I offer a collection of websites of interest to other world language professionals working with children at or under the age of ten. All sites have the potential to complement or supplement regular daily classroom instruction.
My goals in creating this collection of content-based links were to find Internet resources that (1) were authentic; that is, originating in Spanish-speaking countries, (2) would have topics and activities appealing to young children whose first language is not Spanish, (3) were scripted in the Spanish language, and (4) would be applicable to the current thematic units for my district's FLES program of typical beginner topics. Please note that multicultural/multilingual and other language sites are marked in boldface within each category.
Use of these sites bring an added technological dimension to lessons, thereby supporting world language standards for use of technology in world language instruction. Examine this collection with creativity in mind. Situations for use are endless -- formal computer labs, regular classroom computers, a portable computer via software such as "Webwhacker," the school web page, public library computers in the children's room, school library computers, a personal web page linked to school page, open house demonstrations, curriculum nights, "rainy day" activities, substitute teacher lessons, resource room activities, enrichment tasks, take-home "hot lists" on CDs or floppy discs, and parent/child at home activities. See also Parent/Child section for listing of other websites to fit the above needs; all are in English.
For novices, be aware that Internet sites come and go. If clicking on a hyperlink in my site does not bring you there, try the URL address directly from your browser, or wait a day or two and try again. And -- one missing period or an incorrect letter will not complete the connection.
Please e-mail me of other sites you discover on your own as well as specific uses for a favorite website of mine. Consult with your district's technology expert as needed for implementation.Good luck! ¡Buena suerte!
