Hola todos,
Chicago is gearing up for the celebration of Mexico's bicentennial of its independence from Spain. Parades took place around the area last weekend. Check out the Chicago Tribune website for some great photos.
If you want to get in on the celebration, there's still time.
Mexico and Central America celebrate their independence on 16 September. Traditionally, the Mexican festivities start the evening before with the President taking the stage in Mexico City to re-create the "Grito" (like our Declaration of Independence.)
In Chicago, Millennium Park's Pritzker Pavillion will be the site of the event.
Here's the blurb from the Chicago Tribune announcing the event:
"From 6:30 to 9:00 an artistic program will be held featuring mariachi music, a children's choir from Morelia, classical music, dance groups from Jalisco and Guanajuato, the Sones de México, a Chicago-based folkloric music group. The civic ceremony will take place from 9:00-9:30 and feature local elected officials, and the traditional "grito" or cry, for independence. Mexican actor César Costa will be the primary master of ceremonies. Cost: Free. For more information: mexico2010inchicago.com"
¡Viva, México!
Monday, September 13, 2010
Friday, September 10, 2010
Parade on Saturday! ¡Viva México! ¡Viva Centroamérica!
Hola todos,
Just a quick note to let you know that next week marks a very important date in Mexican and Central American history. On September 16 (celebration starts on the evening of the 15th), Mexico and Central America celebrate the bicentennial -- 200th anniversary-- of their independence from Spain. We will learn more about this and about Mexico in general in class in the coming weeks.
Want to help celebrate? The downtown Mexican Independence Day parade steps off from Balbo and Columbus Drive at 11:00 this coming Saturday (tomorrow!!), September 11, 2010.
There will also be parades in the Mexican neighborhoods of Pilsen (Saturday) and Little Village (Sunday.) Check out the local papers or internet for more details. Be sure to wear your verde, blanco y rojo.
¡Viva México! ¡Viva América Central!
Keep watching this space for more excitement -- about our learning, activities around town, and enrichment opportunities.
hasta pronto y gracias por todo,
Señora Deaton
Just a quick note to let you know that next week marks a very important date in Mexican and Central American history. On September 16 (celebration starts on the evening of the 15th), Mexico and Central America celebrate the bicentennial -- 200th anniversary-- of their independence from Spain. We will learn more about this and about Mexico in general in class in the coming weeks.
Want to help celebrate? The downtown Mexican Independence Day parade steps off from Balbo and Columbus Drive at 11:00 this coming Saturday (tomorrow!!), September 11, 2010.
There will also be parades in the Mexican neighborhoods of Pilsen (Saturday) and Little Village (Sunday.) Check out the local papers or internet for more details. Be sure to wear your verde, blanco y rojo.
¡Viva México! ¡Viva América Central!
Keep watching this space for more excitement -- about our learning, activities around town, and enrichment opportunities.
hasta pronto y gracias por todo,
Señora Deaton
Monday, August 23, 2010
¡Feliz año nuevo! Happy New Year!
Hola todos,
Happy New Year! New school year, that is! Hope you had a great summer.
Just a quick note to say how excited I am to be back with the students and to have their batteries re-charged for another year of learning. I am very much looking forward to getting their Spanish channels humming and taking them even further this year. Can't wait to hear about all your summer fun.
Remember to check back soon for more info about our learning as well as for ideas for enrichment and family fun in the Chicago metro area.
Hasta pronto y gracias por todo, Sra. Deaton
Happy New Year! New school year, that is! Hope you had a great summer.
Just a quick note to say how excited I am to be back with the students and to have their batteries re-charged for another year of learning. I am very much looking forward to getting their Spanish channels humming and taking them even further this year. Can't wait to hear about all your summer fun.
Remember to check back soon for more info about our learning as well as for ideas for enrichment and family fun in the Chicago metro area.
Hasta pronto y gracias por todo, Sra. Deaton
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
¡Feliz verano!
Hola todos,
Hope you are having a great summer! I spent much of the early part of it watching the soccer Copa Mundial/World Cup on Spanish TV! I got introduced to soccer the year I lived in Mexico and it was the site of the World Cup. I've been a fan ever since. There were lots of great teams and this year Spain won! ¡Viva España! ¡Viva la Furia Roja! It was sooooo exciting to watch and a great way to practice my Spanish skills and learn new vocabulary. I almost didn't know what to do once the Copa had finished. Since then I have been doing lots of reading (mostly novels - 3 set in Japan, 1 set in China, and 1 set in Barcelona), studying Japanese, and spending time with family and friends.
Be sure to keep your Spanish channel humming by listening to music, doing easy reading, and using on-line tools, such as Mango languages through the Oak Park Public Library. Spanish- speaking culture is all around us in metropolitan Chicago, so jump in! Visit the Pilsen community for the National Museum of Mexican Art, lunch at a local restaurant, and a trip to the panadería. Visit a Mexican grocery store in Berwyn, Maywood, or Melrose Park. Participate in some of the festivals around town -- Peruvian Independence Day celebrations happen this week. Eat Cuban, Ecuadorian, or Mexican food right in our own neighborhood.
Still lots of summer left! Can't wait to hear what you've all been up to. And don't forget, if you travel to be sure to send me a post card!
Hasta pronto, Sra. D
Hope you are having a great summer! I spent much of the early part of it watching the soccer Copa Mundial/World Cup on Spanish TV! I got introduced to soccer the year I lived in Mexico and it was the site of the World Cup. I've been a fan ever since. There were lots of great teams and this year Spain won! ¡Viva España! ¡Viva la Furia Roja! It was sooooo exciting to watch and a great way to practice my Spanish skills and learn new vocabulary. I almost didn't know what to do once the Copa had finished. Since then I have been doing lots of reading (mostly novels - 3 set in Japan, 1 set in China, and 1 set in Barcelona), studying Japanese, and spending time with family and friends.
Be sure to keep your Spanish channel humming by listening to music, doing easy reading, and using on-line tools, such as Mango languages through the Oak Park Public Library. Spanish- speaking culture is all around us in metropolitan Chicago, so jump in! Visit the Pilsen community for the National Museum of Mexican Art, lunch at a local restaurant, and a trip to the panadería. Visit a Mexican grocery store in Berwyn, Maywood, or Melrose Park. Participate in some of the festivals around town -- Peruvian Independence Day celebrations happen this week. Eat Cuban, Ecuadorian, or Mexican food right in our own neighborhood.
Still lots of summer left! Can't wait to hear what you've all been up to. And don't forget, if you travel to be sure to send me a post card!
Hasta pronto, Sra. D
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Summer Language Fun with School Daze
Jump into language fun this summer with D97 School Daze.
Spanish, French, and German through storytelling, food, games, art, and more!
Sign up now! Check out the School Daze Brochure on-line for more info.
Spanish, French, and German through storytelling, food, games, art, and more!
Sign up now! Check out the School Daze Brochure on-line for more info.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Saturday May 1, 2010: Whittier Presents at Ethnic Fest & World Languages Day
Dear Families,
Please join students of Oak Park School District 97 in celebrating World Languages Day 2010, our 7th annual showcase of student language learning activities. This year World Languages Day will take place jointly with the 30th annual District 97 Ethnic Festival at Whittier School on Saturday, May 1, 2010.
The Ethnic Fest parade steps off at 10 and all families are invited to join in with the Whittier group. Just look for the Whittier banner or familiar faces along the parade staging area. After the parade, the day is filled with dance, music, food, hands-on activities and more.
Whittier students in grades K, 1, & 2 will join together to sing “Somos como las flores” and “Plátanos y manzanas.” Students in Grade 3 will sing “La vuelta” and “De colores.” Students in Grades 4/5 will present an original dance, and perhaps poetry readings, and puppet shows.
When students are not presenting, you and they are encouraged to participate in other activities around the festival. It is a very exciting time!
Time & Place: Whittier will present in the small tent from about 2:30-3:30 pm. Each Whittier group will have approximately 10 -15 minutes total time. We will start with the younger students and end with the “olders.” Students should meet Sra. Deaton at the tent about 5-10 minutes before their group is set to perform. Here’s the order (times are approximate):
2:30: Grades K-2: Somos como las flores; Plátanos y manzanas
2:45: Grade 3: De colores; La vuelta
3:00: Grade 4/5: Puppet show or poetry readings (**depending on students – may not take place and dance would be earlier)
3:15: Grade 4/5: Original Dance to “America Baila”
Clothing: With the exception of the 4/5 “America Baila” dancers, students may wear whatever they like. I would ask that you/they remember that they are proudly representing Whittier School and that clothing be neat and appropriate. (Yes, if they are coming from T-ball/softball/baseball/soccer, they can stay in uniform.)
4th/5th grade “America Baila” dancers will chose their own performance outfits, most likely bright T-shirts and jeans.
The year is fast coming to an end -- the younger students started their alphabet countdown yesterday! Check back here for more news about our May learning and events and during the summer for enrichment ideas and fun family activities.
I look forward to seeing you at the festival. Gracias for all you do to support your child's language learning.
Hasta pronto y gracias por todo,
Sra. Deaton
Please join students of Oak Park School District 97 in celebrating World Languages Day 2010, our 7th annual showcase of student language learning activities. This year World Languages Day will take place jointly with the 30th annual District 97 Ethnic Festival at Whittier School on Saturday, May 1, 2010.
The Ethnic Fest parade steps off at 10 and all families are invited to join in with the Whittier group. Just look for the Whittier banner or familiar faces along the parade staging area. After the parade, the day is filled with dance, music, food, hands-on activities and more.
Whittier students in grades K, 1, & 2 will join together to sing “Somos como las flores” and “Plátanos y manzanas.” Students in Grade 3 will sing “La vuelta” and “De colores.” Students in Grades 4/5 will present an original dance, and perhaps poetry readings, and puppet shows.
When students are not presenting, you and they are encouraged to participate in other activities around the festival. It is a very exciting time!
Time & Place: Whittier will present in the small tent from about 2:30-3:30 pm. Each Whittier group will have approximately 10 -15 minutes total time. We will start with the younger students and end with the “olders.” Students should meet Sra. Deaton at the tent about 5-10 minutes before their group is set to perform. Here’s the order (times are approximate):
2:30: Grades K-2: Somos como las flores; Plátanos y manzanas
2:45: Grade 3: De colores; La vuelta
3:00: Grade 4/5: Puppet show or poetry readings (**depending on students – may not take place and dance would be earlier)
3:15: Grade 4/5: Original Dance to “America Baila”
Clothing: With the exception of the 4/5 “America Baila” dancers, students may wear whatever they like. I would ask that you/they remember that they are proudly representing Whittier School and that clothing be neat and appropriate. (Yes, if they are coming from T-ball/softball/baseball/soccer, they can stay in uniform.)
4th/5th grade “America Baila” dancers will chose their own performance outfits, most likely bright T-shirts and jeans.
The year is fast coming to an end -- the younger students started their alphabet countdown yesterday! Check back here for more news about our May learning and events and during the summer for enrichment ideas and fun family activities.
I look forward to seeing you at the festival. Gracias for all you do to support your child's language learning.
Hasta pronto y gracias por todo,
Sra. Deaton
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
¡Feliz Día de San Patricio! ¡Feliz Primavera!
Hola todos,
¡Cómo vuela el tiempo! Por fin, la primavera toca la puerta. Los días son más largos y los pájaros canta a fuerzas. Los brotes de las plantas muestran sus cabecitas y el sol nos calienta más y más. Los niños felices de correr y jugar, tiran sus chaquetas por todos lados. ¡Así es la primavera!
How time flies! Finally spring is knocking at the door. The days are longer and the birds singing away. The sprouts of plants are showing their heads and the sun warms us more and more. The children happily run and play, tossing their jackets everywhere. Such is spring!
Thanks to all who helped with the Spanish games at the Whittier Fun Fair! It's so awesome that the students are exposed to additional Spanish speakers and I think the families enjoy connecting. The students really enjoy the games and come back to school Monday talking all about them! I look forward to continuing to build our network of Whittier Spanish speakers!
I apologize for not writing more frequently to keep you up on our work. We have been very busy from the start of the new year till now. In the younger grades, we worked on winter words and winter clothing for most of January. In grades 4 & 5, we wrote and performed conversational puppet shows. In February, we celebrated One Hundred Day by creating a list of 100 words (or more!) en español. We continue to build our vocabulary, understanding of the culture, and use of the language through multiple activities, music and movement, and games. In getting ready for ISATs we practiced our math facts en español. What fun!
On March 9, we welcomed special visitors from Nakano Nishi High School in Nagano, Japan. They spent the morning at Whittier, moving from class to class and working in small groups to teach our students a bit about their country, a few words, and doing an origami project with them. Ask your child what he/she did and learned. The trip to Whittier has become an annual tradition when the Japanese students who are with students at OPRF High School for two weeks come for their visit. On both sides, we gain much from sharing our time together.
Last week was especially eventful when I lost my voice from Wednesday to Friday. We had class as usual but I planned activities that the students could lead without my using my voice much. Interesting being a language teacher with no voice!! Sure brings out your creativity as a teacher! The students were very empathetic, checking on me daily to see if I had re-gained my voice. And what a great job they did with the learning! ¡Bravo!
Here's a taste of our learning in March:
K, K-1: Greetings, calendar, numbers, Spring themes
K-2: Greetings, calendar, numbers, Spring themes, Getting reading for Spring Sing
Some of our new vocabulary: flores (flowers), lluvia (rain), sol (sun), luna, (moon),tierra (earth), brisa (breeze), primavera (spring)
2, 2/3: Greetings, numbers, cardinal directions, Getting ready for Spring Sing
Some of our new vocabulary: norte (north), sur (south), este (east), oeste (west), nordeste (northeast), sudeste (southeast), nordoeste (northwest), sudoeste (southwest)
3: Greetings, numbers, cardinal directions, Getting ready for Spring Sing, Spanish alphabet with special emphasis on vowels
Spanish is such a phonetic language that if one masters the vowels, s/he's got 70+ per cent of the pronunciation!
4/5: Vocabulary building: nouns, questions, and other key words
Some of our new vocabulary: nada (nothing), algo (something), nadie (no one, nobody), alguien (someone, somebody), ¿Quíen? (Who?), ¿Qué? (What?), ¿Cuándo? (When?), ¿Dónde? (Where?), ¿Cómo? (How?), ¿Por qué? (Why?), ¿Cuántos? (How many?), ¿Cuánto? (How much?)
Looking ahead a bit:
K-2: Spring themes continued; food
2, 2/3, 3: Telling time; food
4/5: Review of time; work on adjectives and poetry; writing about ourselves
Thanks for all you do to support your child's language learning and exposure to Spanish-speaking and other cultures. The more language, the better! I look forward to hearing all about your experiences and travels -- near and far.
As always do not hesitate to contact me with questions or concerns. Check back soon for more details on what we're up to!
Gracias por todo y hasta pronto,
Sra. Deaton
¡Cómo vuela el tiempo! Por fin, la primavera toca la puerta. Los días son más largos y los pájaros canta a fuerzas. Los brotes de las plantas muestran sus cabecitas y el sol nos calienta más y más. Los niños felices de correr y jugar, tiran sus chaquetas por todos lados. ¡Así es la primavera!
How time flies! Finally spring is knocking at the door. The days are longer and the birds singing away. The sprouts of plants are showing their heads and the sun warms us more and more. The children happily run and play, tossing their jackets everywhere. Such is spring!
Thanks to all who helped with the Spanish games at the Whittier Fun Fair! It's so awesome that the students are exposed to additional Spanish speakers and I think the families enjoy connecting. The students really enjoy the games and come back to school Monday talking all about them! I look forward to continuing to build our network of Whittier Spanish speakers!
I apologize for not writing more frequently to keep you up on our work. We have been very busy from the start of the new year till now. In the younger grades, we worked on winter words and winter clothing for most of January. In grades 4 & 5, we wrote and performed conversational puppet shows. In February, we celebrated One Hundred Day by creating a list of 100 words (or more!) en español. We continue to build our vocabulary, understanding of the culture, and use of the language through multiple activities, music and movement, and games. In getting ready for ISATs we practiced our math facts en español. What fun!
On March 9, we welcomed special visitors from Nakano Nishi High School in Nagano, Japan. They spent the morning at Whittier, moving from class to class and working in small groups to teach our students a bit about their country, a few words, and doing an origami project with them. Ask your child what he/she did and learned. The trip to Whittier has become an annual tradition when the Japanese students who are with students at OPRF High School for two weeks come for their visit. On both sides, we gain much from sharing our time together.
Last week was especially eventful when I lost my voice from Wednesday to Friday. We had class as usual but I planned activities that the students could lead without my using my voice much. Interesting being a language teacher with no voice!! Sure brings out your creativity as a teacher! The students were very empathetic, checking on me daily to see if I had re-gained my voice. And what a great job they did with the learning! ¡Bravo!
Here's a taste of our learning in March:
K, K-1: Greetings, calendar, numbers, Spring themes
K-2: Greetings, calendar, numbers, Spring themes, Getting reading for Spring Sing
Some of our new vocabulary: flores (flowers), lluvia (rain), sol (sun), luna, (moon),tierra (earth), brisa (breeze), primavera (spring)
2, 2/3: Greetings, numbers, cardinal directions, Getting ready for Spring Sing
Some of our new vocabulary: norte (north), sur (south), este (east), oeste (west), nordeste (northeast), sudeste (southeast), nordoeste (northwest), sudoeste (southwest)
3: Greetings, numbers, cardinal directions, Getting ready for Spring Sing, Spanish alphabet with special emphasis on vowels
Spanish is such a phonetic language that if one masters the vowels, s/he's got 70+ per cent of the pronunciation!
4/5: Vocabulary building: nouns, questions, and other key words
Some of our new vocabulary: nada (nothing), algo (something), nadie (no one, nobody), alguien (someone, somebody), ¿Quíen? (Who?), ¿Qué? (What?), ¿Cuándo? (When?), ¿Dónde? (Where?), ¿Cómo? (How?), ¿Por qué? (Why?), ¿Cuántos? (How many?), ¿Cuánto? (How much?)
Looking ahead a bit:
K-2: Spring themes continued; food
2, 2/3, 3: Telling time; food
4/5: Review of time; work on adjectives and poetry; writing about ourselves
Thanks for all you do to support your child's language learning and exposure to Spanish-speaking and other cultures. The more language, the better! I look forward to hearing all about your experiences and travels -- near and far.
As always do not hesitate to contact me with questions or concerns. Check back soon for more details on what we're up to!
Gracias por todo y hasta pronto,
Sra. Deaton
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