The travel schedule for our Boca Beth Program has been a whirlwind!? Now, with only a handful of local and state-related trainings and concerts?left in 2007, I hope to settle into my blogging on a more regular basis and share some great things we have been sharing nationwide with fellow educators.

It’s funny, in every presentation I make, the Dora, Diego, Dragon Tales shows get mentioned … these children’s programs have truly opened up the eyes of parents to show them that little children CAN learn a second language quickly, it CAN be a fun process, it CAN be done before middle school (and should be!).

Now, our jobs as parents and teachers (we are our children’s first teacher on this earth), is to interact with our children, make the journey of learning fun, and model great behavior when it comes to all aspects of life.? Be it keeping our cool during tense traffic, lending a helping hand to an elderly person in a store, being kind to a mentally challenged child in a public setting or simply picking up garbage along the side of our public roadways, reading a good book during a few minutes of down time?……….. our children are watching our every move, and we need to be on our best game as often as possible.

When I train a group of teachers, bringing to them my passion for second language learning among the young children of today, I have other things on my agenda that need to be shared.? Yes, I want all of them to realize the many benefits derived from introducing two languages simultaneously into a young child’s life.? I also want these fellow educators to realize these following points:

• To have the energy to keep up with these young children, we must eat better and exercise some!? Oh – those two “E” words are funny, aren’t they?? We know we should, but we keep giving excuses not to.? We all know it starts with a healthier body to have energy to keep up with the pace we set for our lives!
• A positive mind set is necessary to have a great day and to share that great day with every person you come into contact with!? Starting your day – before your foot even touches the ground – with some quiet time for reflection, prayer, meditation or simply reading 5 pages of an inspiring book can make a huge difference in how you approach your day.? Don’t you admire coming into contact with those people who are always so cheerful and upbeat?? Why don’t you try to become one of those people – it all starts with you and your positive mind set!
• Be sincere and specific with your praise.? Young children particularly need to be told what they did well and how much you appreciate it and recognize it.? We need it too as adults and hopefully you are surrounding yourself with positive people to keep you motivated!
• Accept a compliment with a simple “Thank you / Gracias.”? Why is it that as women, oftentimes we find it difficult to accept a compliment.? Instead we find ourselves replying, “This old thing?!?!?……Got it on sale at TJMaxx two years ago for $10.”? or “It’s so in a growing out stage, I don’t really like it right now.”? You get my drift!? Let’s all agree to accept compliments with a “Thank you” and allow that compliment to feed our positive mind set.

I love what I do – training others who impact the lives of children daily.? I love what I share – bilingual music and movement that provides a fun and easy way for parents and teachers to introduce Spanish & English to little children ages 1 – 10.? I hope you love what you are doing to make this world a better place.

Happy Educating!? ?Sea feliz educando!

Beth Butler