What will my child be doing in a typical Gift of Language class?
Gift of Language uses flashcards to introduce children to the foreign language. This system has a simple, but effective approach to learning language that delivers results right away. Using the same type of verbal and visual memory techniques children experience when they first learned to speak, these flash cards get our students speaking and, in the process, helps them master vocabulary and sentence structure. As a result the child is speaking the sentence with no hesitation.
Teachers introduce vocabulary and sentence structure when the flash cards are placed in sequence. Students read and “speak” the visuals, create new sentences by moving the flash cards around by doing this they are developing fluency and proficiency in the target language.
We also use a set of activity books that ensure mastery of the core vocabulary and structure through practice exercises that progress in difficulty. With a set of games these flash cards are reinforced in a way that is fun and effective.
We supplement the learning experience with crafts and projects that relate to the flashcards that are introduced in class. To see a sample of our class please watch the video below:
Our Program Director: Ms. Farah Hussein
Ms. Farah Hussein established the center in 2007 for her children. Her goal for her children is for them to be multilingual and passionate about different cultures. Ms. Hussein specializes in game based environments and effective classroom structures. She encourages children to play in the classroom while being immersed in the target language and creates a risk-free and game based environment for the students. She strongly believes that parents who enroll their children in foreign language classes are giving "the gift of language" to their children.
Our Regional Director of Teacher Development: Ms. Jackie Amaya-Garcia
Jackie Amaya-Garcia-"Señora Jackie" has a passion for teaching and loves to share her knowledge of languages. And she loves the twinkling eyes of the children when they understand the concepts taught every class in the target language. "They feel they can overcome anything..." Every occasion is a teachable moment and she really makes the most of it in her classes.
Our Group Leader Teacher: Ms. Cindy Dardon
Ms. Cindy Dardon brings many fun ideas for children to learn to love the Spanish language. She believes that a game-based classroom gives children the opportunity to learn the language at a much faster pace. She feels that foreign language classes are a great gift that parents give to their children. Language is such a great tool for the future because it will help open many doors.
Teacher: Ms. Vanessa Naranjo
Ms. Vanessa Naranjo feels that "Spanish," just like all other languages, is something that is very
rich. It goes far deeper than just a language; it has a culture, a history and a diverse group of people that keep it alive. Her passion is teaching and facilitating the way people learn. She strongly believes that children are very special and they are truly the future, equipped with all the tools to learn and leave their mark. Her sentiment on teaching a child is that if a teacher can manage to spark an interest and give them confidence, then that alone is reason enough to celebrate which is why she wishes to share her gift.
Teacher: Ms. Cendy Iraheta
Ms. Cendy Iraheta, a strong supporter of learning, believes that children learn the most when they are having fun. Therefore, she enjoys teaching Spanish with a play-based approach because she can see the children's love for learning a new language come to live. She herself enjoys learning more about her native language of Spanish; it is a rich language and she knows it is enriching in the lives of children. She is happy to be able to share this love of language and culture with individuals.
Teacher: Ms. Lana Cross
Ms. Lana Cross uses her strength in communication, along with her energetic, creative and enthusiastic personality to help students in cross-cultural relationships, languages and societies through studying a foreign language.Sharing her appreciation of the French language can instill confidence, enthusiasm and offer comfort to prospective students.
Teacher: Ms. Ibis Henriquez Muetterties
Sra. Ibis is passionate about teaching Spanish and sharing her culture with her students. By teaching in a game based format, students feel more comfortable and are more receptive to the material. She enjoys using multiple learning media, such as, games, music, dances, art, and exercise. This format allows her students to develop their Spanish vocabulary, the pronunciation, and the understanding of the language in a fun environment. She considers being multilingual not only developmentally beneficial to a child, but a gift.
