Why I write in English/French and Spanish
I came to the United States when I was ten years old. I learned English in six months. All of my teachers were amazed. In high school, I studied Spanish and by the time second semester rolled around; I could communicate fairly well and carry on a conversation in Spanish. The positive experiences of learning a third and fourth language infused me with a fervent desire to help others learn a foreign language. I hold a professional teaching license for French and Spanish in grades K-12.
I love writing all of my children’s picture books in English, French, and Spanish because a child’s mind is wired to acquire a language when they are young. Children have very little inhibitions; consequently, they can easily learn a new language. I have been teaching high school French and Spanish for 26 years now.
As our world becomes more global, I see a huge need to help prepare all students for the ever-growing international market. In my opinion, a foreign language should be taught in kindergarten when a child’s mind is best wired for language acquisition and continue until grade 12.
We can afford to pay athletes and Hollywood stars millions of dollars; however, we can’t figure out a way to offer a foreign language to all students starting with kindergarten. I want to help make it easier for children to be exposed to different cultures and languages, and this is the number-one reason I write all of my children’s picture books in English, French, and Spanish.
I love this quote: “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” — Mahatma Gandhi
In celebration of children’s book-week, I encourage you to pick up a copy of my trilingual books and perhaps you can impart a little foreign in your child’s language.
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Guardian Angel Publishing Author Blogs:
Mayra Calvani - www.mayrassecretbookcase.blogspot.com
Margo Dill - www.margodill.com/blog
Margot Finke – www.hookkidsonreading.blogspot.com
Donna McDine - www.donna-mcdine.blogspot.com
Nancy Stewart - www.nancystewartbooks.blogspot.com
Kai Strand - www.kaistrand.blogspot.com
So happy that you do publish trilingual books. We are always on the lookout for multilingual books, it helps understand even the majority language when you learn other languages. Not to mention helping understand patterns which helps in math...
ReplyDeleteThanks for helping our kids learn smarter!
Thanks so much for stopping by.
DeleteI think here in the US we fall behind in striving to give our kids a second and third language. The world is now a global community, and we need to be able to communicate with all who live on this planet. Teaching kids early to speak another language is a vital element of that communication. Terrific post Nicole. Your books are a wonderful example of language sharing.
ReplyDeleteBOOKS for Kids - Manuscript Critiques
http://www.margotfinke.com
Thanks Margot! Yep the US is way behind when it comes to language learning. We are too complacent , if we do not wake up, the rest of the world will be way ahead of us in many areas of academia.
DeleteI feel a bit sheepish after reading your post as this is something I never thought about before! Thanks for introducing me to an idea that makes so much sense...what better way to teach a second (or third) language than with children's literature!
ReplyDeleteSharon,
DeleteNo need to feel sheepish, we all have to start somewhere. I am glad my post was an eye opener for you.
I think your writing in three languages is brilliant!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great thing to do. I didn't know GAP was doing this cause I've been off the web. but great minds and all that...My blog post this week at Pen and Ink is on the same subject, plus Teacher Appreciation Week and Mothers Day. I would love to know what book made you a reader? http://thepenandinkblog.blogspot.com/
Susan,
DeleteThanks so much for your kind words. I will hop over to your blog.
Nicole,
ReplyDeleteAmazing how quickly you picked up other languages. I'm in awe!
Best regards,
Donna