Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Nashville, TN

The following is a guest post by preschool Spanish teacher Courtney Rayburn of Dos Amigas Teach in Nashville.

Children are sponges.  They soak up everything around them.  You've heard this before, and probably even said it yourself.  You may have also stood back in amazement as your child repeated something they heard once months ago.  

Have you ever said, "I wish I spoke another language?"  Or even just thought about the advantages of being able to communicate in a different idiom?

            Countless studies state the advantages of being bilingual or even being exposed to languages at a young age:

• Adds cognitive flexibility.
• Allows children to build a more complex understanding of the world at a younger age.
• Better able to focus.
• Learn to read earlier.
• Increase brain density.
• Score higher on math and science tests. 

    Learning a second language expands vocabulary, builds tolerance, and gives children an advantage over their monolingual peers.  Doing it at a preschool age is seemingly effortless and requires the same types of strategies as learning a first language----reading books, singing songs, playing games, and repeating sentences or phrases.

Jennifer Manivong and myself, both high school teachers by experience and formal training, are also mothers who value language acquisition in our own children.  We started Dos Amigas in an attempt to have more flexibility with our kids. 

Our mission is to make learning fun and easy for parents and their young ones.  Our lessons are energetic, entertaining, and engaging. Vocabulary lists, study tips, songs, and practice ideas are included in tuition so that you can practice with your little one at home. 

We teach songs like Old McDonald in Spanish so that it's easy to practice animal vocabulary all week.  We offer Mommy and Me classes, have programs in several daycares and preschools, and are available for home school groups or moms' groups. 

We love what we do, are kid approved, and have references available.  How can we help your child have every advantage? 

Visit us at www.dosamigasteach.com or e-mail us at  info@dosamigasteach.com

You can reach us by phone at (615) 406-7983.