American Sign Language and Music

Here is a fascinating TED talk about the similarities between ASL (American Sign Language) and music. I'd love to hear what you think after you watch it.

Christine Sun Kim: The Enchanting Music of Sign Language

Where does winter go?

In the middle school world language classes we've been learning about the countries where Spanish is an official language. As part of a "Países hispanohablantes" Scavenger Hunt I asked the students to find a Spanish-speaking country where winter is from June to September (not just a place with cold summers!).

Can you think of one?

Here's a website I found helpful in explaining (the paragraph titled Opposite Sides — Opposite Seasons):

Seasons at timeanddate.com

For Thursday, March 15th

Spanish-speaking Countries

Quizlet for finding Spanish-speaking countries on the map 
This one has an interactive map for reviewing. Try inventing mnemonic devices (memory helps) like, Chile is the long skinny chile bean shaped country or Venezuela is shaped like a sideways "V."

Seterra for Spanish-speaking countries of Central America
This one has game mode settings on the left under the map to change how you play. It focuses just on Central Americ

Seterra for Spanish-speaking countries of South America
This one has game mode settings on the left under the map to change how you play. It focuses just on South America.


Songs
Cabeza, hombros, rodillas y pies (Spanish)

Los pollitos dicen (Spanish)
This has a different tune but has easy to understand lyrics and a UKULELE!

Un elefante se balanceaba (the elephant song in Spanish!)

Andiamo! (Let's go — Italian)

More ways to learn about Spanish-speaking countries — Los países hispanohablantes

Quizlet Países hispanohablantes — Spanish Speaking Countries (and 1 US Territory)
This one has the best audio


Another Quizlet — This one is good and has maps but Tegucigalpa is misspelled (and so mispronounced!)


Seterra Spanish-Speaking Countries - Map Quiz Games — Look below the map to change game mode


Seterra Spanish-Speaking Countries AND CAPITALS - Map Quiz Games



Sporcle matching game for Capitals of Spanish-speaking countries

Bake a King Cake and Laissez le Bons Temps Roulez!

We looked a bit at Mardi Gras and Carnaval traditions around the world this week. One of the students asked for the King Cake recipe, so here it is! Bon Appétit!

¿Cuántos países hispanohablantes participan en los Juegos Olímpicos?

How many Spanish speaking countries can you find in the parade of nations at this year's Winter Olympics?


Check out the list of participants 

Países hispanohablantes - Spanish speaking countries

¿Donde se habla español?
(Where is Spanish Spoken?)

Maps and Capital quizzes

La Gozadera song

Song with maps for learning Countries and Capitals


¿Cuanta gente habla español?
(How many people speak Spanish?)

Babble Article