About the "Mom"

ABOUT THE "MOM" : I grew up in Miami, in a home where both parents spoke Spanish. (Almost) effortlessly, I was raised bilingually, English/Spanish. I later learned French and German, just for fun. Today, I have two toddlers of my own. I want them to grow up loving foreign languages, too. I want them to learn about their cultural heritage and be fluent in Spanish, and maybe even have a bit of "fun" learning a third language conversationally. One little hiccup: my husband speaks only English. I don't have the benefit of two parents in the home literally "speaking the same (foreign) language." So how do you raise bilingual, bi-cultural children in a primarily monolingual home? Can it be done? All I know is that with a lot of effort and creativity, I am sure trying and because I firmly believe it is beneficial for my children to speak multiple languages fluently, I hope against hope that it all works out. I know that there are many of you out there in similar situations and I am excited to share my successes (and a few foibles) with you. I'm equally eager to hear what others of you are trying and experiencing in raising your children bilingually, whatever that second language might be. So enough chit-chat...let's start TALKING!!

-Consuelo Bova,

Mom of 2, Speaker of 4 and CEO of SmartMouthLearning.com


Wednesday, May 18, 2011

There’s an app for that…


“Mama, can I please use your phone??? Please??!!!!”

How many times a day do you hear that one?  With today’s smartphones blurring the line between utility and entertainment- at least once a day?  5 times?  Constantly?  Kids love to tinker with our phones.  Heck- so do we!  So make use of playtime or downtime with a few good foreign language apps for your Iphone, IPad,  Android Phone, or other app-based device.  
  • *Living Language offers  text and audiobook lessons in  French, Italian, and Spanish ($9.99, IPhone)
  • *Byki – common phrases (and  quizzes) in over 40 languages (per language, $7.99 IPhone/$9.99 Android)
  • TeachersParadise.com offers number flashcards 0-10 and Alphabet FlashCards in both French and Spanish.  The child hears the word for the number as the images appear on the screen, but the app also features a "quiz mode," where the child can guess the correct word and then tap the screen to hear the answer (Android based apps, FREE) 
  • Applications-enfants.com  features an Animal Alphabet app that is full of games, puzzles and activities to teach reading and writing, including the alphabet and animal names.  It is available in French & English only.  Cute graphics and music (though it can be irritating if left on too long), creative and fun activities that advance as your child gains practice make this among my favorite bilingual kids apps.  (Android based, FREE)
  • For Spanish fun, try Early App's PrimerasPalabrasLite- colorful, animated graphics teach colors and other  basic words.  Warning: this one is a bit on the loud side, so keep your volume down.  I also find the talent's voice a little disconcerting, but that is just a matter of preference I guess! (Android based, Free or a pay version is available for about $1 with more advanced features)
This is just a short list and maybe you know of others?  Leave comments &  share other good apps I’ve missed.

-Consuelo Bova, 
CEO of SmartMouthLearning.com

*The apps with a "*" are tailored to adults and are a great language referesher if you need it.  The flashcard and quiz based apps should be perfectly safe for kids, but I have not personally reviewed the contents of all of them, so please preview these apps before letting them loose on your impressionable kiddos and make sure you are comfortable with all content!  Thanks! -Connie
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