My Emotions

Let’s explore the ways we feel and show emotions!

SUPPLIES NEEDED

• printed activity sheet
• crayon or pencil

WHAT TO PRACTICE

Practice tracing each letter and understanding words that describe feelings while matching them to the picture that shows each emotion.

NOTE TO GROWNUPS

In Things I Do, our Canticos friends explore the ways in which we show our emotions. As they trace each word, talk to your child about their feelings and situations where they might feel happy, sad, excited, or loving.

Download Activity Sheet:

TAGS

• Animals
• Art
• Customs
• Food
• Geography
• History
• Music & Dance

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 classes availability or not being completely fluent as a parent. Use the Spanish you know, even if you may need to speak Spanglish.

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. They will inevitably learn English.

We speak Spanish and English in our home but my child almost always answers or talks back in English.

Many kids may be in a classroom where they hear English all day. Try to ask your child in a low-pressure way to try again in Spanish without making them feel forced.

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. Make language learning seem fun and enjoyable, so that kids can joyfully explore their new language.

Any advice for households where one parent speaks Spanish and the other English?

It’s fine if there are two or even three languages spoken in the household. What’s most important is that parents freely speak their native language around their kids. It’s not confusing, in fact, you’re providing kids with a foundation in each language.

How can my child learn language through play?

Play-based learning in children aged PreK/K should take the form of pretend play, combined with learning a new language, as it encourages eager communication.

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 creates children who have increased empathy.

What are some of the cognitive benefits of bilingualism?

Research shows that bilingual brains have better executive functioning in areas such as focus, multitasking, and working memory.

What are some strategies for raising bilingual children?

1. Start early: Babies’ brains are sponges.
2. Stick with it: Encourage fluency in both languages.
3. Make it Joyful: Use enjoyable activities to practice their native language.