gift for kid

I am always in awe of the little sponges that are the minds of children.  Each day, every minute, is a celebration of discovery and learning.  It really is amazing to witness.  When I was approached to do a review for a new children's DVD, Spanish for Kids:  Las Estacions (The Seasons) I jumped at the opportunity.  As a person who did not get any exposure to a foreign language until high school and really struggled, I wondered if an earlier introduction would be more positive.  No offense of Sister Frances Claire but the only thing I remember from French is how to say the Hail Mary and it is not everyday someone asks me to recite that for them!  So, as I said, I was excited to introduce A&W to a foreign language in what looked like a fun and engaging way.  Here is the scoop...

Winter, spring, summer or fall, there’s no better time for children to learn Spanish. And, it’s never been easier thanks to the Spanish for Kids DVD series and its latest release, Las Estaciones (The Seasons) – available March 22, 2011.


Produced by Whistlefritz, Spanish for Kids is an award-winning Spanish immersion DVD series featuring the adorable Fritzi, a lovable, animated mouse who interacts with live-action adults and children to help teach Spanish. In Las Estaciones (The Seasons), Fritzi wants to celebrate his birthday, which comes in the Fall. With the help of his friend Maria, young viewers learn about the many joys associated with all four seasons, from sledding and snowball fights in winter (el invierno), to trick-or-treating in autumn (el otoño). It’s a year-round celebration for young viewers to enjoy with Fritzi and all his Whistlefritz friends!


Winner of more than 20 awards, Whistlefritz was founded in 2006 by a mom who wanted to teach her own children Spanish, but was frustrated by the lack of high-quality Spanish immersion programs. Building on the belief that switching back and forth between English and Spanish during the learning process makes it harder for a child to master the new language, Whistlefritz DVDs engage children in “Spanish immersion”: learning by hearing and speaking Spanish without any English translation.


Research has shown this Spanish immersion teaching technique to be the most effective way to teach young children a second language. Each upbeat program in the Spanish for Kids DVD series combines whimsical storylines, colorful animation and graphics, delightful characters, live action footage, and irresistible Latin music that children will want to experience again and again. 

A&W were really into this DVD.  I was a little apprehensive about the DVD being only in Spanish but this was not a problem at all for the kids.  The characters are fun and with "real life" pictures as well as animation the kids were kept engaged.  The songs were lots of fun too and even Baby R enjoyed those parts.  A&W were definitely repeating some of the Spanish words and, I think, with more watching they will pick up even more.  This is a great introduction to a foreign language and different from anything else I have seen on the market.  You can pick it up today on Amazon...

One lucky RBM reader will win the just released (today!) Spanish for Kids:  Las Estacions!  Here is how to enter...

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