French.... like.... and I think.... think...  like melee.  Well, what does that mean? he asks.  Well, it means disorganized crazy mess!  (even though I know it has more to do with groups in battle etc). And I say "Mi casa es a big melee."    My brain is barely handling two languages, let alone three!
 Anyhow... the point of my entry was not to divulge the status of my house cleaning but to update the Dual Language journey and how the curiosity and skill grow each day. I learned that French is the language of dance from our piano teacher earlier today (which I never really paid much attention to since I'd always been a musician and not a dancer.)

 Later in the coming weeks we'll celebrate the Day of the Dead. When I learned of this upcoming event, I was drenched in Fall Festival planning (which is happening tomorrow by the way) and I finally related on a personal level to Selena's dad in the movie Selena when he's talking about how Mexican Americans have to prove how American they are to the Americans and how Mexican they are to the Mexicans - they have to know about Oprah and about Cristina and so on and on.... great movie quote! Now I don't have to prove anything, but I really related because in my mind I initially thought: Double the work, double the volunteering. But ultimately... in choosing a photo of my dad for Joseph to take to school, I realize it is double the holiday, double the traditions, double the celebration, double the friends and double the love. (oh and let us not forget - double the food!)

 My other major dual language highlights are that Robert has asked for me to get him Spanish on audio so he can learn on his commute because he's now worried we'll all be speaking Spanish soon and he doesn't want to be left out! Dual Language Parent Meetings continue to give me a sense of community with the teachers, principal, and fellow parents. It is an extension of the great pre-school co-op environment I came to love the last few years and I'm so thankful to continue with this sense of community with other like-minded parents eager for their children to grow in academics, language and cultural awareness.

October quickly approaches its ends and I can only imagine what Novemeber and December will hold for our journey. I'll be sure to check in with progress and hopefully have more fun stories to share.

La bandera de Joseph desde día de la Independencia en septiembre  (Joseph's flag from Independence Day in September)