About: Ana Flores

This year, as a Windows Champion Ambassador on behalf of SpanglishBaby, I will be exploring all this new platform has to offer you, with a focus on information, tips, and apps for bilingual families. For this first post, let me just give you a general idea of what Windows 8 is and highlight a couple language apps my family has enjoyed so far. Windows 8 is the new version of the Microsoft Windows operating system, and as a lifetime WindowsRead More ...

Little princes and princesses alike will have fun with the new StoryToys app, The Little Mermaid/La Sirenita. A pop-up book in electronic form, it’s another cute adaptation of a classic story. The best part, of course, is that it can be played in Spanish (and 4 other languages, too).  Even kids who don’t know the story of La Sirenita will enjoy the games that pop up every few pages and include tasks like decorating Ariel’s hair with conch shells andRead More ...

“Bless Me, Ultima,” based on Rudolfo Anaya’s best-selling Chicano novel of all time, will be released to more than 200 theaters across the nation this February 22. The film adaptation of Bless Me, Ultima, rated PG-13, is an important milestone in movies with topics focusing on Latino families since this Mexican-American coming-of-age book has been banned or challenged from being taught at many schools or offered in some libraries because it contains adult language. The movie version now brings this important storyRead More ...

  Planned Bilingualism: Five Questions to Consider by François Grosjean from Psychology Today — Another useful article from Prof. Grosjean perfect for those just about to embark in the journey of raising a bilingual child. Surge in immersion programs spreads from the Star Tribune — In Minnesota, the number of dual language immersion programs has doubled since 2006 with a total of 85 at the elementary and middle school level, with some programs even in high school. Reading stories like this one is likeRead More ...

Given that my son just finished learning about the seven continents at school, I was happy to share the book Amy’s Travels with him. This children’s book by Kathryn Starke is a cool blend of geography and culture that promotes all the things we love to encourage as multilingual families. The book takes us around the world with a little girl named Amy, whose family has lived on five of the seven continents. She is from Perú and although theRead More ...

I have to admit we live a pretty exciting bicultural vida in Los Angeles. Not only is this city incredibly diverse, vibrant and colorful, but it’s also such a great place to raise kids. Yes, it’s huge, lots of traffic and all that, but I feel it gives kids a wider perspective on life and just so many choices. It exposes them to so many cultures, languages and entertainment options that shape who they are and what they gravitate towards.Read More ...