Encantos - Stories with purpose inspired by culture

Learn About Canada: Currency

This week we’re taking a look at Canadian coins!

Canada’s long history means that there are a wide variety of coins used throughout the country, but for now we’re going to be looking at the most common ones: penny, nickel, dime, quarter, loonie and toonie. For the first activity you will use the different coin values to see what new coins they can add up to, then have fun coloring in three Canadian coins in the second activity.

Before you begin, you will need a pencil, eraser, and colored pencils or crayons.

Download Activity Sheet:

Download PDF](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/60f5a89e108c2683c870592d/6142f1ce4126a56d0d8d0a72_TT_LearningHub_Lesson40.pdf)

Ask a Bilingual Expert

Raising a bilingual child? On this page, our very own Director of Learning Design and Efficacy, Sophia Espinoza, addresses some of the most common questions, concerns, and curiosities around the benefits of bilingualism. Get the scoop below!

Sophia Espinoza is a career educator and curriculum designer with seven years of experience teaching in private and independent schools across the country. She is an expert in 21st-century education, including technologically-powered personalization, multilingual and multicultural curriculums, and social-emotional learning.

Benefits of Bilingualism (FAQs):

Any advice on managing two Spanish dialects in the household? Does this cause confusion for kids?

Now that our world is more interconnected than ever, there are plenty of families where each parent could be from a different country in Latin America, with distinctive dialects, vocabulary, slang, and culture. And that’s totally ok for kids to be exposed to. Their perspectives are broadened and they learn to communicate cross-culturally, it’s a thing to be celebrated. Sometimes kids may switch vocabulary when talking to different parents, which is absolutely fine. They’re not confused; if anything, this shows their flexibility.

What do you recommend if I’m not completely fluent and my child’s school doesn’t have an immersion class?

I always encourage as much Spanish exposure as possible. Don’t worry about immersion class availability or not being completely fluent as a parent. Use the Spanish you know, even if you may need to speak Spanglish, which is totally okay. This won’t be confusing to your child, in fact, you’re giving them more opportunities to practice Spanish. Try to find ways to fill the gaps in your language knowledge.

Do you recommend teaching different subjects in different languages?

Parents who live in an English-speaking country need to remember that children are always going to learn English; Their world is in English, their peers speak English. However, it’s important to give kids as much education as possible in the home in Spanish.

We speak Spanish and English in our home but my child almost always answers or talks back in English. How can I encourage her to respond and speak more in Spanish?

Many kids may be in a classroom where they hear English all day. The biggest advice I can give is to ask your child in a very low-pressure way to try again in Spanish. Try framing it as a question like "can you tell me that in Spanish?" and provide them with the vocabulary they need to communicate clearly.

Should I set aside time or create activities for each language or is it okay to mix them both together?

It’s very important to provide authentic opportunities for children to speak both languages. Authentic learning opportunities allow kids to explore their new language through reading, entertainment, music, or movement. Let them pursue what they love in the language they are learning.

Any advice for households where one parent speaks Spanish and the other English? Can this be confusing for children?

It’s fine if there are two, or even three languages spoken in the household, what’s most important is that parents speak their native language around their kids.

How can my child learn language through play?

Pretend play is crucial in developing both social skills and cognitive skills, especially when learning a new language. It sparks enthusiasm and excitement to communicate in their new vocabulary.

What are the social and cultural benefits of bilingualism?

Learning a new language goes hand in hand with learning about that language’s culture. It’s an opportunity to tap into new customs, stories, and food. Additionally, research shows that bilingual children have increased empathy and are better at perspective-taking.

What are some of the cognitive benefits of bilingualism?

By introducing your child to a second language early, you are giving them the chance to access benefits associated with being bilingual, such as better focus, mental multitasking, and self-control.

Focus
Mental multitasking and self-control
Working memory

What are some strategies for raising bilingual children?

Start early: Babies’ brains are sponges; they learn languages easier when exposed early.
Stick with it: Don't switch to their native language if they start to reject their second language.
Make it Joyful: Use enjoyable resources to maintain motivation.