I feel privileged as a new teacher to be a part of the Madison community, the staff, students and parents have all been incredibly welcoming.

It is just the beginning of the year and I am already amazed at how many students are beginning to acquire bits and pieces o the Spanish language. It is one of my goals to expose students to the “Mundo Hispano” or the Hispanic World, to authenticate the language that they are learning.

Along with incorporating culture into every lesson I teach, the students will take part in singing, dancing and weekly reflections in their Spanish journals.

Students are sent home with a “Palabra Del Día” or “Word of the Day” every time we meet. The students are not told the word directly but figure it out through class activities. It is a good habit to ask your child what the word of the day was, and how they figured it out, on days they meet for Spanish class.

Here are a few ways to incorporate Spanish into the home:

• Instead of saying please, thank you and you’re welcome, try por favor, gracias and de nada.
• Cartoons in Spanish are a great ways to introduce simple phrases. Many TV’s have an option to change the language that is heard.
• Try a favorite movie in Spanish with English subtitles. Even for just a potion of the movie, you will be amazed at hoe much your child will enjoy it.
• Talk to you child about what they learned in Spanish class, help them practice what they learned all week, and not just that day.

I look forward to working with you in the weeks and months to come. Please feel free to contact me: perryk@madison.k12.ct.us

¡Hasta Luego!

Señorita Kathy Perry