Thursday, December 17, 2020

Giveaway: New Nacho Books

New Titles from Nacho Books!

This is a sponsored post.

Friends, Nacho Books reached out wanting to offer books to the MommyMaestra community for the holidays. So I agreed to one last giveaway before I sign off for the year. 

Many of you have talked about how much you love Nacho Books for teaching your children to read. In fact, the books are so popular, that Nacho Books has expanded and is now offering books in other subjects! 

Check out these three new books:

Color Forma y Tamaño

A workbook (78 pages)  for little ones to paste little papers, toothpicks, rice, leaves or anything recycled that they can find to finish the drawing! This is a very interactive way to learn shapes, colors and the form of objects. 

Aula Creativa 6

This is a really cool workbook (155 pages) for older kids.   This is a workbook totally in Spanish to learn how to DRAW! It promotes cultural and artistic development. Students will learn about art terms like: what is perspective? They will learn art history as well as how to create their own drawings using those concepts. This is book #6 of 9! 

Nacho Recortables

This has been the favorite workbook (78 pages)  in school districts for dual immersion. These cutouts or recortables are great to guide students through social interactions, what feelings, safety rules, community guidelines, all in Spanish! This is the first book of 3! 

The Giveaway

Nacho Books is kindly offering these books for a giveaway. Three MommyMaestra readers will each win one of the books above. 

To enter, simply use the Rafflecopter below

¡Buena suerte!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday, December 16, 2020

Winter Solstice & Mesoamerica for Kids

© Can Stock Photo / Kandella

What is the Winter Solstice?

Solstices mark the shortest and longest days of the year. There are two solstices annually: the Winter Solstice and the Summer Solstice.

The Winter Solstice is the shortest day of the year and longest night of the year. This event is due to the Earth's tilt on its axis and its orbit around the sun. It's caused when one of the Earth's poles has its maximum tilt away from the Sun. (From this day onward, the days will continue get longer until they reach the longest day of the year on the Summer Solstice.)

It also officially marks the beginning of winter. 

**It's important to note that while here in the United States (in the Northern Hemisphere) our WINTER Solstice falls on or around December 21st, the Southern Hemisphere is celebrating the SUMMER Solstice on exactly the same day. Why? Because at that time, the opposite pole on Earth has reached its maximum tilt toward the Sun.  

The word "solstice" itself is Latin and literally means to sun stilled - sol ("sun") and sistere ("to stand still"). It was created, one would assume, because on this day, the sun reaches its highest point in the sky and appears to stop its celestial journey across the sky.

This year, the Winter Solstice will coincide with another remarkable phenomenon: The Christmas Star. On Dec. 21, the planets Jupiter and Saturn will appear so close together that they will almost look like one point of light to the unaided eye. Here's how you can see it.

This post contains affiliate links.



Aztec Calendar

The Winter Solstice in Mesoamerica

The solstices have a significant history in Mesoamerican cultures. Both the Aztec and Maya considered the day sacred and it influenced their inventions and art. 

The Maya

The day itself is the most important point in the Maya calendar, which was created by the talented astronomers and mathematicians who carefully studied the heavens over centuries. The calendar is one of the most accurate to be invented, and the solstice is the most important point of the calendar.

They also built solar complexes with pyramids created specifically to celebrate significant dates, such as the summer and winter solstices. On these days, the sun illuminates exactly half of the pyramid leaving the other half in darkness. This phenomenon may be seen at Chichen Itza when El Castillo (the pyramid of Kukulkan) becomes divided perfectly in two.

The Aztecs

The Aztecs celebrated Huitzilopochtli's birthday on the Winter Solstice. He was the Aztec's sun god. And they celebrated his rebirth every year on this day in a festive ritual called, Panquetzaliztli. This new sun was symbolic of the light found within each person and represented. 

The Inca

The Inca also celebrated the solstice with Inti Raymi, or the Festival of the Sun. But remember, that the Inca are located in the Southern Hemisphere, so it was celebrated around June 21st. Inti Raymi is still celebrated in certain areas and many of the traditions have been handed down. Here's a beautiful video about the modern Inti Raymi celebration.


Crafts & Activities for Kids



Solstice Books

Read more about the Winter Solstice with these children's books. (affiliate links)


The Shortest Day
by Susan Cooper

on Amazon | on Bookshop



The Return of the Light: Twelve Tales from Around the World for the Winter Solstice
by Carolyn McVickar Edwards 

on Amazon | on Bookshop


The Solstice Badger
by Robin McFadden

on Amazon | on Bookshop


The Winter Solstice
by Ellen Jackson

on Amazon | on Bookshop


Other Posts You May Enjoy

Tuesday, December 15, 2020

A Short List of Virtual Las Posadas Celebrations for 2020



Tomorrow night, Las Posadas begins. For many, it's hard to imagine the holiday season without getting together for the 9-day celebration. But I want to encourage you all to forego them in person this year. It breaks my heart to write that. But to help you with the struggle, here is a list of virtual posada programs happening around the country, that you can watch/participate in from the warm comfort of your own home!

OR you can organize one yourself among friends and family using Zoom. (I LOVE this idea!)

Enjoy!

Free Virtual Events (most require registration)

  • The Museums at Union Station (Ogden, UT) will be hosting an online event activity that will happen via Youtube and be posted on Facebook. It includes:
    -@11am make luminarias and piñata ornaments
    - @6 pm Music, Stories and Folk Dances from España, Mexico, Salvador, Guatemala, Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, Brazil, Chile and Argentina!
    REGISTER HERE

  • Girl Scouts Virtual Piñata Making & Posada Celebration:: LET'S MAKE a Piñata!! Your whole family and friends are invited to make a piñata while learning how a Mexican Posada is celebrated!
    REGISTER HERE   and in SPANISH HERE

  • Aurora Museum Foundation (Aurora, CO):: Online Lecture: Las Posadas. The Christmastime tradition of Las Posadas begins on December 16th. Maye Agama has celebrated Las Posadas with Las Fraternas at the Fort for many years. She will share her photos and experiences. The lecture is free, but you must register to receive the link to the online meeting. Space is limited, please only register if you plan to attend. There is no cancellation fee. REGISTER HERE

  • Join Ignatian Solidarity Network December 16-24 in a daily virtual experience of music, art, prayer, reflection, and action as they journey with the Holy Family and migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border in search of shelter and protection. Read more here.
     
  • Mission San Jose (Fremont, CA) is hosting FREE nightly Posada entertainment December 15th through 23rd at 7pm. See the schedule and register here.

  • La Posada Sin Fronteras /// Posada Without Borders  This year's Posada Sin Fronteras event will take place virtually on Saturday, December 19 from 4 PM to 5:30 PM. Follow them on Facebook for more information.

Monday, December 14, 2020

Hanukkah: Simple Resources for Learning about this Holiday

Hanukkah: Simple Resources for Learning
image courtesy lucidwaters


Hanukkah began a few days ago. I have always heard about this holiday, but didn't really know anything about it or the significance of the menorah. So I decided to do a little research this year to find resources for my kids. Naturally, I felt it was a good idea to share with you, too, in case your family is studying world cultures and religions. Below are the resources that I discovered and liked best.

What is Hanukkah?

Hanukkah is a Jewish festival commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire. It is also known as the Festival of Lights. 

For many, this explanation isn't very satisfying. SO, I thought it would be best to share this video by BimBam, a YouTube channel that posts Jewish videos that explain the basics of Judaism for adults and kids. It's really very good.


Online Resources, Printables, Recipes

If you're looking for online resources that teach or explore Hanukkah to supplement your own lessons, here are a few that I have enjoyed. But I know there are many others I've probably missed!

Center for Jewish History, NYC, No restrictions, via Wikimedia Commons


Songs in Spanish


The talented musician Nathalia has also posted this video of the Spanish version of the song, "Oh, Chanukah." I think you'll love it. 


Books about Hanukkah for Kids

Here are a few books about Hanukkah that you can find on Amazon or Bookshop. These are affiliate links.

The Story of Hanukkah
by David A. Adler and Jill Weber

on Amazon  |  on Bookshop



Holidays Around the World: Celebrate Hanukkah: With Light, Latkes, and Dreidels
by Deborah Heiligman 

on Amazon  |  on Bookshop



Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins
by Eric A. Kimmel

on Amazon  |  on Bookshop

Thursday, December 10, 2020

Children's Apron and Book Set & More

 

Friends! I'm making the last run of the year on Monday morning to the post office. If you'd like to order any of the products from my shop, now's the time!

The first is my apron/book set. It comes with a hardback copy of the picture book Growing Up with Tamales by Gwendolyn Zepeda and an embroidered apron of your text/color choice. The aprons are one size and available in the following color/text combos:

Chiquita...pero picosa! 

  • green
  • maroon
  • orange
  • purple 

OR Chiquito...pero picoso! 

  • red
  • maroon

You can also purchase the aprons and books separately.


I also have some Feliz Navidad bodysuits left for babies and toddlers. 


And I also have a few Feliz Navidad sweatshirts available for toddlers up through 5T.

Feliz Navidad a todos!

Wednesday, December 9, 2020

Holiday Gifting: Owl Aboard Family Puzzle


You know what I absolutely love? Games or activities that make it easy for families to do together regardless of age. I know it's easy to play games with your 8-year-olds, maybe even those who are 7 or 6, but it's a little more challenging when they are 3. 

So when I saw this amazing family puzzle that comes with 20 big pieces for little kids and 40 pieces for big kids (and adults!), I knew I was going to recommend it. It's challenging enough for two people of vastly different ages and experiences to enjoy. 

Putting together a puzzle has so many benefits! In case you didn't know, it can...

  • improve short-term memory,
  • lower stress,
  • develop concentration,
  • teach patience and self control,
  • develop fine-motor skills,
  • reinforces connections between brain cells, and
  • so much more!

My mother loved to put together puzzles. When she was alive, she would buy my children puzzles for Christmas most years. We still have some of them. 

My grandmother also enjoys putting together puzzles in her assisted living home. She's been fighting dementia for a several years now, but likes doing puzzles, crosswords, and word searches. They say it is great for her mental health. 

And all my kids love working puzzles. We haven't done many in the last two years since my youngest child, who's now three, became mobile and into everything. We were afraid of losing pieces. He's just recently discovered puzzles, though. The age-appropriate kind, of course. And he loves them, too. 

Which is why I think this puzzle is just brilliant! Big pieces for him to manipulate, and small ones for the rest of us. I'm so looking forward to the moment when my kids open this and realize it's for all of them. 

If this is something that you'd love for your family, you can find it here on Amazon:

Tuesday, December 8, 2020

Free Las Posadas Word Search


Las Posadas is fast approaching. It is one of the favorite traditions from my childhood, and I love creating resources for my kids and yours. I have listed them below. But first...

A New Freebie!

I wanted to make sure that those of you who are subscribed to my monthly newsletter keep an eye out for it this week in your inbox. I'll be sharing this latest free download, plus an extra freebie of bilingual gift tags for you to use for the holidays. This will be my last newsletter of the year.

If you aren't subscribed, you can do so here.

Las Posadas Printables



This is actually my favorite activity of all! A full-color, printable calendar celebrating Las Posadas. This calendar follows the nine-day celebration that begins on the 16th of December and ends on Christmas Eve.

Parents and children can print out the calendar and the images that accompany it. Each image includes a bilingual description (English & Spanish) that explains its role in the posada. Children cut out the images and paste them onto the calendar once a day during Las Posadas.




Help the peregrinos arrive at the posada! Players first color in the game board, then cut out the game cards, or make their own. Using a die or the spinner (included) players make their way across the board using beans or buttons to move across the game path. The first one to reach the house wins!




This file contains two printable book of words closely associated with the tradition. One book is in English and the other is in Spanish. The emphasis is on writing practice for students in Pre-K through 2nd grade.




This is my most popular product. It includes THREE printable booklets full of coloring pages of items most closely associated with Las Posadas. The three booklets are:

• a bilingual book (English & Spanish)
• an English only (for ESL)
• a Spanish only (for Spanish learners)




Introduce your students to Las Posadas vocabulary with this fun little coloring book. Features those items most closely associated with the celebration including the peregrinos, the sheet music, luminarias, and various foods typically served at las posadas.




This is a one-page history on Las Posadas, a Mexican Christmas tradition. Your students will learn about this holiday tradition. This informational text is written for students in 4th - 8th grade. Includes an 8-question comprehension quiz plus answer key. Includes both the English and Spanish versions for your convenience.


Or just get the BUNDLE!

Monday, December 7, 2020

Lelu Spanish + STEAM Program

 

The following is a sponsored post with Lelu. All thoughts and opinions are mine.

One of the things that I've seen a lot of discussion about in our Facebook homeschool group is the need for more math and science resources in Spanish. Lots of parents are struggling to find good quality materials because the technical terms are not ones that are commonly used in day-to-day language. 

So when Lelu reached out to me about sharing their Spanish STEAM program, I readily agreed. 

This is a new program that launched this year. It has been created by Latina mom, Ana Leyva, and she founded the program at Stanford University. Ana is a huge fan of multidisciplinary learning, and has had a transformative educational trajectory (she is also the first in her family to go to college - Princeton University - and to get Master's degrees!).

What is Lelu?

Lelu is a subscription box service that focuses completely on teaching STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) concepts in English and Spanish because engaging kids in rich multidisciplinary learning gives language learning new life! They offer several programs for kids ages 3 to 11. That's a big age range, but don't worry, the boxes are tailored to each specific age group. 

Each box that you receive has a theme and contains materials for completing FOUR activities (one a week), plus instructions for completing extra activities related to the monthly theme. It also comes with 1-3 lessons/units per activity and important concepts such as the Scientific Method are taught in each box. 

Students also receive a monthly activities calendar to extend the learning and instructional videos for each of the core activities. Past themes have included the plant life cycle/el ciclo de vida de la planta, the human body/mi cuerpo, and the harvest/la cosecha. 


The three levels are:

SILVER LEVEL
This package includes their Spanish + STEAM Activity Boxes delivered to your door each month, accompanied by online tutorials and clear instructions in both Spanish and English, all revolving around a fun monthly STEAM theme!

GOLD LEVEL
The most popular package includes everything the Silver package includes plus weekly 2 hours of 1-on-1 online tutoring! 

PLATINUM LEVEL
In addition to everything offered in the other packages, this package features live online community classes (or as we like to call them, fiestas)! Each week your child will join a community-wide meeting to sing, play, and share the projects they've been working on and engage with each other! Along with the box and tutoring, this community session is critical for your child to see the big-picture about how languages connect us. Students are asked to share their work during the community meeting so the meeting is a perfect recurring motivation for kiddos to practice their Spanish skills every week!

In think it is important to note that Spanish skill levels vary between children, so Lelu tailors each box to your child's language ability. The goal is to not only teach, but also to promote fluency.

Because the boxes are bilingual, they are a great option for families in which parents who don't speak Spanish can still support their child's bilingualism. And the online tutoring is also beneficial. 

Growth Mindset

And growth mindset fundamentals are weaved into every part of the program. According to American Psychologist, Carol Dweck, “In a growth mindset, people believe that their most basic abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work—brains and talent are just the starting point. This view creates a love of learning and a resilience that is essential for great accomplishment.”



Other Products

In addition to the subscription boxes, you can find other products on their website, such as Spanish labels for kitchens and bathrooms, a Spanish alphabet wall poster, and their Lotería Cuerpo Humano game. 


Pin it!


Friday, December 4, 2020

Free Download: Holiday Spelling Dice Game in Spanish

 

It's so hard to believe this year is almost over and that the holidays are upon us. I am forever thankful for all the wonderful sponsors of MommyMaestra, but especially for Spanish for You! who provides such wonderful free downloads every month for Spanish learners. If you haven't purchased any of their products yet, NOW is the time to do so. They are awesome and you won't regret it.

This month's freebie is similar to last month's. The Holiday Spelling Dice Game helps your young student learn the vocabulary associated with the holidays. This four-page download comes with instructions, game sheets, a guide, and box sheet. What a great game to play this holiday season! This month's download does not come with an audio file.

Click here to download this file

Remember! Spanish for You!'s program is geared for middle schoolers and is the perfect choice for homeschoolers and afterschoolers alike because their concepts are carefully divided up into manageable bundles that are available for immediate download from their website.

If this is your first time here, you can find other free samples from Spanish for You! here. There are some fantastic downloads of games and activities for you and your family to enjoy. If you enjoy this activity, be sure to visit the Spanish for You! website where you'll find tons of additional resources for you to help your young Spanish learner!

Thursday, December 3, 2020

Holiday Gifting: HandyPod Mobile Mini Tripod

 

One more MommyMaestra gift idea for tweens and teens. I know that a lot of kids are doing virtual school this year. And homeschoolers often have their kids do one or more classes online. Many of these kids are zooming on their phones or on mom's phone. So my recommendation is a phone tripod. 

This post uses affiliate links. 

Phone Tripod

We have zoom installed on our Chromebook, but for some reason, it keeps dropping the connection. So my kids often have to use a phone to do the zoom, and they keep their computers open to do the work. To help, I went out and bought a HandyPod Mobile Mini Tripod (aff).  

It can pretty much hold any type of phone. And the rotating ball head lets you position the phone at different angles including 90 degree tilt for portrait shooting. The short tripod lets you easily set up your phone on any flat surface, and even gives you a nice handhold in case you have to move around. 

Other great uses... 

You can take family photos using your phone's camera timer. Or, if you have a stop-motion lover, like I do, you can easily position the camera once, and then make all the adjustments to your subject (in our case, LEGO) as you need to without having to get back in position to snap photos using your phone.

I really love the freedom that having a phone tripod gives our family. And if you think this is something that will help your family, too, consider it! I bought mine at my local Best Buy, but you can also find it online here...

Wednesday, December 2, 2020

Stocking Stuffers: Spanish & Bilingual CDs


Today's stocking stuffer ideas center around giving the gift of language. I had someone request that I share some recommendations for great Spanish CDs for kids. Well, here are my top 5 picks! Some are Spanish-only, and a few are bilingual. 

This post may contain affiliate links. 


¡Buenos Días!
from Whistlefritz

¡BUENOS DÍAS! is a tour de force celebration of the vibrant music, language, and culture of the Spanish-speaking world. The music transports kids on a magical ride from Spain in Sonidos del flamenco (Sounds of Flamenco) to Mexico's Cascarones (the lively eggshell tradition) to the Andes (Manzanita de Perú and Arbolito de Perú), finally culminating in a trip across the entire Spanish-speaking world in Se Habla Español (We Speak Spanish). Irresistible salsa, merengue, flamenco, reggae, and Andean rhythms encourage kids to sing along as they learn traditional Latin American foods in El Tamal No Está Mal (The Tamale Isn't Bad), animals in ¿Cómo Se Llama La Llama? (What's the Llama's Name?), and musical instruments in Hagamos Música (Let's Make Music). And, in this challenging time for kids and parents, the sensational soprano voice of award-winning Cuban-American singer, Ileana Pérez, soothes the spirit with her exquisite renditions of the beloved Spanish lullaby Duérmete Mi Niño and Niña (Sleep My Little One), and the hauntingly beautiful original lullaby Cuando Llegue La Noche (When the Night Comes). Lyrics, translations, and a vocabulary guide are available for free download as an easy reference guide for parents and teachers. Get ready to say Buenos días to a world of Spanish-learning fun!


from Mister G and José V

A few years ago, I recommended Mister G's album Mundo Verde as a great gift idea for bilingual kids. While researching for this post, I discovered that he has a NEW bilingual (but mostly Spanish) album out. Created with fellow artist, José V, Ritmo and Rima had a rocky start since the pandemic hit before they could begin. But the pandemic actually caused the album to grow instead! Before long, they had reached out to musician friends from all over the Americas who were also isolated at home. The album became an international project with players from Colombia, Argentina, Brazil, Venezuela, Chile, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Peru, and the Dominican Republic adding their distinct styles.

The album, Ritmo y Rima (Rhythm & Rhyme), celebrates the vibrant sounds and textures of the Latin world. The samba inspired title track conjures the joyful atmosphere of carnival, “Señorita Mariposa” celebrates the extraordinary migration of the monarch butterfly, while the closing song “Tú y Tú y Yo” is a heartfelt anthem calling for unity across borders and solidarity with those who traverse them.

In a sense, the album has two voices: children will be drawn to the captivating songs that explore topics like colors, animals, and a connection to the natural world. Adults will appreciate the wide range of musical styles, the educational component of the songs, and the themes of unity and hope that are woven throughout the album.



from Nathalia

Centered around the theme of connection, En la Radio consists of 10 original songs written in English and Spanish while inviting ‘radio listeners’ to explore a variety of music styles from the U.S. and Latin America. This CD switches back and forth from Spanish to English in the songs and is the perfect gift for children fluent in both languages. 

from 123 Andrés

Hola, Amigo started out as a song in 123 Andrés’ debut album, and became a fan favorite. Today, the message of Hola, Amigo is more important than ever. This summer, 123 Andrés is releasing a surprise digital album – Hola, Amigo: Songs of Friendship, with remastered versions of Hola, Amigo in Spanish and English, and eight more songs that explore the theme of friendship, in two languages.


from José-Luis Orozco

José-Luis created this album with your child's fitness in mind. With each and every song, children are encouraged to get up and move. They clap, stomp, dance their way through each melody. There are nine songs sung twice; once in English and once in Spanish. You'll recognize a couple of traditional ones such as Los Pollitos.

Tuesday, December 1, 2020

Holiday Gifting: Time to Dream Books

 

As the parent of a 3yo, I miss out on a LOT of sleep. Why? Because my youngest often doesn't want to go to sleep in his own bed. He says he's scared and wants to sleep right between mom and dad...which ends up with me on the edge of the bed, sweating from the little furnace that keeps trying to snuggle up against me. 

So when, I received an email asking me to consider two new companion books that are sure to help children conquer sleep fears and turn bedtime into their favorite time, I readily agreed. 

This is a sponsored book post that uses affiliate links. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Dream Grabber and Dream Jumper were written by John R. Green, a multiple Emmy and Peabody Award-winning television news and documentary writer and producer. The books are centered around creating a comforting bedtime ritual to help children overcome their fears of going to sleep. 


Dream Grabber is the first book in the series. In it, little A.J. is afraid of going to sleep because of the nightmares he sometimes has. So his Dada tells him about a secret gift he has to get rid of nightmares. The book encourages kids to use their imagination and focus on positive thoughts when they are alone in bed, and reinforces the idea that bedtime can be fun and they can look forward to their dreams. 



Dream Jumper is the second book. And in this story, young Francesca is frightened of being alone in her dreams. So once again, Dada comes to the rescue by telling her about his secret ability to jump into dreams. The book teaches the same concepts of imagination and positivity. 

Although the books encourage more fathers to engage with their kids in nurturing bedtime routines often associated with mothers, moms can still use the same techniques themselves. And I love that you can either read the book directly to your children, or simply use the story line to establish a routine by acting it out yourself. My son loves it when I tell him stories at night, so this works perfectly for us.

I love it when parents create products or services based on their own experiences with their children. Both books are based on bedtime rituals John created to help his own twins face their fears upon falling asleep. The goal with this release is not for John to become a well-known children’s book writer but rather to help other families, including non-traditional families like his, make bedtime less stressful.

The books have been endorsed by Kim Bergman, PhD, a Licensed Psychologist who says, "Dream Grabber is a charming and delightful bedtime story, beautifully validating a universal childhood fear rather than dismissing it." Each book encourages nurturing bedtime routines and helps children understand that dreamland should be an enjoyable and secure place to be.

But what I was also delighted to learn is that John is fully bilingual and used to teach Spanish and produce a Spanish language television show earlier in his TV career. He is raising his kids to be bilingual. And in the future, John would like to publish Spanish versions of the books. 

I hope he does.

In the meantime, you can buy English versions of his books here:

LinkWithin

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...