SB Finds

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 ...

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 ...

When SpanglishBaby was invited to see the new 3D animated film Escape from Planet Earth we were happily surprised to see that it’s an action-packed movie all about familia. The blue family from Baab includes Gary, a husband and father, Kira, a loving wife and mother, and their son Kip. And you can’t forget the superstar uncle, Scorch. This family is just like any ordinary family but what makes them stand out is their interplanetary intelligence and courage in times of trouble. What wasRead More ...

Looking for a last-minute activity to do with your kids? How about a fun learning game? I created this Spanish conversation hearts memory game for the kids to learn some new Valentine-themed Spanish words. This game can be customized to your child’s needs too. Here is what you’ll need to create your own: Scissors 8 card stock squares measuring 4×4 Heart shape to trace Marker   Let’s get started! Trace and cut the heart on each square. Choose 4 SpanishRead More ...

Secret Message Valentines for Dia del Amor y Amistad! I love that in Spanish a common way to to translate Valentine’s Day is saying “Day of Love and Friendship.” My boys love all things spies, secret agents, mission impossible…. So when  I told my oldest that we were going to write secret messages to his dad and brothers, he was on board.  This is even a super easy Valentine’s card you can have kids make in class or to giveRead More ...

I don’t often get sucked into iPad games, but I must admit that I got a bit competitive with myself on this one. Learn Spanish from MindSnacks is an excellent way to challenge your language skills, no matter your level. Learn numbers, body parts, foods, vacation vocab, and more in a quick-paced game. Create an account, tell the app your skill level, track your progress, and level up with “Quests.” This is quite different from a kids’ app that runsRead More ...