A Very Fun and Easy Spanish Song So you’re looking for a super-easy, SHORT, song in Spanish that will make your 3-6 year old students laugh their heads off? And did I mention it’s easy and short? It’s “El pato Renato.” (Renato the Duck): (Translation, approximately: “Renato the duck doesn’t know how to sing, but […]
Two Fun Spanish/English Stories I hope you’re reading picture books about different cultures to your class often, and not just on cultural or national holidays. But with Cinco de Mayo coming up, I’m reminded of two of my favorite Spanish/English stories. “Counting Ovejas” by Sarah Weeks is very simple and suitable for all pre-K age […]
I’m planning to use this in a class soon and thought I’d give a shout-out…there are a lot of versions of “La Bamba” out there, but Daria’s is my go-to version to use with young children. First, it’s the most authentically Latin-sounding, in rhythm and in instrumentation. Daria’s vocal performance is lovely and has an […]
“Bailar Rapido” is from an amazing CD with the Best. Title. Ever. – “Salsa for Kittens and Puppies,” by Baby Loves Salsa. The CD comes with a storybook about a plucky band of animal musicians who celebrate their friend’s birthday by making music all over New York City! The CD and story are just filled […]
At the NAEYC Annual Conference I was lucky enough to meet Patty Shukla, who presented a poster session there. If you teach young children and you don’t know Patty Shukla’s music, you should! I discovered her a couple of years ago on YouTube, where she posts many outstanding video (You can find her channel here). Patty […]
One of the highlights of my NAEYC adventure was a wonderful session presented by the Mexican children’s performer/educator José- Luis Orozco. His latest CD, Come Bien! Eat Right! is pictured above and can be ordered here. The session was more like a concert, except with the entire audience performing! Mr. Orozco has a very lively, […]
I’m so happy to announce the publication of my new book! ISBN: 9780876593493 Pages: 184 Publisher: Gryphon House Published: 06/01/15 Item Number: 10061 Shake, Rattle, and Roll Rhythm Instruments and More for Active Learning by Abigail Flesch Connors Music and movement go together like books and reading—they spread joy! It’s no secret that quiet doesn’t always […]
“Ruben’s Jungle/La Selva de Ruben” by Carlos Harrison This very sweet story is great for any day, but if you’re looking for an accessible, developmentally appropriate book for young children to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, this is a fun one. It’s written in English, with the Spanish version underneath the English words on each page. […]
Perros! Perros! Dogs! Dogs! by Ginger Foglesong Guy Here’s a story I’d absolutely love even if it didn’t teach several Spanish words in a natural, almost imperceptable, developmentally appropriate way – but it does. If you’re looking for a plot, you’re not going to find one, but most young children aren’t too picky about that. […]
Cinco de Mayo is coming up and I hope you’re all planning on celebrating! Of course, it’s great to share Spanish songs all year round, but you may be searching for easy, age- appropriate Spanish songs for your preschool class to celebrate the holiday. One of my favorite sources for early-childhood Spanish music is the […]
Music (and Science) For Young Children 